Connor Hellebuyck to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

Connor Hellebuyck, the goaltender for the gold-medal-winning U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team, will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, President Donald Trump announced during Tuesday night’s State of the Union.

Athletes such as Simone Biles, Joe DiMaggio, Michael Jordan, Megan Rapinoe and Babe Ruth are among the 671 individuals who have received the award, the nation’s highest civilian honor. It is believed that Hellebuyck, who plays for the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets, will be the first hockey player.

«Great athletes have gotten that, very great, the best,» Trump said during the State of the Union, with players from the U.S. men’s hockey team in attendance. «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.»

Jack Hughes in the Americans’ 2-1 victory.

Devon Toews.

Winning a gold medal has only added to Hellebuyck’s reputation as one of the best goalies in the NHL. He was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy for the 2024-25 season as the league’s most valuable player, becoming the eighth goalie to win the award and the first since Carey Price in 2014-15.

He also won his third Vezina Trophy that season, given to the NHL’s top goalie.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.