Story perspectives

Hilary Knight Leads U.S. Women’s Hockey Team at Olympics

1/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hilary Knight will captain the U.S. women's hockey team at the Milano Cortina Games in her fifth Olympics.
The roster includes 11 returning players from the 2022 silver medal team.
Laila Edwards is among the newcomers and is the first Black woman to represent the United States in Olympic hockey.
The opening match is against Czechia on February 5, 2026.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. women's hockey team made history in 1998 by winning the first Olympic gold medal in women's ice hockey at the Nagano Games, defeating Canada, who had previously dominated the sport. This victory, led by players like Cammi Granato, marked a significant milestone for women's sports and inspired future athletes, including current captain Hilary Knight, while promoting diversity with Laila Edwards as the first Black woman on the Olympic team.

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Story summary

Hilary Knight will captain the U.S. women's hockey team at the Milano Cortina Games in her fifth Olympics.
The roster includes 11 returning players from the 2022 silver medal team.
Laila Edwards is among the newcomers and is the first Black woman to represent the United States in Olympic hockey.
The opening match is against Czechia on February 5, 2026.

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