Her skill is her money-maker, but her smile is powerful too. Knight reveals the new way some athletes are staying protected.
Hockey Pro Hilary Knight Shares Her Favorite New Protective Tech
Published on Dec. 10, 2024
Hilary Knight discovered hockey as a kid after her family had moved from Northern California to the Midwest. In the sport, she found a home, and today the 35-year-old has enjoyed a storied hockey career with no signs of slowing down. Among her accolades, Knight has represented Team USA in four separate Olympic—and has won a medal every time (one gold and three silvers).
In addition, Knight recently became the first-ever recipient of International Ice Hockey Federation’s IIHF Female Player of the Year award. She was also one of the main faces behind the launch of the PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League) in 2023, named the inaugural team captain for the Boston Fleet.
Knight is a proponent for girls and women in sports…and in a contact game that’s known for its injuries, including to the face, she spoke with The Healthy by Reader’s Digest about the technology she’s discovered to keep herself safe on the ice.
This interview has been edited for length.
The Healthy by Reader’s Digest: Hilary, we checked out a short documentary that was produced about you. We love what you said about encouraging young girls to pursue sports. What was it about hockey that really clicked for you?
Hilary Knight: Growing up, my passion for hockey really started when my family moved from California to Illinois when I was 5. My parents’ enthusiasm for the sport was contagious, and I was fascinated by the older players who’d come to the rink with their sticks and bags. I knew right then that I wanted to be like them. As I started playing, my competitive drive kicked in, and I was determined to play at an elite level.
The Healthy: You’re making history. (We loved your “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports” T-shirt post on Instagram.) What’s it like to be part of this new professional sports league as it’s still developing?
Hilary Knight: Playing the sport I love is a true privilege, and witnessing its growth is incredibly fulfilling. The PWHL’s progress is exhilarating. I’m excited to see the vast potential women’s hockey still has to reach new heights.
The Healthy: What’s your favorite aspect of your career?
Hilary Knight: Getting to play and meet other incredible female hockey players. I have been fortunate to play this sport for a long time and have played alongside and against some amazing female athletes.
The Healthy: Of all sports, hockey is one of the physically fiercer ones! Have you ever encountered dental health issues from the sport? Any other injuries you’ve had to rehab or work through?
Hilary Knight: We joke that hockey players are built differently, but we take all injuries seriously. I have been fortunate to not encounter any major dental health issues from the sport but am grateful to have the ORB Sport Smart Mouthguard to protect my teeth.
The Healthy: Tell us what makes this mouthguard so coo—it sounds so interesting. What are some of the benefits?
Hilary Knight: I really like using and integrating the ORB Sport Smart Mouthguard into my hockey training. Hockey is a physically demanding sport and understanding my body’s response is crucial for peak performance. The ORB Sport Smart Mouthguard offers comprehensive protection, protecting not only my teeth but also monitors vital metrics. What makes the ORB Sport Smart mouthguard really unique compared to other wearables on the market is that it can track heart rate, movement, head impacts, and more—empowering me with data-driven insights to optimize my game.
The Healthy: Finally, what is one self-care habit you refuse to skip?
Hilary Knight: Meditation. I take a few moments to center myself and relax my mind. It helps me feel more prepared for the day.
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