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As netminder Connor Hellebuyck continued to enjoy his recent triumph, his fellow Winnipeg Jets player Kyle Connor was getting ready for his duties.
Connor participated in practice with the Jets on Wednesday morning, getting ready for Winnipeg’s contest later that day facing the Vancouver Canucks, a clash between two Canadian NHL teams experiencing difficulties.
In the interim, Hellebuyck is slated to link up with the Jets for their Friday match opposing the Ducks in Anaheim.
Both athletes belonged to the U.S. men’s ice hockey squad that triumphed over Canada with a 2-1 overtime victory, securing the Olympic gold medal on Sunday.
Hellebuyck achieved 41 stops throughout the match. He was among the American sportsmen who met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday afternoon, subsequently earning a prolonged applause during the State of the Union speech that evening.
Furthermore, Trump declared that Hellebuyck would be presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the most distinguished civilian award in the country. Hellebuyck touched his chest in gratitude as the attendees in the room showed their approval.
Connor, who opted out of the White House engagement, chose not to address journalists following the Jets’ practice, though he had previously informed Winnipeg reporters of his desire to prepare for the remaining 26 matches of the regular season.
“The latter half is crucial, so I aimed to ensure my readiness,” stated the 29-year-old left winger, who participated in two contests for the U.S. throughout the Olympic competition.
“The transition is swift. I haven’t been active in games, so I sought to complete a practice session to be prepared for [Wednesday’s] fixture.”
Koepke: Presidential Award Fully Merited
Jets attacker Cole Koepke exercised caution when questioned about his opinion on Hellebuyck’s postponed return to the squad.
“I won’t elaborate extensively on that,” he remarked following the Vancouver practice. “He performed exceptionally well, and he merited attending to accept that commendation. We collectively stand behind him, and he will rejoin us when the time comes.”
Jets head coach Scott Arniel indicated that the strategy consistently involved Eric Comrie starting against the Canucks subsequent to the Olympic hiatus.
“This was a topic of our discussion,” Arniel stated. “The White House involvement wasn’t foreseen, but ultimately, he was not scheduled to play this evening.”
Connor was similarly presented with the option of refraining from participating in the game versus the Canucks.
“He responded with ‘no, I’ll attend practice,’ and expressed his desire to participate in the game immediately,” Arniel mentioned. “It’s encouraging to witness. He constitutes a significant element of our collective and a prominent leader within our hockey club.”
Arniel expressed admiration that Hellebuyck stands as the 44th sportsperson and the inaugural hockey athlete to be granted the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He becomes part of an esteemed roster featuring legends such as Jesse Owens, Joe DiMaggio, Babe Ruth, Muhammad Ali, and Michael Jordan.
“Becoming the first hockey player is an extraordinary distinction and something he can take immense pride in,” Arniel remarked. “Considering the names included, it is quite remarkable.”
The Jets commenced Wednesday evening’s match holding a 22-26-8 standing, accumulating 52 points, placing them 11 points behind the ultimate wild card playoff position within the NHL’s Western Conference.
The Canucks currently occupy the last position in the Western Conference, possessing an 18-33-6 record totalling 42 points.
Connor entered the contest ranked second in Jets scoring, having registered 25 goals and 64 points.
During the previous season, Hellebuyck, aged 32, secured his third Vezina Trophy, recognizing him as the league’s premier netminder, and also the Hart Trophy, bestowed upon the regular season’s most valuable participant.
Hellebuyck had arthroscopic knee surgery in November to mend an ailment sustained during training camp, subsequently resuming play in mid-December.
As of this season, his performance shows a 13-16-7 record, coupled with a 2.79 goals against average and a .900 save percentage.
A political shadow loomed over this year’s Olympic Games. Canada’s defeats against the U.S. in both the men’s and women’s gold medal matches occurred during a period when Trump was enacting tariffs on Canada and discussing the nation potentially becoming the 51st state.
Arniel remarked that the Olympics ignited nationalist sentiments for all involved, yet he questioned whether athletes returning from the Games would harbor any resentments within the locker room.
“I simply believe that this highlights the immense significance of the Olympics and the profound meaning it holds for everyone to represent their homeland,” he expressed.
“However, upon returning, the perspective shifts. The top-tier players understand they must rejoin their teams and rely on their fellow squad members to achieve triumph.”
