USA Goalie Connor Hellebuyck Joins List of 15 Athletes to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom from Donald Trump

Washington, D.C. — In a historic moment for hockey and American sports, Team USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was announced as the newest recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. Hellebuyck, who backstopped the United States to a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in the gold-medal game, will become the first hockey player ever to receive the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Hellebuyck’s performance in the final was nothing short of spectacular, turning aside 41 Canadian shots to secure the Americans’ first Olympic gold in men’s ice hockey since the 1980 Miracle on Ice at Lake Placid. The Winnipeg Jets netminder’s heroics have now earned him a place alongside 14 previous sports figures honored by President Trump with the Medal of Freedom.

During the address, President Trump revealed that he polled members of the U.S. squad on whether Hellebuyck should be awarded the coveted medal. “I did take a vote,” Trump told the chamber. “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.”

The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established in 1963, has recognized distinguished contributions to the national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural endeavors. While sports figures have been honored since 1976, when track-and-field icon Jesse Owens became the first athlete recipient, hockey had remained absent from the roll call until tonight.

No specific date for the medal ceremony has been announced.