Connor Hellebuyck will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Donald Trump says

Connor Hellebuyck will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom honor, says POTUS Donald Trump. Fresh off ending a 46-year Olympic gold drought, the United States men’s hockey team stood before the nation during Donald Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address on Feb.

24. The cheers came quickly. “U-S-A” echoed across the chamber as players, still glowing from Milan, were welcomed as champions.Hellebuyck’s name rose above even that celebration. His performance in the gold medal game had stayed with people. Forty-one saves. One unforgettable stick stop. Now, that moment had carried him somewhere few athletes ever reach. The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, awaited him.

Connor Hellebuyck will be given the highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom

The decision grew directly from what happened days earlier in Milan. Team USA beat Canada 2-1 in overtime, with Connor Hellebuyck serving as the backbone of the victory. His quick reflexes and calm presence held off wave after wave, including a stunning second period save that soon spread across the internet. It was the kind of play people replay to understand, and still cannot fully explain.President Trump could not hide his fascination with that moment.

"I've never seen a goaltender play as well as goalie Connor Hellebuyck," Trump said. "(42) shots on gold. And I asked him the one shot, the one where you put your stick in the back and it hit the neck of your stick and bounced off. You practiced that? Or was that a little lucky? He refused to answer that question."

The goalie, a Michigan native from Commerce Township, smiled as lawmakers stood to applaud him. Around him were his teammates, many of whom had shared the journey from Olympic pressure to national celebration.

Earlier that day, they had visited the White House. By night, they were being honored in front of the country.Trump revealed the idea came with input from the locker room itself.“The members of this great hockey squad will be very happy to hear based on their vote and my vote, and in this case, my vote was more important that I will soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian honor,” Trump said.He added, “Great athletes have gotten that very great, the best.

And I thought he deserved it. And I did take a vote.”The medal places Hellebuyck among rare company. Trump noted that only a small number of athletes have received it. Golf legend Tiger Woods and baseball icon Mariano Rivera are among those previously honored.His Olympic numbers explain why. Hellebuyck finished the tournament with a .956 save percentage and delivered when it mattered most. His stops against Canada’s top scorers kept the game alive long enough for the winning goal to arrive.

That gold medal, worn proudly inside the Capitol, represented more than victory. It reflected patience, resilience, and timing.His teammates watched, clapped, and laughed along the way. Earlier, when winger Matthew Tkachuk let the president try on his gold medal, Trump joked, “I’m not giving it back,” drawing laughter across the room.For Hellebuyck, the night offered something quieter. Recognition not just for one save, but for years spent chasing moments exactly like it.