US hockey teams celebrated at White House after historic gold medal victories
US Olympic hockey teams are celebrated for achieving a historic milestone as both the men’s and women’s teams won gold medals. The victories over Canada included an overtime thriller for the men’s team featuring a golden goal by Jack Hughes and 41 saves by MVP Connor Hellebuyck. Women’s key contributors Abbey Murphy and Joy Dunne were also honored for their historic championship run.
Team USA’s two Olympic heroes are now NHL teammates.
Goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who stopped 41 of 42 shots against Canada in the gold medal game, was traded to the New Jersey Devils, where he will now team up with Jack Hughes, who netted the golden goal in overtime.
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Hellebuyck and Hughes were the stars who helped the United States bring home its first gold medal in Olympic hockey since the Miracle on Ice in 1980.
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Jack Hughes and Connor Hellebuyck celebrate Team United States’ gold medal victory over Canada in the men’s ice hockey final at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy, on Feb. 22, 2026. (EyesWideOpen/Getty Images)
He becomes the latest high-profile American Team USA star to leave a Canadian NHL team for one in the United States. In June, the Ottawa Senators dealt captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers, where he joined his brother, Matthew. In December, the Vancouver Canucks traded star defenseman Quinn Hughes, a brother of Jack and teammate Luke, to the Minnesota Wild. There has long been speculation that Quinn, who scored an overtime winner against Sweden in the quarterfinals, wants to join his brothers in New Jersey.
The process to trade Hellebuyck became messy, especially after the goalie went public with his request to leave the Winnipeg Jets in September. The Jets suspended the goalie for failing to report for camp in a disciplinary move that extended into the season with Hellebuyck not getting paid.
The Devils sent center Dawson Mercer, goalie Nico Daws, prospect Alexander Command, forward Nick Bjugstad, a 2029 second-round pick and a 2027 seventh-rounder to Winnipeg for Hellebuyck.
Team USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) victorious with gold medal vs Team Canada during the Men’s Gold Medal Game at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milan, Italy. (Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
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When training camp opened, new Devils general manager Sunny Mehta said he was very comfortable with the team’s goaltending situation. Since then, Daws and Jake Allen have combined for an .880 save percentage, which ranks 23rd among 32 teams.
Hellebuyck is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and was named the NHL’s MVP of the 2024-25 season.
Following their gold medal victory, Hellebuyck and Hughes were among the members of the team who attended the State of the Union address days later where President Donald Trump announced that Hellebuyck would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Hellebuyck also was Team USA’s goalie during the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025.
Goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck of United States celebrates winning the gold medal during the Ice Hockey Men’s Gold Medal Game match between Canada and USA on day sixteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Andrea Branca/Eurasia Sport Images)
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With a 345-208-55 regular-season record, Hellebuyck ranks 27th in career wins on the NHL list, and fifth among U.S.-born players. Among U.S.-born goalies with 300 or more career starts, his .916 save percentage ranks fourth and 2.58 goals-against average ranks sixth.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
