(Photo courtesy of UML Athletics) “Connor Hellebuyck, who played at UMass Lowell, led Team USA to a gold medal.”
Evan Wheeler
Connector Contributor
Connor Hellebuyck, the starting goaltender for the 2026 USA Olympic Ice Hockey team, had the tournament of his life. Backing Team USA to its first gold medal since 1980, when Mike Eruzione scored the game-winning goal in the “Miracle on Ice” defeating the Soviet Union. In a hard-fought battle against another top nation in Canada, the USA managed to win the game 2-1 in overtime. But that game would not have been won if it weren’t for Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck stopped 41 of the 42 shots he faced in the matchup against a star-powered Canadian offense. He also went undefeated in the entire tournament, posting a 5-0 record. He was almost unbeatable in net with a 1.18 goals against average and a .956 save percentage, which is an Olympic record. Hellebuyck also most notably won the Hart Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s Most Valuable Player, becoming only the ninth goaltender ever to win the award. His legendary performance in the Olympic tournament and in the NHL isn’t surprising to any River Hawk fans, as Hellebuyck is known for his amazing skills as a goalie in Lowell, Mass.
Hellebuyck played two seasons for the River Hawks in their 2012-13 season and in 2013-14. He played a total of 53 games for UML and had a record of 38-12-2. In those 53 games, he racked up an amazing 12 shutouts with a 1.58 goals against average and a .946 save percentage. Outstanding numbers for a young college goalie. While playing for the River Hawks, he was awarded the inaugural Mike Richter Award in 2014 as the top goaltender in NCAA men’s hockey. He was also a Hockey East Tournament MVP in 2013 and 2014 and is the only player to win it twice. With lots of accolades in college, it was no wonder he would achieve such success beyond the NCAA.
The star goaltender also has a lot of impact on current UML students. Lots of pride and joy are coming to UMass Lowell thanks to Hellebuyck and the United States ice hockey team. Most notably, the current River Hawk hockey team is feeling the pride of the University. Current starting goalie for the Riverhawks, Austin Elliott, stated that “Seeing him win gold gives our whole team pride and makes us want to experience winning like that.” Elliot also said that he has looked up to Hellebuyck for a lot of his young career, even mentioning, “Hellebuyck is one of the reasons I came to play at Lowell.” There is no doubt that Elliott and the River Hawks are feeling proud to wear the Lowell jersey during this time, and it is a big thanks to Hellebuyck.
Hellebuyck’s rise from the Tsongas Center ice to the top of the Olympic podium is more than just a personal achievement; it is a defining moment for UMass Lowell and its hockey legacy. His gold medal performance for Team USA has etched his name into American hockey history, while reminding River Hawk fans where that dominance first took shape.
From record-setting seasons in Lowell to MVP honors in the NHL and a historic Olympic run, Hellebuyck’s career reflects excellence at every level. As celebrations continue across campus and throughout the hockey world, one thing is certain: UMass Lowell didn’t just produce a great goaltender; it helped shape an American champion.
