On Sunday in Milan, Team USA defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to win Olympic gold in hockey, ending a 46-year championship drought and marking the anniversary of the iconic 1980 Miracle on Ice. Key to this victory was Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, whose critical saves helped secure the historic win. Now, President Donald Trump has announced plans to award Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian accolade in the United States.
Hellebuyck’s exceptional effort in the final game involved making 41 crucial saves, especially during high-pressure moments that ultimately led to Team USA’s triumph. During his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, President Trump revealed the decision to bestow the honor upon the goaltender.
I will soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian honor, which we will be given and which has been given to many athletes over the years,
Trump said.
But when I say many, not too many, like 12, it’s called the highest civilian honor in our country, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
As the news was shared, Hellebuyck gestured to his heart and acknowledged the audience, who responded with a standing ovation. If received, this award would make him the first professional hockey player to earn the Presidential Medal of Freedom, joining an esteemed group of athletes including Tiger Woods, Simone Biles, Michael Jordan, Megan Rapinoe, and Babe Ruth.
Great athletes have gotten that, very great, the best,
Trump said.
I thought he deserved it. I did take a vote… 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.
Lighthearted Celebration at the White House
The recognition extended beyond the Capitol following a gathering in the Oval Office, where the President shared a playful moment with the gold medal-winning hockey players. In a video posted afterward on social media, Trump joked about naming Hellebuyck the “Secretary of Defense.”
These are the U.S. players who won the gold medal, and I got myself one great Secretary of Defense, the goalie!
Trump quipped.
The clip captured Hellebuyck smiling and pointing to the camera while his teammates applauded in the background, a light and viral moment symbolizing the team’s camaraderie and national pride. With Olympic gold now secured and the Presidential Medal of Freedom forthcoming, Hellebuyck’s achievements spotlight him far beyond his NHL career.
JUST IN: President Trump announces he will soon be awarding Team USA hockey goaltender Connor Hellebuyck with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Hellebuyck made over 40 saves during Team USA's win against Canada.
"I will soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian… pic.twitter.com/AN9yXYuuFe
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 25, 2026
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump just posted this EPIC video from the Oval Office saying he has a NEW Secretary of Defense 🤣
"These are the US players who won the gold medal — and I got myself one great Secretary of Defense, THE GOALIE!"
"Pete Hegseth is NOT happy to hear this!"😂 pic.twitter.com/r3R3SIEb8G
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 24, 2026
