Rusty Weiss
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 for his heroic performance in anchoring the U.S. to its first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since the legendary 1980 “Miracle on Ice” team.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States, given to individuals who have made exceptionally meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the nation, world peace, culture, or other significant public or private endeavors.
The announcement came as members of the gold-medal-winning squad sat in the House chamber, wearing their medals, fresh from a White House visit earlier that day.
🚨 President Trump just announced that he's honoring USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) February 25, 2026
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/uFP7KuYJZU
Trump Awards Connor Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom for Heroic Olympic Gold Performance
Trump praised Hellebuyck’s standout play in the gold-medal game against Canada at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, where the Winnipeg Jets star made 41 saves on 42 shots—including this spectacular stick save, an image that will live on in sports history well after you and I are gone.
As a Canadian, I have all the respect in the world for Connor Hellebuyck. Stopping both McDavid and Celebrini on breakaways, and then Toews as seen below. You fully deserve this Gold medal Connor! pic.twitter.com/5MnErEPSX0
— Allan Ruhl (@AllanRuhl) February 22, 2026
“Great athletes have gotten that, very great, the best,” Trump said to Hellebuyck. “I thought he deserved it. I did take a vote — every single one of them. I said, ‘I’m not giving it if anybody goes ‘no,’ 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.”
Trump, during his now infamous phone call with Team USA, specifically highlighted Hellebuyck’s outstanding play.
“By the way, your goalie played not bad. … I’ve seen hockey goalies have slightly worse games,” he quipped. “Unbelievable, and you were all unbelievable. The team is pretty good.”
MUST WATCH: President Trump called Team USA’s hockey team to congratulate them after their thrilling gold medal win at the Milan Olympics—defeating Canada 2-1 in overtime.
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) February 23, 2026
“And by the way, your goalie play. Not bad!…You were all Unbelievable!”
Amazing! pic.twitter.com/ilSZX6fkQo
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth previously joked that the American goalie should be given his old title.
“Now we have a Secretary of War…and a Secretary of Defense!” Hegseth wrote on X.
Hellebuyck, visibly moved by President Trump’s gesture during the SOTU, tapped his heart and waved to the applauding chamber.