January 1, Team USA Goalie Connor Hellebuyck Opens Up About Playing Hockey In America Versus Canada

Wyatt’s Take

• American hockey star Connor Hellebuyck traded to the New Jersey Devils after sitting out in Canada
• Star goalie praises both countries but admits Canadian hockey pressure can feel overwhelming at times
• Devils fans can expect elite goaltending that puts winning above politics and drama

Connor Hellebuyck, the three-time Vezina Trophy winner and Olympic gold medalist, has finally spoken out after being traded from the Winnipeg Jets to the New Jersey Devils.

The American goalie sat out the early part of the season waiting for a deal to get done. Now he is ready to play again in front of American fans.

“Sitting at home for so long was getting to me. For myself, I’m just really excited to play hockey again,” Hellebuyck told reporters.

“I’m joining a very skilled group. They brought me for a certain specific role. I’m really excited to fill that role, not only on the ice but off the ice as well.”

The Devils have already posted a strong 7-4-0 record this season. Adding Hellebuyck’s proven talent between the pipes could make their defense even tougher for opponents to crack.

When asked about the difference between playing in a Canadian market like Winnipeg and an American one like New Jersey, Hellebuyck gave a balanced answer.

“I mean, it’s a catch-22; some people love that,” he said about the intense hockey culture in Canada. “Sometimes you just want to be left alone. Canada loves their hockey, and I felt that to the bone, and I loved my time there, and I’ve loved the people I’ve met. Made a lot of good friends and built good relationships there.”

“So, I can’t say that one is better than the other,” he continued. “I know that I’ve enjoyed both and I’ve experienced both. It’s just one of those things that’s part of hockey culture… they love their hockey, and we love our hockey in our own way, and that should be celebrated.”

Hellebuyck will make his Devils debut soon, and the team visits Winnipeg on November 10 for what should be an emotional return to his old home arena.

Wyatt Matters

Hard-working Americans like Connor Hellebuyck show that you can succeed on your own terms without bowing to pressure or politics. His focus on family, friends, and playing the game right is what Middle America respects most in our athletes.