Captain America keeps on racking up the hardware.
Less than two months after winning the World Championship in Brampton, United States forward Hilary Knight has been awarded the inaugural IIHF Female Player of the Year Award.
Knight received 40.9 percent of the votes, edging out teammate Caroline Harvey at 18.2 percent. Slovakian teen Nela Lopusanova rounded out the podium at 13.6 percent, while Finland’s Jenni Hiirikoskis (11.3), Canada’s Sarah Filler (9.1), Sweden’s Emma Soderberg (4.5) and Canada’s Marie Philip Poulin (2.3) also received votes.
The voting committee was made up of select media and other IIHF members.
“I am honored to be the first recipient of such a prestigious award.” Knight said in an IIHF media release. “There are many talented women at this level, and it is a privilege to be recognized as the IIHF Female Player of the Year.”
Knight, 33, led all players with eight goals at the World Championship, including a hat-trick against Canada in the championship game against Canada. She has come up clutch before scoring the game-winners in 2011 and 2017, and it was the fifth time she has led the tournament in goal scoring.
Knight is the only women’s player to have over 100 points at the World Championship, with her 12 points in April helping to give her 101. Knight has nine gold medals at the tournament, tying Danielle Goyette for the most in a career. Knight also won Olympic Gold in 2018.
“The sport and the women who play it deserve the largest stage and biggest spotlight,” Knight said. “My hope is that the sport continues to grow and reach greater heights. Although hockey is a team sport, having awards and accolades that acknowledge accomplishments help drive more visibility. Thank you, IIHF, for creating this award, as it is important to recognize outstanding athletic performances.”
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