Connor Hellebuyck: podcast appearances and interviews

Connor Charles Hellebuyck, born May 19, 1993, is an American professional ice hockey goaltender who plays for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League. After playing a season in the North American Hockey League with the Odessa Jackalopes, he was selected by the Jets in the fifth round of the 2012 NHL entry draft. Hellebuyck spent two years with the UMass Lowell River Hawks, where he received the inaugural Mike Richter Award as the top goaltender in college hockey. He began his professional career during the 2014-15 season with the Jets' American Hockey League affiliate, the St. John's IceCaps. Hellebuyck became the starting goaltender for the Jets in the 2016-17 season and quickly garnered recognition as one of the league's best goaltenders. He has won the Vezina Trophy three times, the William M. Jennings Trophy twice, and was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player of the league. Recognized for his exceptional hockey mind, he is known to analyze the game extensively and share insights with teammates. Internationally, Hellebuyck represents the United States and served as their starting goaltender at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he contributed significantly to winning Olympic gold for the first time since 1980. During the final, he made 41 saves and recorded an assist on the game-winning goal. His performance earned him the nickname 'The Secretary of Defense' and the recognition of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.