Connor Hellebuyck is about to make history as the first hockey player ever to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, adding another incredible achievement to his already impressive year.
The Winnipeg Jets star goalie earned the honor after leading Team USA to their first men’s Olympic hockey gold medal in 46 years. His stellar performance in net was the difference-maker in Sunday’s nail-biting 2-1 overtime victory against Canada.
“This is beyond anything I could have dreamed of,” Hellebuyck said during the team’s White House visit Tuesday night.
Twenty members of Team USA’s gold-medal squad attended the State of the Union Address, though five players couldn’t make it. The moment was particularly special since it marked the first American men’s hockey Olympic gold since the legendary “Miracle on Ice” team in 1980.
But here’s where things get interesting: while the men’s team celebrated at the White House, the gold-medal-winning women’s team took a different path. They declined their White House invitation – and received an unexpected alternative offer.
Rapper Flavor Flav, the Public Enemy legend, invited the women’s team to what he called “the real celebration” in Las Vegas. No word yet on whether they’ll take him up on that offer.
Despite having what many consider the most talented American Olympic hockey roster ever assembled, it was Hellebuyck’s incredible goaltending that made the difference when it mattered most. His performance in the final game had fans and experts alike calling it one of the greatest Olympic performances in history.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony date hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s expected to happen within the next few months.
