Connor Hellebuyck will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Donald Trump says
Connor Hellebuyck will be given the Presidential Medal of Freedom honor followed his extraordinary role in Team USA’s 2026 Olympic gold medal victory. Announced during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, the award recognized Hellebuyck’s historic goaltending, including 41 saves in the final against Canada. The moment marked a rare crossover between sports and national recognition, placing the Michigan native among a select group of athletes to receive the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Connor Hellebuyck will be given the Presidential Medal of Freedom honor followed his extraordinary role in Team USA’s 2026 Olympic gold medal victory. Announced during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, the award recognized Hellebuyck’s historic goaltending, including 41 saves in the final against Canada. The moment marked a rare crossover between sports and national recognition, placing the Michigan native among a select group of athletes to receive the nation’s highest civilian honor.
