Team USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was recently presented with a unique plaque during a flight to Washington D.C. The plaque featured the title “Secretary of Defense,” a nickname that has gained traction following Hellebuyck’s impressive performance in the gold medal match against Canada. He was traveling to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House prior to the State of the Union address.
Hellebuyck’s Olympic Journey
On February 22, 2026, Hellebuyck played a pivotal role in securing a historic victory for the United States at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The U.S. men’s hockey team triumphed over Canada with a score of 2-1 in overtime, marking the first gold medal for Team USA in men’s hockey since the legendary “Miracle on Ice” in 1980. Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal, following a standout performance by Hellebuyck, who made 41 saves during the match.
A Memorable Meeting with Trump
During their visit to the White House, Hellebuyck was seen holding his Olympic gold medal alongside the “Secretary of Defense” plaque, which sparked excitement on social media. The nickname was particularly well-received by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who shared a post that celebrated the goaltender’s save against a critical shot from Canadian player Devon Toews.
Celebrating American Pride
The U.S. hockey team’s victory was a source of pride across the nation. Hellebuyck expressed his gratitude after the game, stating, “It’s a dream come true.” He highlighted the teamwork and effort that led to their success. This victory echoed the earlier achievement of the U.S. women’s hockey team, which also secured gold by defeating Canada.
- Date: February 22, 2026
- Event: Men’s Gold Medal match (USA vs. Canada)
- Location: Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milan, Italy
- Final Score: USA 2, Canada 1 (OT)
- Key Players: Connor Hellebuyck, Jack Hughes, Devon Toews
Public Reaction and Future Plans
The U.S. men’s team received an invitation to the State of the Union from Trump, who jokingly mentioned that he would need to invite the women’s team as well. This comment, however, sparked some controversy regarding the recognition of the women’s achievements. Despite missing the State of the Union, the women’s team celebrated their victory with pride.
Members of Team USA, including Hellebuyck, reflected on their journey in representing the country and the training they underwent. The camaraderie developed during training instilled a deep sense of pride in wearing the American jersey.
The U.S. hockey teams’ victories have electrified fans and reignited national pride, showcasing their talent and dedication on a global stage.
