COLUMBUS, Ohio — Zach Werenski’s preparations for his inaugural Olympic appearance are proceeding exceptionally well.
The defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets, slated to compete for Team USA at the Milan Cortina Games, has registered points in seven consecutive matchups and stands as the inaugural blueliner to achieve 20 goals prior to an Olympic intermission.
Werenski accomplished this significant goal during the opening period of the Blue Jackets’ decisive 4-0 triumph over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday evening. This tally also distinguished him as the third American defenseman in National Hockey League history to record back-to-back 20-goal campaigns, joining the ranks of Phil Housley and Reed Larson.
The 28-year-old, a native of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, also holds the distinction for the highest point total by a defenseman before an Olympic break, accumulating 62 points (20 goals, 42 assists).
Mike Green previously held this record with 60 points for the Washington Capitals preceding the 2010 Vancouver Games. Green, however, was not selected for the Canadian national squad.
“I genuinely believe I’m capable of fulfilling any task requested of me,” Werenski commented, having notched two goals and eight assists across his last seven contests. “And it’s crucial in a competition of this nature, where players converge in a compressed timeframe, to embrace the responsibilities and ice time allocated. I feel prepared for whatever opportunities they present.”
During last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off, Werenski demonstrated his capacity to excel offensively and defensively, contributing six assists. This marked the initial instance in NHL-sanctioned international tournaments — which encompass the Canada Cup, World Cup of Hockey, and 4 Nations Face-Off — where a defenseman topped all skaters in both assists and overall points.
“I feel as though I’m playing some of the strongest defensive hockey I have in a considerable period, which is vital since Bones (coach Rick Bowness) arrived to refine that aspect,” Werenski articulated. “The offensive contributions are still flowing. So yes, I feel really confident about my performance.”
Werenski is scheduled to depart for Milan on Thursday and participate in Friday’s inaugural ceremonies. His decision to arrive a few days ahead was prompted by viewing the Netflix documentary “Miracle: The Boys of ’80” and learning about the Olympic experiences of those athletes.
Werenski further expressed the importance of ensuring he had no regrets about missing any part of the experience.
“Initially, I considered it might be beneficial to get some rest here, but this is a singular opportunity, and I desire to be present for it and absorb every possible experience,” Werenski remarked. “I felt that arriving a few days early would also aid in acclimating to the time zone, allowing me to rest there for a couple of days, adjust to that schedule, and simply relish all that it provides.”
Werenski is not the sole Blue Jackets player bound for Milan. Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins will represent Latvia, whose initial match is against the United States on Tuesday.
“Honestly, I hope he travels there and delivers an extraordinary tournament, showcasing to everyone his skill as a goaltender,” Werenski stated regarding Merzlikins. “I’m cheering for him. Obviously not when he’s opposing the U.S., but I hope he performs exceptionally. When we face him, it’s strictly professional, but when we’re not, I am an admirer of his.”
The Blue Jackets enter the Olympic break on a streak of seven consecutive victories and possess a 10-1 record since Bowness assumed the coaching role from Dean Evason on January 12. Columbus has ascended from the last position in the Eastern Conference to within just two points of a playoff berth.
“As enthusiastic as I am to journey to Milan and represent our nation in the Olympics, I am nearly as eager to return here and reunite with my teammates,” Werenski commented. “There’s a unique energy here, and we’ve dedicated ourselves to hard work recently, and we are now reaping the rewards.”
