SEATTLE — Three of women's hockey's biggest stars, fresh off competing in the Milan Cortina Olympics, have been sidelined by their Professional Women's Hockey League teams due to injuries sustained during the international tournament. Hilary Knight, Kendall Coyne Schofield, and Erin Ambrose were all placed on long-term injured reserve this week, dealing a blow to the Seattle Torrent, Minnesota Frost, and Montreal Victoire as the PWHL season heads into its final stretch before the playoffs.
Knight, the five-time Olympian and captain of the gold-medal-winning United States team, suffered a lower-body injury while representing her country in Italy. The Seattle Torrent announced Friday that the 35-year-old forward will be out of the lineup indefinitely. Knight played a pivotal role in the U.S. victory, contributing three goals and three assists, including a crucial goal in the 2-1 overtime win over Canada in the gold medal final on February 19.
In the PWHL, Knight has been a standout for the Torrent this season, tallying three goals and seven assists in limited action before the Olympic break. Her absence leaves a significant void in Seattle's offense as the team pushes for a playoff spot. Torrent general manager Meghan Turner addressed the situation in a statement, saying,
“While we’re eager to be at full strength and recognize the anticipation of Hilary’s return, we’re focused on putting her and our team in the best position for a playoff push.”Turner emphasized the team's commitment to Knight's recovery while adapting to the roster changes.
Over in Minnesota, Frost captain Kendall Coyne Schofield was also placed on long-term injured reserve Friday, retroactive to February 19, due to an upper-body injury. The 32-year-old, another key member of the U.S. Olympic squad, scored three goals during the tournament in Milan Cortina, helping secure the Americans' first gold in women's hockey since 2018. Coyne Schofield's leadership and scoring prowess have been central to the Frost's success this season, where she has served as captain since the league's inception in 2024.
Minnesota general manager Melissa Caruso expressed support for her star player in a statement, noting the pride in the team's Olympic contingent.
“I am incredibly proud of all our Frost Olympians who demonstrated true excellence on the world stage,”Caruso said.
“We are fully committed to supporting Kendall throughout her recovery, and our medical team will be working diligently to help her prepare for her return to the ice.”The Frost, currently vying for a strong position in the PWHL standings, will need to rely on depth players to fill the gap left by their captain.
The injury wave continued with news from the Montreal Victoire, who announced Thursday that defenseman Erin Ambrose has been placed on long-term injured reserve, also retroactive to February 19. Ambrose, a veteran of Canada's Olympic team, sustained a lower-body injury during the gold medal game against the United States. She recorded two assists in the tournament, showcasing her playmaking ability on the blue line for the silver-medal-winning squad.
Ambrose's injury adds to the challenges for the Victoire, who boast several Canadian Olympians on their roster. General manager Daniele Sauvageau provided an optimistic outlook on the team's injured players, stating,
“we are confident that they will be back in the lineup in the near future.”Sauvageau's comments come amid reports that Victoire forward and Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin is listed as day-to-day with an Olympics-related injury, though no further details were provided.
The timing of these injuries couldn't be worse for the PWHL, which paused its season from late January through mid-February to accommodate the Olympics. The Milan Cortina Games, held in Italy from February 6 to 23, 2026, featured intense competition among the world's top women's hockey talent, with the U.S. and Canada once again dominating the medal stand. However, the physical toll of the tournament has now rippled into the professional league, affecting teams that heavily rely on their Olympic stars.
The PWHL, in its third season since launching in 2024, has seen unprecedented growth, drawing record crowds and TV viewership thanks in part to the star power of players like Knight, Coyne Schofield, and Ambrose. Knight, for instance, is not only a PWHL All-Star but also a trailblazer who has advocated for women's hockey equity for years. Her Olympic heroics, including her goal in the final, were watched by millions, underscoring the global appeal of the sport.
Coyne Schofield's journey adds another layer of inspiration; she overcame a serious knee injury earlier in her career and has been a vocal leader in growing the game. Her three Olympic goals in Milan Cortina highlighted her speed and tenacity, qualities that translate directly to the PWHL ice. Ambrose, meanwhile, brings defensive stability and international experience, having won gold with Canada in previous Olympics before the silver this time around.
League officials have not yet commented on the broader impact of these injuries, but the moves to long-term injured reserve allow teams to call up players from affiliates or the waiver wire without salary cap penalties. For Seattle, this could mean more ice time for emerging talents like forward Jessie Nurse or rookie defender Aerin Frankel. In Minnesota, the Frost may turn to veterans such as Lee Stecklein to anchor the defense in Coyne Schofield's absence.
Montreal's situation is particularly layered, with Poulin's day-to-day status adding uncertainty. Poulin, who scored the game-winning goal for Canada in the 2014 Sochi Olympics, remains one of the league's most dynamic players. If her injury lingers, it could test the Victoire's depth, especially after Ambrose's placement on IR. Sauvageau's confidence suggests internal timelines for recovery, but the exact return dates remain undisclosed.
These developments come as the PWHL season resumes with a packed schedule leading into the playoffs, scheduled to begin in early April. The league's six teams — including the Torrent, Frost, Victoire, Boston Fleet, New York Sirens, and Ottawa Charge — are in a tight race, with standings separated by just a few points. Injuries to top players could shift the balance, forcing teams to adapt strategies mid-season.
Looking back, the Olympics provided a showcase for PWHL talent, with over 50 league players representing their countries. The U.S. team's gold medal run was a highlight, avenging their 2022 silver and boosting morale across the professional circuit. Yet, the physical demands of back-to-back high-stakes games have evidently taken a toll, as evidenced by the cluster of injuries reported this week.
As recovery progresses, all eyes will be on the timelines for Knight, Coyne Schofield, and Ambrose. Their returns could prove crucial for playoff aspirations, but for now, their teams are prioritizing health over haste. In a league still building its legacy, these setbacks serve as a reminder of the grueling nature of elite women's hockey, where Olympic glory often comes at a cost.
The PWHL continues to evolve, with expansions rumored for future seasons and increased investment from sponsors. Incidents like these underscore the need for robust support systems, from medical staff to recovery protocols, to sustain the sport's momentum. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the league navigates this challenging period.