Who is Connor Hellebuyck? Team USA goalie to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

President Donald Trump announced during his State of the Union address that Team USA men’s hockey goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom after securing the team’s gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

In the gold medal game victory over Canada, Hellebuyck made 41 saves to help keep the tie at 1–1, forcing overtime.

Jack Hughes scored the winning goal past Canada goalkeeper Jordan Binnington.

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President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address in the Hall of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, United States, February 24, 2026. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)

“It’s a dream come true,” Hellebuyck said via NBC after the game. “We worked hard, we fought, and it was some of the best and most fun hockey I’ve ever played.”

Hellebuyck was able to stop a wide-open shot from Devon Toews in front of his crease with just his stick, quickly turning with his right hand to stop the puck and keeping the game tied in the second period. Without this save, and many others, the outcome could have been different.

Connor Hellebuyck of the United States saves a shot from Devon Toews (7) of Canada in the third period during the men’s gold medal game at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games on February 22, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Canadian Mitch Marner had the puck in the offensive zone when he threw it towards the Hellebuyck net, where defenseman Devon Toews was just in front. Maybe nine times out of ten Toews scores in this scenario, but Hellebuyck somehow had the wherewithal to throw his stick as a last-ditch effort for the save.

Instead of the puck staying on the ice, Toews lifted it just a little and Hellebuyck’s paddle ended up just wide to thwart the goal attempt. At the time, the score was 1-1, and it remained that way until the end of the second period and throughout the third before overtime was necessary.

After the game, Hellebuyck skated alone on the ice with an American flag on his back, while the crowd roared for the man they knew was as much a hero as Hughes in victory.

Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck of the United States celebrates winning the gold medal during the men’s gold medal game against Canada and the United States at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games on February 22, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Andrea Branca/Eurasia Sport Images)

United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth he jokingly gave his former title of Secretary of Defense to Hellebuyck for his performance.

“Now we have a Secretary of War…and a Secretary of Defense!” Hegseth said in the post showing Hellebuyck’s incredible efforts.

Hellebuyck helped the United States make history by becoming the first team since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” team to win Olympic gold. Jack Hughes scored the overtime goal to clinch gold in Milan, and it’s been a celebration for Team USA ever since.

Canada has consistently been the most dominant Olympic hockey team in history, winning nine gold medals, a world record. Sunday’s victory also avenged a loss to Canada in last year’s NHL Four Nations showdown.

Connor Hellebuyck seen after President Donald Trump announced he will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

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The United States finished with 33 medals overall, including a record 12 gold medals at the Winter Olympics.

Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

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