Connor Hellebuyck to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom After Olympic Gold
In a historic moment during his State of the Union address, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he will bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, upon Team USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck. This recognition comes after Hellebuyck's outstanding performance at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, where he stopped 41 shots in the gold medal game against Team Canada.
A Historic First for Hockey
According to ESPN reports, Hellebuyck is believed to be the first hockey player ever to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The award has previously been given to 671 individuals, including legendary athletes such as Simone Biles, Joe DiMaggio, Michael Jordan, Babe Ruth, and Megan Rapinoe. President Trump emphasized the significance of this honor during his address, stating, "Great athletes have gotten that, very great, the best. I thought he deserved it."
The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol, where Hellebuyck tapped his heart in response. The entire U.S. men's hockey team, including Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, received a two-minute standing ovation from those in attendance.
White House Visit and Absences
Earlier on Tuesday, the men's hockey team visited President Trump at the White House, though not all members were present. Five players declined the invitation to focus on their return to NHL play: Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jake Guentzel, Colorado Avalanche's Brock Nelson, Dallas Stars' Jake Oettinger, Anaheim Ducks' Jackson LaCombe, and Winnipeg Jets' Kyle Connor.
Guentzel, who will be in action on Wednesday as the Lightning face the Toronto Maple Leafs, was confirmed by Tampa Bay Times reporter Eduardo Encina to be expected to play despite not having practiced with his team since winning the gold medal.
Women's Team Recognition
President Trump also announced that the U.S. women's hockey team, who defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to win their own gold medal, will visit the White House "soon." The women's team declined an invitation to attend the State of the Union address due to timing conflicts with the event.
The 2026 Winter Olympics men's hockey final between the United States and Canada drew significant attention, with 35 million viewers across North America tuning in to watch the dramatic showdown. Team USA's victory was celebrated with a boozy Miami nightclub bash, highlighting the team's camaraderie and joy following their Olympic triumph.
