Team USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck can’t stop winning.
At the White House on Tuesday, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, awarded the gold medal goaltender the Presidential Medal of Freedom – considered the US government’s highest civilian honor. Awarded by the President, it is often presented to individuals to recognize significant lifetime achievements in the arts, public service, science or other fields.
“I’ve never seen a goaltender play so well,” Trump said during his State of the Union address. [USA] Goalie Connor Hellebuyck… I just want to let you know that the members of this great hockey team will be very pleased to hear that based on their vote and my vote – and in this case my vote was more important – that I will soon be honoring Connor with our highest civilian honor. It has been given to many athletes over the years. But when I say very, not very. Like 12. It’s called our country’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”
Hellebuyck and Team USA defeated Canada on Sunday morning to win the gold medal for the United States for the first time since the 1980 Miracle on Ice Olympics. Team USA’s goaltender made 41 saves on 42 shots and New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes scored the golden goal to defeat Canada in overtime.
The Winnipeg Jets goaltender, who backstopped the USA, has led his country to five wins in six games, while Jeremy Swayman has one win in the preliminary round. He recorded an astonishing 1.16 GAA and .956 SV% and finished the tournament comfortably in first place with a 5.92 goals saved average.
Hellebuyck’s most notable moment in the tournament was a save on the paddle by Canadian defenceman, Devon Toews, which almost certainly stole a goal from the opponent that could have changed the outcome of the gold medal game.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom adds to Hellebuyck’s potential Hall-of-Fame career, which now includes a gold medal, a Hart Trophy (2024-25), three Vezina Awards (2019-20, 2023-24, 2024-25), and four All-Star nominations.
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