What a 72 hours it's been for the members of the U.S. men's hockey team. After winning the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in an overtime thriller over Canada, they flew to Miami and had an entire nightclub singing the National Anthem and other patriotic songs, then flew on Air Force One to Washington, D.C. to meet with President Trump in the Oval Office, then headed over to the Capitol as honored guests at the State of the Union address.
Golden Moment: Men's Olympic Hockey Team Descends on White House, Prepares for the SOTU
In addition to honoring the team's accomplishments, President Trump announced that the team's goalie, Connor Hellebuyck, will be receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
President Trump just STUNNED Team USA’s goalie Connor Hellebuyck by announcing in front of the country that he will be receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
— Overton (@overton_news) February 25, 2026
Hellebuyck stood humbled, hand over his heart, as the moment sank in.
TRUMP: “But I just want to tell you that the… pic.twitter.com/PnrYfz6KJT
Trump said:
But I just want to tell you that 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, which has been given to many athletes over the years... but when I say many, not too many, like 12.
It’s called the highest civilian honor in our country, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
While much of the media attention in the last two days has been deservedly been aimed at Jack Hughes, who scored the "Golden Goal," Hellebuyck's performance in goal was simply stunning and, in this writer's opinion, he should have been named the Most Valuable Player instead of the Canadian.
Trump said that he would award U.S. men's Olympic hockey team goalie Connor Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
— Mike Netter (@nettermike) February 25, 2026
"I will soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian honor, which will be given and which has been given to many athletes over the years," Trump said.… pic.twitter.com/niFz4r9s4A
Here's a bit more about Hellebuyck's journey to the NHL and the Olympics - it's a good one.
The story of how Connor Hellebuyck's path to the NHL began in Odessa, Texas.
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) April 18, 2021
Story courtesy of @Sportsnet. pic.twitter.com/iDMLJwEJ1x
Editor's Note: With President Trump back in the White House, the state of our Union is strong once again.
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