Team USA hockey goalie awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Seema MehtaFebruary 25, 2026
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President Trump awarded Team USA hockey goalie Connor Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom during his State of the Union address. The honor, the nation’s highest civilian award, was bestowed in recognition of Hellebuyck’s standout performance during the recent Olympic Games, where Team USA secured its first gold medal in 46 years. The victory marked a historic moment, replicating the famous “Miracle on Ice” win against the USSR decades ago. Hellebuyck played a pivotal role in the tournament, including assisting on the game-winning goal against Canada.
The article highlights how Trump announced the award after consulting with Team USA members, who voted to honor Hellebuyck. The President emphasized that his vote carried more weight and praised the team’s achievement. Hellebuyck, 32, plays for the Winnipeg Jets in the NHL and joins a prestigious list of athletes who have received the medal, including Lionel Messi and Magic Johnson. This recognition underscores the significance of athletes’ contributions to American society.
Team USA visited the White House earlier in the week but faced controversy when FBI Director Kash Patel was seen consuming alcohol in their locker room during a time of national crisis. Despite this, Trump expressed plans to invite both the men’s and women’s hockey teams to the White House, with the latter declining due to prior commitments. The women’s team’s refusal sparked discussions about political optics and the administration’s priorities.
The story also mentions rapper Flavor Flav extending an alternative invitation for the athletes to
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/25/2026