Pete Hegseth, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense and Fox News contributor, endorsed a social media post calling American goaltender Connor Hellebuyck the "Secretary of Defense" following Team USA's overtime victory over Canada in the men's ice hockey gold medal game at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.[1][2]

The final took place on February 22, 2026, at the Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy.[3][4]

Hellebuyck, 32, the Winnipeg Jets goaltender and two-time Vezina Trophy winner (2022, 2024), was credited with 41 saves to keep the score tied 1-1 through regulation, according to reports. Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils scored the game-winner past Canada's Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues.[1][5]

Reports highlighted a key second-period stick save by Hellebuyck on Devon Toews of the Colorado Avalanche with the score tied.[1]

Hegseth, who noted the agency's name change to Department of War last September in the post, commented: "Now we have a Secretary of War…and a Secretary of Defense!"[1] Current official records list Hegseth as nominee for Secretary of Defense with no confirmed name change for the department.[2]

The victory is Team USA's first men's Olympic ice hockey gold since 1960, when they defeated Canada 2-1 in Squaw Valley.[6][7]

NHL players are participating in the 2026 Olympics for the first time since 2014.[3]

Sources

1. Fox News Digital, "CONNOR HELLEBUYCK'S MIRACLE STICK SAVE HELPED TEAM USA CAPTURE FIRST HOCKEY GOLD SINCE 1980 AT OLYMPICS", Scott Thompson, undated (draft content), https://www.foxnews.com/sports
2. Fox News, "Trump picks Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense", 14 November 2024, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-expected-announce-pete-hegseth-defense-secretary
3. Olympics.com, "Milano Cortina 2026: Ice hockey schedule", accessed December 2024, https://www.olympics.com/en/olympic-games/milano-cortina-2026/schedule/ice-hockey
4. Olympics.com, "Milano Cortina 2026 venues", accessed December 2024, https://www.olympics.com/en/news/milano-cortina-2026-new-venues-construction
5. NHL.com, "Connor Hellebuyck profile", accessed December 2024, https://www.nhl.com/jets/player/connor-hellebuyck-8477934