From a five-year-old with an audacious dream to a modern-day pioneer of professional sports, Hilary Knight has long been one of the most celebrated figures in women’s ice hockey. Now, at 36 years old, the four-time Olympian is not only playing at the highest level of her sport but is also a cornerstone of the league she helped create, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).

As captain of PWHL Boston during the league’s groundbreaking inaugural season, Knight showcased the talent that made her a legend, helping lead her team all the way to the first-ever Walter Cup Finals. Her performance was a blend of skill and leadership, as she finished the season tied for the league lead in points with 29 (15 goals, 14 assists), cementing her status as one of the best players in the world.

Knight’s influence, however, extends far beyond the stat sheet. After years of struggling with underfunded and unstable women’s hockey leagues, she became a vocal advocate for change. Alongside her peers, she helped form the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) in 2019, an organization that was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the PWHL. Her efforts, which included fighting for fair wages, health insurance, and professional facilities, were crucial to the league’s successful launch in 2023.

In a recent interview, Knight reflected on her journey, stating that her career has been about “building in many ways.” Her unwavering commitment to the sport is now providing a sustainable pathway for a new generation of players.

With the PWHL’s first season hailed as a major success, breaking attendance records and drawing significant viewership, Knight’s childhood ambition of making women’s hockey a respected professional sport has come full circle. Her leadership on and off the ice continues to inspire, proving that when the right people are in place, dreams can indeed become reality.