UMass Lowell Alum Connor Hellebuyck Gears Up for Team USA in 2026 Winter Olympics

(Photo Credit: Kevin Kirouac)

LOWELL, Mass. - The UMass Lowell hockey community is buzzing with excitement as former River Hawk standout goaltender Connor Hellebuyck prepares to represent Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.  

Hellebuyck, who carved out a remarkable collegiate career with the River Hawks before becoming one the NHL’s most elite goaltenders, is now set to bring his exceptional talent to the international stage, where he and his fellow American teammates will aim to chase down a gold medal as the men’s hockey games officially kick off on February 11th.  

The Commerce Township, Michigan, native is the reigning Hart Memorial Trophy winner as the NHL’s most valuable player and a three-time Vezina Trophy (2020, 2024, 2025) winner as the NHL’s top goaltender. Since becoming the starting goalie for the Winnipeg Jets during the 2016-17 season, Hellebuyck leads all American born netminders in wins (318) and shutouts (43), while also posting a .917 save percentage and 2.57 goals against average.  

During his time at UMass Lowell, Hellebuyck helped lead the River Hawks to consecutive Hockey East championships and an appearance in the Frozen Four in 2013. He won the Inaugural Mike Richter Award as the top goalie in NCAA Division I in 2014.  

The 2026 Winter Games, however, won’t be the first time that Hellebuyck will be representing the United States in his career. The 32-year-old suited up for last year's 4 Nations Face-Off for Team USA and has also made appearances in the IIHF World Championships in 2014, 2015, and 2017.