Who is Connor Hellebuyck? Donald Trump announces Presidential Medal of Freedom for US hockey goalie in State of the Union speech

Connor Hellebuyck is one of the most accomplished goalies in US hockey, widely recognized for his consistency, athleticism, and leadership. A standout in the National Hockey League (NHL), Hellebuyck has built a reputation as an elite netminder and a cornerstone for Team USA's win at the just-conlcuded Winter Olympics - their first win since 1980. During his State of the Union address, Donald Trump announced on Tuesday night that Hellebuyck will be awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. The announcement drew widespread attention, highlighting Hellebuyck’s impact on American hockey and his status as a national sports figure.


Hellebuyck has established himself as one of the elite goaltenders of his generation, spending his entire 11-year NHL career with the Winnipeg Jets and placing himself on a clear Hall of Fame path. According to USA Today, Hellebuyck has captured the Vezina Trophy three times, honoring the league’s top goalie. Last season, Hellebuyck also won the Hart Trophy, becoming just the fourth goaltender in the NHL’s post-expansion era to earn MVP honors.


Hellebuyck delivered a standout performance with 41 outstanding saves as the United States edged Canada 2-1 in a dramatic overtime win in the gold-medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday. During his address, Trump introduced members of the US men’s ice hockey team, prompting applause from lawmakers in recognition of the squad’s recent Olympic triumph.


According to The Hill, Trump expressed amazement at one of Hellebuyck’s most remarkable stops - a behind-the-back deflection that knocked the puck away from the net and preserved Team USA’s chances against Canada in the Olympic final. Trump said he asked the Winnipeg Jets goaltender whether the move was something he practiced, but noted he never received a clear response.

“The members of this great hockey squad will be very happy to hear that I will soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian honor which has been given to many athletes over the years,” Trump said.

"But when I say many, not too many, like 12, it's called the highest civilian honor in our country, the Presidential Medal of Freedom."

“Great athletes have gotten that and I thought he deserved it. What a special job you did and what special champions you are.”

The audience erupted into chants of 'USA! USA!' as the US men’s hockey team rose from their seats moments before the president’s announcement.


Hellebuyck is the latest athlete to be selected for the prestigious honor, joining a distinguished list of past recipients. Previous awardees include golf legend Tiger Woods, Super Bowl MVP Roger Staubach, baseball icon Babe Ruth, and six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan.

Trump invited Team USA to attend the State of the Union during a phone call following their gold-medal victory on Sunday. Earlier in the day, he met with the squad in the Oval Office ahead of his address to Congress on Tuesday.


Trump also said the US women’s Olympic hockey team would be invited to visit the White House.

However, the women’s team earlier confirmed it had declined the president’s invitation to attend the State of the Union address. The statement followed comments made a day earlier, when Trump jokingly told the US men’s team that he would be impeached if he failed to invite the women’s squad as well.