USA Hockey’s Hilary Knight voted IIHF’s first feminine participant of the 12 months

Hilary Knight was the runaway chief in voting for the International Ice Hockey Federation’s first feminine participant of the 12 months award on Thursday, some six weeks after the 33-year-old captained the United States to win gold on the ladies’s world championship.

The IIHF introduced Knight obtained 40.9% of the votes submitted by greater than 50 media members, representing 16 international locations, and a choose group of federation officers. U.S. defender Caroline Harvey was second at 18.2%, adopted by Slovakia’s 15-year-old Nela Lopusanova (13.6%).

The IIHF solely revealed the share of votes every participant obtained and never complete votes forged in saying the first-time award, which might be handed out yearly. The IIHF can be introducing a male participant of the 12 months award, with the winner introduced later this month.

Knight scored a tournament-leading eight objectives, with three – together with the game-winner – coming in a 6-3 win over Canada within the championship recreation in April. And she did in order a first-time group captain, filling in for Kendall Coyne Schofield, who missed the match due to being pregnant.

In 13 match appearances, Knight leads all world championship gamers with 61 profession objectives and 101 profession factors.

The gold was the United States’ tenth, and first since 2019, and ninth for Knight to tie the person profession file held by Canada’s Danielle Goyette.

“Reflecting on this year it’s hard to pinpoint one highlight, rather a collection of memories shared with my teammates,” Knight mentioned in launched assertion. “I am grateful to be a part of such an incredible group and share these special moments with my friends.”

Knight has been the face of the U.S. ladies’s group, having additionally received a gold and three silver medals in 4 Olympic tournaments

Rounding out the highest 5 vote-getters had been Finland captain Jenni Hiirikoski (11.3%) and Canada’s Sarah Fillier (9.1%).

The IIHF mentioned the award goes to a participant who greatest exemplifies distinctive ability, willpower, group success and sporting character on and off the ice throughout the previous season. Players are judged on their mixed performances in federation occasions and home leagues.

Knight had 10 factors in 18 video games enjoying for Team Sonnet throughout the Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ Association Dream Gap tour.

The 20-year-old Harvey led the match with 14 factors (4 objectives, 10 assists) in capping a 12 months during which she helped Wisconsin win the NCAA Tournament in her freshman season.