Trump announces Team USA hockey goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will get Presidential Medal of Freedom

Team USA Olympic hockey players Connor Hellebuyck and the Tkachuk brothers talk about support from Americans, the significance of the gold medal victory and the State of the Union on ‘Special Report.'

President Donald Trump announced during his State of the Union address that Team USA men's hockey goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom after anchoring the team's gold medal victory in the Milan Cortina Olympics.

During the gold medal game victory over Canada, Hellebuyck collected 41 saves to help keep the game tied at 1-1, forcing overtime. 

Jack Hughes scored the game-winner past Canada’s netminder, Jordan Binnington. 

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President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 24, 2026. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)

Hellebuyck somehow stopped a wide open Devon Toews' shot in front of his crease with only his stick, turning quickly with his right hand to stop the puck and keeping the game tied in the second period. Without that save, and many others, the result may have been different. 

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

United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth even gave his old title, Secretary of Defense, to Hellebuyck for his performance.

Goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck of the United States celebrates winning the gold medal during the men's gold medal game against Canada and USA at Milano Santagiulia Ice