US ICE hockey stars are hoping the solidarity forged in the crucible of struggle can help them take Olympic glory, forward Hilary Knight said yesterday.

Threatening to boycott the world championships last March landed the women’s national team a pay rise and some of the perks USA Hockey gives the men. 

Standing together to earn a deal reached only three days before playing rival Canada to kick off the world championships brought them closer together, a bond they used to win their fourth straight world title.