Team USA continued their Olympic victory celebrations on Tuesday with a visit to the White House. There, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump. Who also gave Hellebuyck a playful new nickname.
The USA won their first Olympic men’s hockey gold in 46 years on Sunday, when Jack Hughes scored the overtime winner against their biggest rival, Team Canada. Since then, the players have been celebrating their historic achievement. First in Italy, then in Miami, and finally in Washington, D.C., where they met the President.
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Donald Trump speech to Team USA
During the visit, the players received a tour of the White House, and Hellebuyck was honored with the country’s highest civilian award. Trump delivered a speech before presenting the medal:
”I just want to tell you that the members of this great hockey squad will be very happy to hear—based on their vote and my vote, and in this case, my vote was more important—that I will soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian honor, which has been given to many athletes over the years. But when I say many, not too many, like 12. It’s called the Presidential Medal of Freedom!”
Connor Hellebuyck’s new nickname
Trump also offered Hellebuyck a new nickname in his trademark style:
“The U.S. team that won the gold medal—and I got myself one great Secretary of Defense—the goalie! Pete Hegseth is not happy to hear this,” Trump joked.
Videos of both moments are found below.
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