10/5/14

A few days ago, Hilary Knight practiced with the Anaheim Ducks. Knight, 25, participated in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and the 2010 games in Vancouver. She played for the women’s USA Hockey team and is one of the top female hockey players in the world. She even scored the team’s first goal of the tournament in Sochi. In effort to bring more attention to women’s ice hockey, Knight participated in practice with the Ducks. It is believed that Knight is the first non-goalie female to practice with an NHL team. In her words, “I’m one of those women who like to push boundaries. I’ve got a frame and structure that can blend in sometimes with the guys.” She then said it was a great opportunity to get on the ice and skate with the NHLers. Anaheim head coach, Bruce Boudreau, was impressed with her skill. He has never watched a live women’s hockey game before so he did not know what to expect. Knight’s next goal is to play an exhibition game in the NHL. Some of the Ducks’ players and the coach think that this could be a possibility sometime in the future, maybe next season. As an avid hockey player who grew up playing women’s hockey, I think that this is so cool to see. Good for you, Hilary!