PWHL Detroit formally welcomed Hilary Knight to the team on Tuesday at Little Caesars Arena, with the five-time Olympic medalist making her first public appearance as a member of the franchise.

"Honestly, I just can't wait to get started," Knight said according to CBS News. "It's going to be a lot of fun."

Knight, who also captained Team USA to a gold medal at the 2026 Olympics in February, said the opportunity to join Detroit came through a series of conversations with general manager Manon Rheaume. As reported by WDIV ClickOnDetroit, Knight described the moment she decided to join the team: "I wouldn't be here unless Manon had the vision. This vision is incredible, and I want to be a part of this. It's really about the people that you surround yourself with."

A Landmark Acquisition

The team traded for Knight in June, ahead of the PWHL Draft, according to both CBS News and WDIV. Knight signed a two-year contract in Detroit, as reported by WDIV ClickOnDetroit. Knight arrives with a reputation as one of the most decorated American players in the league's history: she is the all-time U.S. women's Olympic leader in goals and has two gold medals, per WDIV.

At the introductory press conference, Knight spoke about her immediate goal: winning the Walter Cup, the PWHL's championship trophy. "I love winning, there's no mistake about that," Knight said. "It's the elusive Walter Cup for me personally. I would love to win one of those. I want to establish a successful foundation that is going to pay dividends."

A Homecoming of Sorts

Knight's connection to Detroit predates her signing. She played at Little Caesars Arena with the Boston Fleet in 2024 as part of the PWHL Takeover Tour, as CBS reported. "I thought Detroit was going to get a team immediately after we played here that first Takeover Tour game," she reflected. "It's almost full circle for me in a way, personally."

That sense of destiny was echoed by WDIV, which noted Knight had said she thought Detroit would get a team right after that first Takeover Tour game.

Trailblazers at the Helm

Knight joins a team led by general manager Manon Rheaume, who herself made history. CBS News described her as the first woman to sign a professional hockey contract and play in an NHL preseason game. WDIV adds that Rheaume was also the first woman to play in an NHL game as a goaltender in 1992.

Knight's own pioneering role includes being the first female non-goalie to skate with an NHL team when she practiced with the Anaheim Ducks in 2014, according to WDIV.

The coaching staff also has Olympic ties: Head coach Josh Sciba served as an assistant coach with Team USA at the 2026 Olympics, WDIV reported.

Additionally, the Detroit roster features three other players from the United States' gold medal Olympic team in Milan Cortina, as WDIV reports.

What's Next

An official name for the Detroit franchise has not yet been announced, CBS News noted. The PWHL season is expected to begin sometime in the fall, with Detroit's franchise set to play its inaugural season.