Hilary Knight Breaks U.S. Hockey Record in Gold Medal Win

Hilary Knight scored her 15th career Olympic goal with just two minutes left in the gold medal game against Canada, breaking a record that stood for years and sending her teammates rushing to celebrate.

The 36-year-old deflected a shot to tie the game 1-1 at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The U.S. went on to win in overtime, giving Knight her second Olympic gold medal.

Knight broke the goals record previously held by American legends Natalie Darwitz and Katie King. When she tied their mark earlier in the tournament with a goal against Finland, she didn't even realize she'd made history.

"I just love scoring, and that pure elation of finding the back of the net," Knight said. "It's a little-kid moment. When you score, it's pure excitement."

This was Knight's 27th Olympic game appearance, extending her own U.S. record. With 33 total points, she also broke the career Olympic points record she previously shared with Jenny Potter.

Knight has now played in five Olympic gold medal games, all against Canada. She won silver in 2010, 2014, and 2022, and gold in 2018 and now 2026.

Why This Inspires

Knight's record came just days after she proposed to her longtime girlfriend, Brittany Bowe, a U.S. speedskater. She admitted that asking the question made her more nervous than playing for Olympic gold.

"My legs felt like Jello," Knight said of the proposal. She was so focused on the moment that she didn't even tell her teammates about her plan.

Teammate Megan Keller, who scored the game-winning goal in overtime, had no idea Knight was planning to propose.

The victory continued a remarkable run for U.S. women's hockey, which has won world championships in 2023 and 2025. Knight's journey shows that breaking records and making history can happen at any age, especially when you're doing what you love with the people who matter most.

At 36, Knight proved that the best moments in sports aren't just about the records you break, but the joy you feel breaking them.