Two Winnipeg Jets stars were at the other sides of the border Tuesday ahead of the team’s first game back from the Olympic break.
Kyle Connor returned to the Jets as a substitute of joining his U.S. men’s hockey teammates on the White House, while goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stayed stateside and attended U.S. President Donald Trump’s state of the union address that night.
Trump announced that Hellebuyck, who stopped 41 shots within the 2-1 gold-medal victory against Canada Sunday, will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honour.
Hellebuyck, whose 41 saves included a vital desperation paddle stop on defenceman Devon Toews, tapped his heart as those within the chamber applauded.
“Watching him have the sport of his life was incredible,” said Connor, who only played two games through the Winter Olympics.
“He was unbelievable, and being an element of it was an experience I’ll always remember.”
The 29-year-old forward told reporters after practice that he “just desired to get back,” on condition that the team plays in Vancouver against the Canucks Wednesday night.
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Head coach Scott Arniel told reporters Monday that Connor was expected to be together with his U.S. teammates Tuesday.
“It’s an enormous second half, so I desired to make certain I used to be ready,” Connor said.
“It’s a fast turnaround. Obviously, I haven’t been playing, so I desired to get a practice under me and be ready for that game.”
The U.S. men’s team chartered into Miami on a flight from Italy on Monday and dined together in Miami Beach before visiting a nightclub where a whole lot of fans clamoured to get inside.
They then made their strategy to Washington Tuesday. Videos and photos shared on social media by Trump administration aides showed the hockey players posing for a photograph in front of the South Portico. They walked along the West Wing colonnade where Trump has posted portraits of each U.S. president just steps away from the Oval Office, where they were welcomed by Trump.
As they approached the Oval Office, among the players popped into the press office’s open door to flash their medals. It was the Americans’ first gold medal in men’s hockey for the reason that “Miracle on Ice” in Lake Placid, N.Y., in 1980.
With the Olympics within the rearview mirror, the Jets must now pivot back to the truth of the NHL’s stretch run.
Winnipeg is currently 11 points out of the ultimate wild-card spot within the Western Conference. The Jets have 26 games remaining on their regular-season schedule, which can be played over a stretch of just 51 days.
Backup goalie Eric Comrie is predicted to start out Wednesday’s road game against the Canucks, with Hellebuyck slated to return to the crease on Friday when the Jets visit the Anaheim Geese.
The Jets can even be without defenceman Josh Morrissey Wednesday as he returns from Italy to be evaluated by team doctors after suffering an undisclosed injury in Canada’s opening game.
When Hellebuyck does return, the Jets are hoping his Olympic high will provide a much-needed spark for a team attempting to string together wins.
“The arrogance that he has in himself doesn’t waver,” captain Adam Lowry said Monday.
“To know his game is at an elite level on the world stage, I’d expect he can carry that over coming back to us.”
— with files from The Canadian Press and The Associated Press
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