Connor Hellebuyck Called 'Secretary of Defense' After 41-Save Gold Medal Night in Milan
Connor Hellebuyck produced a 41-save performance and a jaw-dropping stick stop that preserved a 1-1 score, forcing overtime and helping Team USA defeat Canada 2-1 in the men's hockey gold medal game at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The win delivered the United States its first Olympic hockey gold since 1980 and prompted a high-profile nickname endorsement from United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
Connor Hellebuyck’s stick save and 41-save night
Hellebuyck collected 41 saves in the gold medal game at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy on Feb. 22, 2026. One of the defining moments came in the opening minutes of the second period when Devon Toews crept into the slot and appeared to have an open net. Hellebuyck, facing the corner, reached behind himself and struck the puck with the blade of his stick, turning quickly with his right hand to stop the shot and keep the score tied 1-1. That sequence—Toews lifting the puck slightly so Hellebuyck's paddle could intercept it—held through the remainder of the second period and the full third, forcing overtime.
How the game was decided: Hughes, Binnington and overtime
The game was decided in overtime when Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal past Canada's netminder Jordan Binnington, completing a 2-1 victory for Team USA and securing Olympic gold for the first time since 1980.
Third-period drama and Hellebuyck’s other key stops
Hellebuyck also made multiple critical saves in the third period—described as two huge third-period saves—which stymied grade-A chances by Canada. Assistant captain Nathan MacKinnon missed a wide-open net in the third period, and Canada was unable to capitalize on other high-danger opportunities, at times appearing demoralized by the American goaltender's play.
Reactions: 'Secretary of Defense, ' Richter, McAvoy and Bennett
A social media account dubbed Hellebuyck the "Secretary of Defense, " and United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who held that title before the agency he heads became known as the Department of War last September, endorsed the designation. Hegseth said, "Now we have a Secretary of War…and a Secretary of Defense!"
Former U. S. goalie Mike Richter described Hellebuyck as "beyond belief, " saying he watched the stick save repeatedly and invoking the names of legendary Olympic netminders Patrick Roy, Dominik Hasek and Jim Craig when assessing the performance. Richter emphasized that Hellebuyck would not give up on the puck and credited his perseverance and positioning for the victory.
Defenseman Charlie McAvoy called the Toews stop the turning point in real time, saying he yelled down the bench, "That's the one, " and jokingly referring to it as the "TSN Turning Point. " Canada forward Sam Bennett acknowledged that the Americans' goalie stole the game, noting Canada had plenty of looks but could not finish.
Aftermath: celebration on the ice
The 32-year-old Hellebuyck, who did allow a goal to Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar in the second period, celebrated visibly after the win. He skated alone around the ice with an American flag on his back while the crowd roared its approval, a solitary image that underscored the magnitude of the performance that helped deliver Olympic gold.
What this means for Team USA
The combination of Hellebuyck's 41 saves, the pivotal stick stop on Devon Toews, and the clutch overtime finish by Jack Hughes ended a multi-decade gold medal drought for U. S. men's hockey. Reactions from teammates and hockey figures highlighted both the technical brilliance of Hellebuyck's efforts and the emotional lift his performance provided the American roster throughout the game.
