When the Seattle Torrent announced its first ever player signing as superstar forward Hilary Knight, an excited frenzy descended upon the Pacific Northwest. For casual Seattle sports fans, die-hard Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) supporters, general hockey lovers, and everyone in between, the gravity of this signing signaled an exhilarating year to come for women's sports in Seattle.

Described by Torrent general manager Meghan Turner as “the heartbeat of any team she joins,” Knight brought the experience and passion to the PWHL’s newest team that it would be able to center its identity around. The 36-year-old was signed from the Boston Fleet, where she was a finalist for both the 2025 Forward of the Year and BIllie Jean King MVP awards. She is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, three-time Olympic silver medalist, and has won 10 gold medals at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Women’s Championships, the most of any hockey player ever.

When she arrived in Seattle, Knight set her focus on building a strong foundation for a new team. She immediately saw the excitement from the Seattle sports world and wanted to contribute to its success.

“For one of the most decorated players in women’s hockey history, Knight’s arrival in Seattle is more than just another stop. It’s a chance to be part of something from the ground up: a team built from scratch, a culture still forming, and a fan base more than eager to connect,” wrote Jayd Serdy for The Hockey News last September.

With a player of this caliber leading the charge for the Torrent, her impact can be felt both on and off the ice. She has recorded three goals and seven assists in 14 games played this season but was placed on the long-term injury reserve after sustaining a lower body injury at this year’s Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Knight’s role as team captain now includes both focusing on her recovery while supporting her teammates at the same time. While enduring an extended off-ice period, she is already heavily involved with the Seattle community and has continued to put her time and effort into building the Torrent fanbase.

Knight is a generational player whose knowledge of the game and prominence were the perfect fit for a new Seattle Torrent team. She is a player for them to build around and lean on for her incredible talent and poise as a team leader. While Knight works back from injury and hopes to suit up soon, her inspiring impact will continue to be felt in every aspect of the game.