Hilary Knight Caps Olympic Career with Gold, Engagement, and Unforgettable Legacy for U.S. Women’s Hockey

In the heart-pounding climax of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on February 19, the United States women’s hockey team delivered a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over arch-rivals Canada in the gold medal game at Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, securing their third Olympic gold and first since 2018. The win capped a perfect tournament for the Americans, who went undefeated and outscored opponents 33-2 across seven games, but it was the personal triumphs intertwined with the team achievement that made the moment truly unforgettable—especially for captain Hilary Knight.

Knight, the 36-year-old five-time Olympian and face of U.S. women’s hockey, etched her name deeper into history with a clutch tying goal late in the third period. Trailing 1-0 after Kristin O’Neill’s short-handed tally for Canada, the U.S. pulled their goalie for an extra attacker. With just 2:04 remaining, Laila Edwards fired a shot from the blue line, and Knight tipped it past Canada’s netminder to force overtime. “We’re gonna win the game,” Knight later revealed was her immediate thought after the goal—a simple, steely mindset that embodied her leadership.

In the extra frame, Megan Keller delivered the decisive blow at 4:07, sliding a backhand past Ann-Renee Desbiens for the golden goal. The arena erupted as the Americans mobbed Keller, but all eyes turned to Knight in the celebrations. She became the all-time leading scorer in U.S. Olympic women’s hockey history, surpassing previous marks with her 15th career Olympic goal. Post-game, Knight was mic’d up during the national anthem, toasting her teammates: “This is America’s team… You can just tell by the commitment, the dedication… This is so freaking special. The most magical thing ever.”

The victory was made even more poignant by Knight’s personal milestone just 24 hours earlier. On February 18, she proposed to longtime partner Brittany Bowe, the U.S. speedskater, in the Olympic Village. The couple, who met during the Beijing 2022 Games and began dating with masked walks and plexiglass-separated dinners amid COVID protocols, shared the moment on Instagram with the caption: “Olympics brought us together. This one made us forever.” Knight got down on one knee in matching Team USA gear, presenting a thin diamond band. Bowe, competing in her own events, accepted amid tears and joy.

Knight admitted the proposal nerves overshadowed even the gold medal pressure. “I think I was more nervous for the proposal than I was for the gold medal game to be honest, and my legs felt like jello,” she told reporters. “I was kind of carrying that for the whole tournament… Call me crazy, but doing it before the gold medal game it just seemed fitting for us. We found one another through the Olympics and it was just really special.” She had planned it as a full-circle moment in what both have indicated could be their final Games.

The engagement added layers of emotion to an already charged final. Knight’s journey to this point included sacrifices across two decades: multiple Olympic silvers (including heartbreaking losses to Canada), battles for gender equity in hockey, and her role elevating the sport’s profile. Teammates hailed her as the “heartbeat” of the team. Keller, the overtime hero, said: “She’s been the face of U.S. women’s hockey for years. She’s got the records to prove it, the gold medals. We don’t get here without her… To cap off her Olympic career in this fashion, just so happy for her.”

The game itself was a showcase of the rivalry’s intensity. Canada controlled much of regulation, but the U.S. penalty kill was flawless, and goaltender Maddie Rooney made key saves. Knight’s tying goal shifted momentum, proving her “clutch” reputation—fans and analysts dubbed it a storybook ending. After Keller’s winner, Knight reflected simply: “I’m just happy to have a gold medal. Oh my gosh, this feels amazing.”

Fan reactions flooded social media with pride, congratulations on the engagement, and tributes to Knight’s legacy. Posts celebrated “U-KNIGHT-ED STATES OF AMERICA,” while others highlighted the couple’s Olympic romance as a fairytale. The team toasted their unity, with Knight emphasizing: “This is the best U.S. team I’ve ever been part of.”

The game itself was a showcase of the rivalry’s intensity. Canada controlled much of regulation, but the U.S. penalty kill was flawless, and goaltender Maddie Rooney made key saves. Knight’s tying goal shifted momentum, proving her “clutch” reputation—fans and analysts dubbed it a storybook ending. After Keller’s winner, Knight reflected simply: “I’m just happy to have a gold medal. Oh my gosh, this feels amazing.”

As the Milano Cortina Games close this chapter, Knight leaves with two golds (adding to her 2018 triumph), records, and now a fiancée by her side. Her story transcends sport—resilience, love, leadership, and dreaming big. For U.S. women’s hockey, the gold reaffirms dominance; for Knight, it’s a perfect farewell, wrapped in joy, tears, and forever promises. The nation celebrates not just a win, but a legend who gave everything on and off the ice.