President Trump announced at the State of the Union address Tuesday that he would give the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Team USA hockey goaltender Connor Hellebuyck after he recorded 41 saves in the gold medal game against Canada.
Trump marveled at one of Hellebuyck’s most spectacular saves — a puck that he deflected from behind his back away from the goal to keep Team USA in the game.
The president said he asked the Winnipeg Jets goaltender whether he practiced the move but didn’t get a clear answer.
“The members of this great hockey squad will be very happy to hear that I will soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian honor which has been given to many athletes over the years,” Trump said.
“Great athletes have gotten that and I thought he deserved it. What a special job you did and what special champions you are.”
Hellebuyck is the latest in a long line of athletes to get the prestigious award.
Recipients include golf major champion Tiger Woods, Super Bowl MVP Roger Staubach, baseball great Babe Ruth and six-time NBA champion Micheal Jordan.
Trump invited Team USA to the State of the Union during a phone call after their gold medal win on Sunday and met with the team in the Oval Office before his address on Tuesday.
The president said the U.S. women’s team, which also won gold against Canada during this month’s Winter Olympics, would soon be visiting the White House.
The U.S. women’s team previously said it had declined an invitation to attend Trump’s speech “due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments.”
— Dominick Mastrangelo contributed.
