US President Donald Trump announced that American and Winnipeg Jets goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He announced this in his annual speech to Congress.

Team USA won the gold medal at the 2026 Olympic hockey tournament in Italy, defeating Canada in the final (2:1 OT). Hellebuyck stopped 41/42 shots in this match and became one of the main heroes. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is one of the United States' two highest civilian awards, awarded at the discretion of the President.
American hockey players won gold medals at the Winter Olympics for the first time in 46 years.













