Hellebuyck proud to represent USA

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This article was published 06/12/2024 (302 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

CHICAGO — Connor Hellebuyck is looking forward to his Ryan Miller moment, though he’s planning on making a key alteration to the ending.

The Winnipeg Jets goalie could barely contain his enthusiasm as spoke to reporters for the first time since being picked for Team USA for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off.

“The one that comes to mind is the gold medal game (in 2010) with Ryan Miller. He played phenomenal that entire tournament,” Hellebuyck said after the Jets’ workout at Fifth Third Bank Arena, the Chicago Blackhawks practice facility. “It was (Sidney) Crosby that scored (golden goal), five-hole.

“A moment like that is so big, I’m hopefully going to have my own moment like that — hopefully winning it — but those little milestones are what I’m going to be able to tell stories to my kids when they grow up.”

It turns out Hellebuyck was told he is on the team by Team USA general manager Bill Guerin after the Jets defeated the Minnesota Wild late last month — which was why he offered a polite “no comment” when asked about the exchange by colleague Mike McIntyre following the game during.

“I was thrilled,” said Hellebuyck. “I found out Kyle (Connor) was with me and I’m really excited to have a teammate there. It’s going to be a really fun tournament. Different style of hockey I’d imagine, but it’s going to be a good balance because a bunch of these players are coming in in mid-season form.

“It’s a great precursor for the Olympics. It’s going to be a lot of the same players and same teams. Getting to put the USA jersey on, that’s going to be a moment that I’ll remember and get to cherish. I know I have a World Championships, but this feels a little bit different. This is a little closer to Olympic time and Olympic rosters. I’m excited to figure out what’s in front of me.”

Much like Connor said, Hellebuyck wasn’t fretting over whether or not he would be named to the 23-man roster that was unveiled on Wednesday.

“I didn’t really worry a whole lot. I was just going to put the best version of myself on the ice every single day and let that process take care of itself,” said Hellebuyck. “Now it’s pen to paper and I’m going to be on the team. Now I’m looking forward to what the two weeks has to offer. It’s not just games, it’s going to be a bit of travelling, meeting players. I know a lot of players on the team. It’s a different blend of things that’s going to be really fun.”

The Jets were in positive spirits Friday, one day after ending a four-game losing streak with a 3-2 overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres that opened this stretch of three games in four days.

Hellebuyck made 28 saves as he made his 21st start of the season.

“We played a great game. Everyone was doing their job and playing the way we want to play,” said Hellebuyck. “It’s always great winning in this league. The morale, you just have more fun — around the rink, at the hotel, the travel day, it becomes less of a grind when you’re winning.”

As the Jets were able to take a collective deep breath after winning for the fourth time in the past 11 games, things haven’t been going all that smoothly for the Blackhawks, who fired head coach Luke Richardson on Thursday and have replaced him with Anders Sorensen on an interim basis.

“We’re always auditioning no matter what role we’re in,” Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said Friday. “It’s a great oportuntiy for him to show what he’s got. We’ve seen it in the American League, it’s a bigger stage now for him to show.”

Blackhaws centre Connor Bedard discussed what it was like to be going through a coaching change so early in his professional career.

“Obviously mixed up (emotions). You’re excited with Anders coming in, but I had a good relationship with Luke,” Bedard said. “He’s a really good guy and in the end it’s someone losing their job. it helps that you build relationships with those guys and it’s sad seeing him go, for sure.”

Sorensen is the first Swedish head coach in NHL history and you can expect the Blackhawks to try and come out with some additional jump as they face the Jets for the second time this season.

“Any time you’ve got a new coach, you’re trying to impress, I guess would be the word,” said Jets forward Cole Perfetti. “Everybody is going to come out there and work really hard, I think we saw that from St. Louis the other day. They’re all just working really hard.

“They have some skill and they’re a really good team. When you get that coaching change, there’s a little bit of extra desperation. Everyone kind of has a fresh start, so you have to earn what you get. I think we’re going to see that again (on Saturday).”

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

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