MILAN (AP) — Every goal is a thrill for Hilary Knight, and that hasn’t changed after years of playing for Team USA. The 36-year-old made her mark once again in her fifth Olympic appearance, tying the U.S. women’s hockey career goal record on a bright Saturday night.
Cheered on by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and her family, Knight found the net early in the second period, helping the U.S. dominate Finland in a convincing 5-0 victory at the Milan Cortina Games. This goal, her 14th Olympic score, matched the record set by legends Natalie Darwitz and Katie King.
“Scoring is just pure joy,” Knight said. “Every time feels like that childhood thrill. It’s just fun to celebrate.”
In addition to Knight’s achievement, teammates Megan Keller, Alex Carpenter, Taylor Heise, and Abbey Murphy also contributed to the scoring. Goalie Aerin Frankel had an impressive game, stopping all 11 shots she faced for her first Olympic shutout.
The U.S. team is a powerhouse, now 11-0 against Finland in Olympic history. This match came after a challenging week for the Finnish team, who dealt with a stomach virus that left them short-staffed for practice. While they managed a full roster on game day, the lack of recent practice showed, and they struggled to keep pace.
“The U.S. is a strong team, and we knew it would be tough,” said Finnish player Jenni Hiirikoski. “We’ll find ways to build from this experience.”
Despite their struggles, Finnish goalie Sanni Ahola made an impressive 44 saves, keeping her team in the game for a while. Ahola explained, “I love facing a lot of shots; it keeps me engaged.” The Finnish players showed grit, but the Americans capitalized on their opportunities, especially in the second period.
As the game progressed, Knight’s skill shone through. She picked a perfect moment to score, executing a clever shot that bounced off Ahola’s blocker into the net. Her teammates celebrated, recognizing how special this moment was for her and the team.
Vice President Vance brought some family cheer to the rink, watching with excitement as the U.S. scored multiple times. The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd, including hockey stars like Jocelyne and Monique Lamoureux, sharing in the excitement.
In Group A, defending champion Canada also had a solid start, beating Switzerland 4-0 with power-play goals from Natalie Spooner, Sarah Fillier, and others. Emerance Maschmeyer was solid in goal, facing only six shots but ensuring a clean sheet.
Interestingly, Switzerland faced their own health scare with a norovirus. They had to isolate after a player fell ill, but fortunately, she was cleared in time for their next game.
As the tournament continues, the focus will shift to how teams adapt and overcome challenges. Every game is not just about the scores; it’s about resilience, teamwork, and the joy of the sport.
For more updates on the Winter Olympics, you can check out the latest from AP News: AP Winter Olympics.
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Associated Press, AP Sports
