A Milestone for Detroit's Women’s Hockey
Five‑time U.S. Olympian Hilary Knight is set to make history as she joins Detroit’s brand‑new Professional Women’s Hockey League franchise, a move that underscores the league’s rapid expansion and the city’s growing commitment to women’s sports.
Knight will first ink a foundational contract with the league’s newest franchise in Las Vegas before being dealt to Detroit in a sign‑and‑trade transaction that sees the Las Vegas team surrender its first‑round draft pick. The agreement guarantees her a minimum salary of $100,000 per season, a milestone for player compensation in the league.
The trade comes on the heels of Knight’s pivotal role in Team USA’s gold‑medal victory at the recent Milan Cortina Games, where she not only captained the squad but also contributed a decisive goal in the championship tilt against Canada. Her performance added to a decorated résumé that includes two Olympic golds, three silvers, and ten world‑championship titles.
Beyond the medals, Knight’s personal milestones have been equally striking. A day before capturing gold, she announced her engagement to American speedskater Brittany Bowe, a testament to the intertwined narratives of perseverance and partnership that define her career. She now reunites with former Olympic assistant coach Josh Sciba, adding a familiar strategic mind to her new environment.
In Detroit, Knight will be surrounded by three fellow U.S. gold‑medal winners, forming a core that promises immediate competitiveness. Her previous stint with the Seattle Torrent, where she tallied five goals and 14 points in 22 games, positions her as a veteran presence who ranks 12th in the PWHL with 54 career points across 76 games.