Two-time Olympic silver medal-winning hockey player Hilary Knight practiced with the Anaheim Ducks on Friday.
Knight, 25, a forward for the Boston Blades of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League, is believed to be the first female skater to practice with an NHL team. She was invited as part of the International Ice Hockey Federation’s “World Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend.”
Previously, only female goalies had participated in NHL practices and exhibition games.
Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau was impressed with Knight’s skills, particularly her shooting ability.
“She was really, really good,” Boudreau said. “There was one play where she unleashed a really hard shot.”
Duck defenseman Ben Lovejoy enjoyed having Knight at practice, saying she was “the best in the world.” Both Knight and Lovejoy grew up in New Hampshire, and Knight recalled watching Lovejoy play at Dartmouth.
Knight will play in the Four Nations Cup in British Columbia starting Nov. 4. Knight and the U.S. team will compete against Finland, Sweden, and Canada.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@AnaheimDucks
