Connor Hellebuyck to Receive Medal of Freedom: Hockey at the Summit with Trump

The goalkeeper of the United States men’s hockey team, winner of the Olympic gold medal, Connor Hellebuyck, will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The announcement was made by President Donald Trump during the State of the Union address. This prestigious recognition, the highest civilian honor of the nation, has been awarded to prominent figures in sports such as Simone Biles, Joe DiMaggio, Michael Jordan, Megan Rapinoe, and Babe Ruth, among others. Hellebuyck, who plays for the Winnipeg Jets of the NHL, will become the first hockey player to receive this distinction.

“Great athletes have received this award, very great athletes, the best,” Trump stated during the speech. “I thought he deserved it. I took a vote, and everyone agreed. I thank you all. You did a special job. You are special champions.”

Donald Trump

Hellebuyck, visibly moved, touched his heart and greeted the audience, who responded with applause. The players of the American team, dressed in their blue jerseys with the inscription “USA”, khaki pants, and their gold medals, entered the House of Representatives and were greeted with an ovation. Legislators from both parties joined in the celebration, chanting “USA!” repeatedly. In the gold medal match against Canada, Hellebuyck made 41 saves and assisted on Jack Hughes’ goal in the United States’ 2-1 victory. This victory marked the first gold medal for the United States men’s team since the historic “Miracle on Ice” of 1980. Hellebuyck, a key piece on the road to the gold medal, had a peak moment when he made a spectacular save, using his stick to stop a shot by Devon Toews. The gold medal win has solidified Hellebuyck’s reputation as one of the best goalies in the NHL. He was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s most valuable player in the 2024-25 season, becoming the eighth goalie to receive this award and the first since Carey Price in 2014-15. Furthermore, he won his third Vezina Trophy in that same season, awarded to the NHL’s best goaltender.