The Team USA men’s hockey team is continuing its tour after winning the Milan Cortina Games, and their latest post-Winter Olympics stop brought them to the White House on Tuesday.

President Donald Trump took the time out to meet with the gold medal winners after flying the group in on Air Force One. However, one player stood out to Trump during his State of the Union address Tuesday night.

During the president’s address to America, Trump gave recognition to goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. That included revealing that the NHL star has earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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Trump: “I’m going to be giving Connor Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom.” https://t.co/itep38LDB4

— captive dreamer (@captive_dreamer) February 25, 2026

Hellebuyck became an instant star throughout the Olympics after being a force in net for the United States. That included a stellar outing against Canada in the gold medal game that featured 41 saves throughout the matchup.

The NHL star proved to be the valiant last line of defense for USA men’s hockey en route to their first gold medal since 1980 when the Olympics took place in Lake Placid.

Trump was quick to praise the entire USA men’s hockey team for their ability to succeed on the ice and also bring Americans together throughout the Olympics.

Hellebuyck and the rest of the U.S. squad received an epic ovation when they walked into the State of the Union address. That included many chants of “USA” with the many politicians in attendance.

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The USA goaltender is the 33rd athlete to receive the Medal of Freedom honor. Top names in sports have been recognized with the award, including Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Muhammed Ali and Jackie Robinson.

During Trump’s first term as president, he handed out the honor to Woods, Roger Staubach, Alan Page and Babe Ruth. Meanwhile, the first athlete to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom came in 1963 – Robert J.H. Kiphuth.

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