Blue Jackets Teammates Merzlikins and Werenski Set for Olympic Clash
A unique chapter in the careers of Columbus Blue Jackets stars Elvis Merzlikins and Zach Werenski unfolds today as they prepare to face off against each other on the international stage, representing Latvia and the United States, respectively, at the Olympic Winter Games.
The seeds of this compelling matchup were sown late on February 1st, after the Blue Jackets secured a victory in St. Louis. Following their return to Columbus, Merzlikins offered Werenski a ride home from John Glenn Columbus International Airport, sparking a conversation about the impending Olympic opportunity – an event that had suddenly become a reality for both players.
“He actually drove me home from the airport after the last road trip, so we talked pretty much the whole ride about that,” Werenski shared after practice on February 2nd. “I was just asking him questions about Latvia and hockey there and whatnot.”
The two longtime teammates will now find themselves on opposing benches when the United States and Latvia begin their Olympic journeys against one another, with a 3:10 p.m. faceoff scheduled for broadcast on USA Network. This game represents the culmination of a lifelong dream for both athletes – the chance to compete for Olympic glory while wearing their national colors.
The journey from the airport car ride to the Olympic arena in Milan has been filled with anticipation. “We were just talking about everything – the clothes, how the rooms are going to be, and all that stuff,” Merzlikins explained on February 2nd. “We are both super excited. We are looking forward to getting there and living this experience.”
Despite the competitive stakes, both players emphasized a mutual respect and a lack of pre-game trash talk. “I don’t chirp – only in practice against him,” Werenski admitted with a laugh. “I don’t like to jinx anything. But no, honestly, I hope he goes over there and has an unbelievable tournament and shows everyone how good of a goalie he is. I’m rooting for him. Obviously not against us, but I hope he plays great and he shows everyone how good of a goalie he really is on that world stage.”
This sentiment is echoed by Merzlikins, who has played alongside Werenski since joining the NHL in 2019. “He is a hell of a player,” Merzlikins stated. “He deserved to be on that national team, and I hope they are going to do good, but I can’t hope too much. I have my own team, too, and want to beat everyone. It’s possible because we have already done it once, but it’s obviously going to be hard. We don’t have those names on the team like USA or Canada, right? But we still have our character and we know how to fight.”
Werenski’s Rise with Team USA
Werenski has quickly become a key player for Team USA, demonstrating his offensive prowess by leading the scoring in last winter’s 4 Nations Face-Off. He was also recognized as the best defenseman at the World Championships last year, where the U.S. secured a gold medal – their first since 1933. His consistent performance earned him a runner-up finish in the Norris Trophy voting with the Blue Jackets last season.
Merzlikins: A Goaltending Standard for Latvia
On the Latvian side, Merzlikins carries the weight of expectation as a seasoned veteran and a symbol of the nation’s strong goaltending tradition. A six-time member of Latvia’s World Championships teams, he is widely expected to start in net today, riding a wave of momentum from winning five of his last six starts before the Olympic break. His ability to deliver a standout performance could be crucial for Latvia’s success.
Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness expressed his excitement for both players. “I’ll just watch them and hope for the best for them,” Bowness said. “They’ll represent their countries very well, and just as important, they’ll represent the Columbus Blue Jackets very well.”
Despite the high stakes, both Merzlikins and Werenski anticipate a return to a familiar dynamic once the puck drops. “I feel like once we get there and the game starts, it’ll just be another hockey game, but it definitely will be neat seeing him over there,” Werenski said. “I think it’s always cool to have teammates on other teams like that and experience it as well. It’s great for him, it’s great for the Blue Jackets. And once the game starts, it’s just hockey.”
