Who is Connor Hellebuyck? Meet USA hockey hero and NHL star
Jace EvansConnor Hellebuyck has won a lot of things in his NHL career to date, but he will soon claim the United States' highest civilian honor.
President Donald Trump said during his State of the Union address that Hellebuyck, 32, will be receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The move comes in response to Hellebuyck's starring role in the United States winning the men's hockey gold medal for the first time since 1980. Hellebuyck made 41 saves in the final against Canada, a 2-1 overtime win.
Hellebuyck has been one of the best goalies in the NHL over his 11-year career all spent with the Winnipeg Jets and is on a Hall of Fame trajectory. He's won the Vezina Trophy, given to the NHL's best goaltender, three times.
Last season, he also earned the Hart Trophy, the NHL MVP Award. He's just the fourth goalie in the NHL's post-expansion era to capture the award.
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