In a recent announcement, President Trump revealed that Connor Hellebuyck, the USA hockey team’s esteemed goalie, will be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the most prestigious civilian accolade in the nation.
Hellebuyck captured the spotlight with an extraordinary save during the USA men’s hockey match against Canada. In a moment that quickly gained viral fame, he deftly maneuvered his stick behind him to deflect an imminent goal.
Reflecting on Hellebuyck’s impressive feat, President Trump humorously inquired, “I asked him about the shot where he swung his stick backward, and it hit the neck of his stick, bouncing off. I wondered, do you practice that, or was it just a touch of luck?”
The President further emphasized the significance of the Medal of Freedom, highlighting its rarity among athletes. “I will soon present Connor with our highest civilian honor,” he said. “This medal has been awarded to athletes over the years, but when I say many, it’s actually not so many — only about twelve. It is indeed the highest civilian recognition in our country.”
“I’ll soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian honor — it’s been given to many athletes over the years,” he said.
“When I say many, not too many — like 12. It’s the highest civilian honor in the country — the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”
Trump welcomed the team to his State of the Union address. The crowd in the House chamber broke into a standing ovation when the players walked in, wearing their Olympic gold medals.
Follow The Post’s live updates on President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address
The men’s hockey team visited Trump at the White House ahead of the speech. Trump revealed he asked them vote on whether he should give Hellebuyck the award and the result was yes.
“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.
“Great athletes have gotten that very great, the best. And I thought he deserved it. And I did take a vote,” Trump added.
The men’s hockey team won its first Olympic gold medal since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.”
While in the Oval Office on Tuesday, winger Matthew Tkachuk let Trump don his gold medal.
“I’m not giving it back,” Trump joked as he put on the medal, which was met with laughter from Tkachuk’s teammates.
