Trump to give top civilian honour to U.S. men's hockey goalie
The Hindu
President Trump awards Connor Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom during the State of the Union for his Olympic victory.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday (February 24, 2026) he was giving the nation's highest civilian honour to national ice hockey team goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck as he honoured the squad at his State of the Union address to Congress.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom has been given to popes and political activists and also Olympic athletes in the past.
Trump's embrace of the men's team came as the women's side, which also won gold at the recently concluded Winter Olympics, declined an invitation to the speech.
"Here with us is a group of winners," Mr. Trump said as the hockey team entered Congress — the players wearing their gold medals around their necks — to chants of "USA, USA, USA!"
"Great athletes have gotten that," Mr. Trump said of the award. "I thought he deserved it."
Mr. Hellebuyck stood out in the men's 2-1 gold medal win over Canada with 41 blocked shots including a spectacular behind-the-back save.
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