Connor Hellebuyck Set for Medal of Freedom After Team USA Gold Medal Run and 41 Save Final

Connor Hellebuyck is now in line for one of the highest civilian honors in the country after helping deliver a gold medal for the United States men’s hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

During Tuesday night’s State of the Union address in Washington, President Donald Trump announced that Hellebuyck will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Hellebuyck, the goaltender for the gold medal winning U.S. men’s team and a star for the Winnipeg Jets, was in attendance with Team USA when the announcement was made. He tapped his heart and waved as the chamber applauded.

The moment came just days after the United States beat Canada 2-1 in overtime in the gold medal game at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Hellebuyck made 41 saves in the final and also recorded an assist on the overtime winner scored by Jack Hughes, a stat line that turned a great Olympic run into a defining game. It was the first men’s Olympic hockey gold for the United States since the 1980 team in Lake Placid, New York.

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Trump addressed the players directly during the speech and described how the decision was made in the room.

“Great athletes have gotten that, very great, the best,” Trump said during the State of the Union, with players from the U.S. men’s hockey team in attendance. “I thought he deserved it. I did take a vote — every single one of them. I said, ‘I’m not giving it if anybody goes “no,”’ and every single one of them rapidly put up their hand. So, I want to thank you all. What a special job you did. What special champions you are.”

A second account of the same moment included another line from Trump focused specifically on Hellebuyck’s play in the gold medal game.

“I’ve never seen a goaltender play as well as goalie Connor Hellebuyck.”

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The U.S. men’s team attended both a White House visit and the State of the Union on Tuesday. Players arrived in blue USA sweaters, khakis, and their gold medals. They entered the House chamber through the press gallery area and drew a bipartisan standing ovation, with chants of “USA!” breaking out as they walked in. The team’s appearance was one of the most visible sports moments of the night and followed the White House ceremony earlier in the day.

The Medal of Freedom announcement puts Hellebuyck in a group that includes major names from sports and beyond. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor. Hellebuyck will be the first hockey player to receive it. Among the athletes previously recognized are Simone Biles, Michael Jordan, Megan Rapinoe, Babe Ruth, and others. Recent recipients listed in current coverage include Katie Ledecky, Magic Johnson, and Lionel Messi.

The broader hockey celebration also included mention of the U.S. women’s team, which also won Olympic gold against Canada. The women’s team did not attend the State of the Union, citing scheduling and prior academic and professional commitments, but was invited to visit the White House at a later date.

For Hellebuyck, the timeline moved fast. He backstopped Team USA to a gold medal in Italy, made 41 saves in the final, assisted on the overtime winner, arrived in Washington with the team days later, and left the State of the Union with a public announcement that he will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. That is a pretty efficient week for a goalie.

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