After a challenging first season in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), Hilary Knight is making a strong comeback. After 45 games, she finally netted her first career hat trick, adding to her already impressive legacy.
Knight, who has set records with 65 goals and 111 points at the women’s world championships, is widely considered one of the greatest American hockey players, with 14 world championship medals and four Olympic medals to her name. However, she still managed to achieve a new milestone in her professional career. On March 5, with three goals and four points in one game, she celebrated her first-ever hat trick in the PWHL.
“It was a wild experience,” Knight said post-game. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to score a hat trick. It’s my first in the league, and it’s very exciting.”
Knight’s second season in the PWHL has seen significant improvement. After dealing with an ongoing injury during the league’s inaugural season, she now leads all players with 26 points and ranks second in goals with 13, just behind Canadian star Marie-Philip Poulin.
OH WHAT A KNIGHT 🪩
Hilary Knight dominates for a @PWHL_Boston win with FOUR points and THREE goals! pic.twitter.com/CzsNBDX4zT
— PWHL (@thepwhlofficial) March 6, 2025
This resurgence comes at a crucial time for both the Boston Fleet, where Knight plays, and Team USA, with a world championship and the 2026 Olympics on the horizon. “I feel healthier this year than I did last year,” Knight explained. “Last year was a tough grind for me.”
The injury, which Knight described as a “foot issue,” began before the PWHL’s launch in January 2024. Despite this, she pushed through, not wanting to miss any of the inaugural season, especially as the Fleet made a playoff push. Knight played all 32 games that season but struggled with her performance, posting only six goals and 11 points.
“It was frustrating, especially when people expect a certain type of player from me, and I couldn’t deliver,” Knight reflected.
In addition to the injury, the pressure of being a major figure in establishing the league may have weighed on her. As one of the most prominent voices advocating for a unified professional league, Knight also faced the adjustment of a full season after years of playing sporadically.
Despite these challenges, Knight contributed in other important ways, both on and off the ice. She was a strong leader, creating a positive team culture and playing excellent defense, particularly in the postseason. Even though she didn’t score in the playoffs, Boston’s general manager, Danielle Marmer, was impressed by her all-around efforts.
“I remember watching her in the playoffs last year and thinking, ‘If this is the version of Hilary Knight we have, I’m pretty okay with that,’” Marmer said. “She was our best defensive forward, and her leadership was key for the culture.”
The lack of scoring, however, was unusual for Knight, who turned 35 last year, and led some to speculate that age might be catching up with her. “There’s always that age debate in women’s sports, like, ‘Is this person past their prime?’” Knight admitted. “That definitely got in my head.”
Following Boston’s loss in the PWHL Finals, Knight took nine weeks to rest and recover. She returned to training in August and started the new season healthy, scoring the first goal of the 2024-25 PWHL season and quickly finding her rhythm with four goals and seven points in her first seven games.
“She was able to get pucks in early, which helped build her confidence,” said Marmer. Knight has proven to be an exceptional goal scorer this year, with a more accurate shot and improved positioning on the ice. Her shooting percentage has risen to 15% from just 7% last season.
Knight’s contributions are key to Boston’s success this season, as they sit second in the league standings, having won nine of their last 12 games. Alongside goaltender Aerin Frankel, Knight’s impact has been crucial for the Fleet, who are now a feared team heading into the final stretch of the season.
“She’s a real luxury to have,” said Marmer. “Scoring in this league is tough, and Knight is doing it consistently.”
Knight’s connection with Swiss forward Alina Müller has been another highlight of the season. Müller, who is a skilled playmaker, has set up five of Knight’s goals, forming a potent offensive duo.
Since returning from the February international break, the pair has combined for 13 goals and 26 points in their last 11 games.
“Hilary Knight being the point leader at this stage in the season is no surprise to us,” Marmer noted.
Despite the challenges of the PWHL’s early years, Knight remains a key player for Team USA. At last year’s women’s world championships, she tied for the lead in points with 10. She will aim for another gold medal at the upcoming worlds and the 2026 Olympics, where she hopes to make history by becoming the most decorated American women’s hockey player with five Olympic medals.
“I don’t think I’ve reached my full potential at the pro level yet,” Knight said, looking forward to the next chapter in her storied career.
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