Hilary Knight Is Used To The Big Stage, And The PWHL Finals Will Be No Different
Hilary Knight is used to big games and big moments on the international stage. She's set to bring that experience to PWHL Boston for the PWHL's Walter Cup finals.
Hilary Knight is no stranger to the big stage.
It’s where PWHL Boston’s captain shines the brightest. The immense moments and high-pressure situations are where Knight’s true colors show.
Whether it be her all-time 14 medals at the Women’s World Championships, NCAA hardware, or her Olympic insignia, she has proven her superstar status time and time again throughout her decorated career.
So when Boston eyes Minnesota in Game 1 of the inaugural PWHL Finals on Sunday evening, Knight’s teammates not only require her services, they expect them.
“It’s not a secret,” said Megan Keller. “When the big games come, Hilary Knight is always going to be an X factor. I’ve been a part of a few where she’s had a hat trick or a game-winning goal, so it’s an honor to have her on our team, and I know that makes the rest of this group so confident to have her as our leader and know she’s going to step up in these big games.”
But for Knight, Sunday’s showdown won’t just be any big game she’s grown familiar with for the last decade. This game will be for Boston—a city Knight has felt increasingly connected to throughout her career.
Knight played three seasons for the Boston Blades of the CWHL and two seasons for the Boston Pride of the NWHL amidst the slew of realignment that transpired across the women’s professional scene. During that span, she hauled in three league championships to the historic sports city. Or, as Knight calls it, “title town.”
“This city means so much to so many people and the fandom here,” said Knight. “The first time I was able to move here and just be accepted with open arms in whatever league I was playing in, but representing Boston. Understanding the significance of what we want to do here and build this legacy, and to start off on the right foot.
“Obviously, our path kind of went all over the place to get to where we are today, but it’s so special to be a part of Boston sports, and that’s not lost on anybody here, regardless if you’re from the city or you’re from a different country. Everyone feels extremely passionate about building this and building a legacy here that’s long-standing and fits in with the rest of the professional landscape that’s already super successful. It’s not lost on us, and we’re really excited of the potential to bring home a championship to title town and be part of that conversation.”
And while Boston wasn’t exactly the hands-down favorite to be three wins away from the Walter Cup, it’s always been the goal for Knight and her squad. And after squeaking into the postseason in the regular season finale and sweeping Montreal in the opening round, Knight is one series away from writing another chapter in Boston’s celebrated sports history.
“When we started this year, our team set out for a goal to be in a successful position to be in the Finals,” she said. “Now, to actually be in the Finals and represent this city and create a legacy here in Boston is super significant, and we’re really excited for the puck drop and to get going.”
The stakes are high as Knight looks to become the first captain in PWHL history to hoist the Walter Cup this May. However, the natural leader reads deeper between the lines, beyond any individual accolade.
“I’ve just thought about winning as a group,” said Knight. “It’s one of those things where obviously there’s a lot of historic moments and memories throughout this year but would remember this group the best is when you win. Those are the groups that are remembered.”