Connor Hellebuyck: From Nobody to Olympic Hero
It’s likely that most people weren’t familiar with Connor Hellebuyck as the Olympics approached, but now he’s being hailed as an American hero.
In Sunday’s gold medal match, Hellebuyck delivered an impressive performance, making 41 saves, including one spectacular stop with his stick behind his back. This help secured the U.S.’s first men’s hockey Olympic gold since 1980.
Though Hellebuyck has been discussed in NHL circles for his competitive spirit, his standout moment came on the world stage at the Olympics.
At 32, Hellebuyck wasn’t always seen as a top talent growing up, yet he carved out his path at Amherst College. After being drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in the fourth round in 2012, he spent two years in college, earning accolades such as two Hockey East Conference championships and recognition as the top goaltender during his sophomore year.
He made his NHL debut in November 2015, winning his first four games and recording a shutout in just his ninth appearance. His third season brought him to the forefront, as he led the league with 44 wins and received his first All-Star selection. He also finished second in the Vezina Trophy voting, which he won two years later.
This isn’t Hellebuyck’s first time donning the U.S. colors; he previously played for the national team in both 2015 and 2017, as well as at world championships.
Now a back-to-back Vezina Trophy winner, he’s one of only 13 goaltenders in NHL history to secure the award three times or more. Additionally, he holds the Hart Memorial Trophy as the best player in the league.
Yet, playoff success has eluded him and the Jets. Since making it to the Western Conference Finals in the 2017-18 season, they haven’t advanced past the second round. His playoff record sits at 24 wins and 34 losses, with a save percentage of .903—a noticeable dip from his regular season performance.
However, his Olympic journey has rewritten some of that narrative. In the five games he played, Hellebuyck stopped 95.6% of shots on goal, allowing multiple goals just once.
His outstanding performance earned him the title of MVP for the American team, which was clearly aiming for gold. And while Jack Hughes’-winning goal has grabbed headlines, Hellebuyck caught the attention of President Trump, who announced that he would be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom during the State of the Union address.
Returning to the NHL season will be challenging for Hellebuyck. After winning gold, he’ll have to face his Jets fans again, who would undoubtedly feel the sting of heartbreak in their playoff hopes this year. But who knows? With Hellebuyck’s skill, perhaps a comeback for next season could be within reach.
