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The past 72 hours have been an exhilarating whirlwind for the U.S. men’s hockey team. Fresh off their exhilarating overtime victory against Canada to clinch the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the team found themselves celebrating in Miami. There, they led a nightclub in a spirited rendition of the National Anthem and other patriotic tunes. Their journey continued aboard Air Force One, heading to Washington, D.C., where they met President Trump in the Oval Office. Their eventful day culminated as honored attendees at the State of the Union address.
Celebrating Victory: U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team Visits White House, Attends SOTU
Amidst the celebrations, President Trump recognized the team’s achievements by announcing that Connor Hellebuyck, the team’s standout goalie, would be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In his remarks, Trump highlighted:
Although much of the recent media spotlight has rightly focused on Jack Hughes for his game-winning “Golden Goal,” Hellebuyck’s exceptional performance in goal was remarkable. From my perspective, he deserved the title of Most Valuable Player over his Canadian counterpart.
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
— Overton (@overton_news) February 25, 2026
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.
“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— Mike Netter (@nettermike) February 25, 2026
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.
Story courtesy of @Sportsnet. pic.twitter.com/iDMLJwEJ1x
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) April 18, 2021
Editor’s Note: With President Trump back in the White House, the state of our Union is strong once again.