Connor Hellebuyck is an American professional ice hockey goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Born on May 19, 1993, in Commerce Township, Michigan, he stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and catches left-handed.
Drafted by the Jets in the fifth round, 130th overall, in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Hellebuyck has established himself as one of the premier goaltenders in the league.
Siblings
Connor’s older brother Chris, who is about 14 months his senior, also played hockey as a center through college and junior levels before transitioning into business, where he customizes gaming electronics.
Their younger sister Brittany pursued a path in biomedical engineering.
Their parents, Chuck and Erin Hellebuyck, emphasized a normal childhood over intense elite hockey specialization, allowing the siblings space to develop naturally while supporting their individual passions.
Career
Hellebuyck played high school hockey at Walled Lake Northern before spending a standout junior season with the Odessa Jackalopes of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).
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This led to a scholarship at UMass Lowell, where he excelled over two seasons, posting exceptional save percentages and helping the River Hawks win back-to-back Hockey East titles.
He earned the inaugural Mike Richter Award as the top NCAA goaltender in 2014 and set program records before turning pro.
After signing with the Jets in 2014, Hellebuyck developed in the American Hockey League with the St. John’s IceCaps and later the Manitoba Moose, often sharing or battling for the net with Eric Comrie.
He made his NHL debut in 2015 and gradually took on a larger role.
By the 2017-18 season, he had emerged as the clear starter, leading the Jets deep into the playoffs and setting franchise records.
His career has been marked by durability and peak performance, including multiple All-Star selections and record-breaking campaigns with the Jets.
Hellebuyck has remained loyal to Winnipeg throughout his NHL tenure, signing extensions that have kept him as the team’s primary goaltender into the mid-2020s.
Accolades
Hellebuyck is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner as the NHL’s top goaltender and captured the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP in a standout season.
He has also earned the William M. Jennings Trophy twice for allowing the fewest team goals against.
In college, he received the Mike Richter Award and multiple All-Conference honors.
Internationally, he has represented the United States with distinction, including a memorable performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics where he helped secure gold.
Additional honors include multiple NHL All-Star Game selections, AHL All-Star appearances, and franchise records with the Jets for wins, shutouts, and other goaltending milestones.
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