The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan became a showcase of Hilary Knight’s leadership as captain of the U.S. Women’s ice hockey team. In a thrilling final against Canada, Team USA seized gold, with Megan Keller netting the decisive goal and Knight tying the game late to set a new U.S. Olympic record. The men’s team matched their triumph, also clinching gold over Canada.
Knight was one of many who called out U.S President Donald Trump for his comments about the women’s team during a congratulatory call with the men’s team.
Hilary Knight Gets Candid on Receiving Support Following Donald Trump Controversy
Knight recently made her feelings known on the support she has received from the public following Trump’s comments about the women’s team, discussing it during an interview on CBS. Many other members of Team USA, such as Megan Keller, received support for their graceful responses to Trump’s comments.
“Overwhelming in the best way that they’ve been earned, right? I think you saw the most skilled team, you saw America’s team on the world stage, doing our thing, winning a championship, winning the Olympics, and being supported as such,” she said.
“And to double down and have people support us, when we returned back from that journey was incredible. So, we’re just excited to share that with our respective communities and continue to do our thing and be awesome representatives and be great humans,” Knight added.
With Olympic gold in hand, Knight now turns her focus to the Professional Women’s Hockey League season, rejoining the Seattle Torrent as the league resumes.
Their next challenge awaits on March 4, when they face the Ottawa Charge at TD Place Arena.
Jeremy Swayman Gave His Take on Trump’s Controversial Comments
Jeremy Swayman, goaltender for the U.S. men’s hockey team in Milan, reflected on Trump’s remarks during the call. Some teammates laughed, a reaction many felt downplayed the women’s remarkable accomplishment.
“We should’ve reacted differently,” Swayman said, as per CNN. “We are so excited for the women’s team and we have so much respect for the women’s team, to share that gold medal with them is something that we will forever be grateful for.”
Later, Knight remarked that Trump’s comments cast a shadow over the dual gold medal victories, despite the strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect between the teams. Milan marked a historic first: both U.S. men’s and women’s ice hockey teams captured gold at the same Olympics.
