Hilary Knight has once again made history by winning the inaugural IIHF Female Player of the Year Award, the organization announced Thursday.
The award is voted on by members of the media representing 16 countries. Knight won in a landslide with 40.9% of the total votes, beating out U.S. teammate Caroline Harvey (18.2%), talented Slovakian teen Nela Lopusanova (13.6%), Finland's Emma Soderberg (4.5%), and a pair of Canadian rivals in Sarah Fillier (9.1%) and Marie-Philip Poulin (2.3%).
"I am honored to be the first recipient of such a prestigious award," Knight said in a statement. "There are many talented women at this level, and it is a privilege to be recognized as the IIHF Female Player of the Year."
She added, "Reflecting on this year, it's hard to pinpoint one highlight, rather a collection of memories shared with my teammates. I am grateful to be a part of such an incredible group and share these special moments with my friends."
Knight potted a tournament-leading eight goals and four assists in seven games while serving as Team USA's captain at the 2023 IIHF Women's World Championship in April. She netted a hat trick in the final against Canada to propel the United States to its first gold medal at the event since 2019.
She's stood at the top of the podium at Worlds nine times, tying her with Canada's Danielle Goyette for the most career gold medals at the event.
The 33-year-old also became the first player to surpass 100 career points at the Women's World Championship in 2023.
Knight has played in 13 women's Worlds dating back to 2007 and has medaled in all of them. She's been named tournament MVP twice (2015, 2016).
The IIHF Female Player of the Year Award seeks to recognize the player who "best exemplifies exceptional skill, determination, team success, and sporting character on and off the ice during the preceding season."
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