Hilary Knight, a five‑time Olympic medalist and former University of Wisconsin star, has officially joined PWHL Detroit as a forward, signing a contract that runs through the 2028‑2029 season.
A New Era for Women’s Hockey in Detroit
Knight will also continue to captain the United States women’s national team, a role in which she has already etched her name into the record books with 15 Olympic goals and 33 total points, the most in U.S. women’s Olympic hockey history.
Her accolades extend beyond the Olympics; she has captured 15 IIHF Women’s World Championship medals and two NCAA national titles while wearing the Badgers’ sweater at Wisconsin, where she still holds the program’s all‑time goal record.
‘I’m excited to be part of this historic moment,’ Knight said in a statement, adding that her primary goal is to help the franchise capture the Walter Cup, the league’s championship trophy.
The team’s front office will be led by Manon Rheaume, the pioneering goaltender who made history in 1992 as the first woman to play in an NHL game, now serving as the franchise’s manager.
Guiding the squad on the bench will be Josh Sciba, a longtime assistant with Team USA who contributed to the coaching staff during the 2026 Olympics, bringing a fresh tactical perspective to the roster.
PWHL Detroit is one of four expansion clubs launched this summer, joining franchises in Hamilton, Las Vegas and San Jose, each aiming to capitalize on the surging popularity of women’s professional hockey.
Early demand for season tickets has been unprecedented, with thousands of deposits logged within the first 24 hours of the announcement, and the inaugural draft at the Fox Theatre sold out, underscoring the city’s enthusiasm.
The league’s debut season is slated to begin in late November, though officials have indicated that the schedule could shift to early December to accommodate the upcoming 2026 IIHF Women’s World Ice Hockey Championship.
With a blend of veteran leadership, historic management, and passionate fan support, PWHL Detroit is positioned to make an immediate impact and contend for the Walter Cup from day one.