USA women’s hockey captain Hilary Knight played through torn MCL en route to Olympic gold

Team USA women’s hockey captain Hilary Knight shared that it was “a mental gymnastic challenge” for her to play through a torn MCL as she helped the Americans secure gold at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.

The Seattle Torrent forward, who was one of the U.S. flag bearers at the closing ceremony, discussed the injury during a Monday appearance on “CBS Mornings” when co-host Gayle King announced the diagnosis.

“She played the whole time with a torn MCL… so how were you able to do that? Are you still in pain?” King asked.

Team USA’s Hilary Knight #21 celebrates at the gold medal ceremony after the U.S. defeated Canada in the women’s gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics on February 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy. Getty Images

“Yeah, I’m a little banged up,” Knight said. “I’m definitely not walking around the best and I’m missing a few games for the Seattle Torrent now, but to be able to play through injury was definitely a mental gymnastic challenge for myself and also physical.

“But we’ve got some amazing support staff that did their best to help get me out there and perform at my best, as best as I could.”

The PWHL’s Torrent announced Friday that they placed their team captain on long-term injured reserve due to a lower-body injury suffered at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

“While we’re eager to be at full strength and recognize the anticipation of Hilary’s return, we’re focused on putting her and our team in the best position for a playoff push,” Torrent general manager Meghan Turner said in a statement.

“Hilary’s leadership extends beyond her gameplay, and as we rely on her in other ways to start this half, we’re supporting her in full as she recovers.” 

After that, Knight, USA hockey teammate Megan Keller and American men’s hockey gold medal winners, brothers Jack and Quinn Hughes made appearances on “Saturday Night Live” and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on Feb. 28 and March 2, respectively.

Seattle Torrent’s Hilary Knight (21) carries the puck past Toronto Sceptres’ Renata Fast (14) during first period PWHL on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. AP

The 36-year-old Knight tallied three goals and seven assists through 14 regular season games with Seattle before the injury.

Knight earned her second gold and fifth Olympic medal — while setting U.S. Olympic records for all-time goals and points — last month in Milan.

Knight proposed to U.S. speed skater Brittany Bowe at the Winter Games.

When asked about a potential return to the Olympics, Knight said, “The girls are trying.”

“I’m certainly capable. I think were just processing this amazing storybook — so to speak — ending for myself.”