The 2026 Winter Olympic Games are underway in Milan-Cortina, Italy, and today marks a significant moment for Columbus Blue Jackets teammates Elvis Merzlikins and Zach Werenski, who will face off as members of their respective national teams.
A Late-Night Discussion
The journey to this moment began after a Blue Jackets win in St. Louis on February 1st. Merzlikins drove Werenski home, and the two discussed the opportunity to compete in the Olympic Winter Games, an event both have long anticipated. Werenski shared he used the ride to ask Merzlikins about hockey in Latvia.
Opposing Sides
Today’s 3:10 p.m. Faceoff (USA Network) between the United States and Latvia will pit the longtime teammates against each other. Despite the competitive stakes, both players have expressed mutual respect and support. Werenski stated he hopes Merzlikins has “an unbelievable tournament” and “shows everyone how good of a goalie he is.”
A Shared Respect
Merzlikins echoed the sentiment, describing Werenski as “a hell of a player” who “deserved to be on that national team.” However, he as well emphasized his commitment to leading Latvia to victory, acknowledging that Latvia may not have the same star power as teams like the USA or Canada, but possesses strong character and a fighting spirit.
Key Players for Their Teams
Werenski is expected to be a key player for Team USA, having led last winter’s 4 Nations Face-Off in scoring and been named the best defenseman at the World Championships last year. Merzlikins, a six-time member of Latvia’s World Championships teams, is expected to start in goal for Latvia, having won five of his last six starts before the Olympic break.
Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness expressed his excitement to watch both players compete, stating they will “represent their countries very well, and just as important, they’ll represent the Columbus Blue Jackets very well.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the game between the United States and Latvia?
The game begins at 3:10 p.m. Today and will be broadcast on USA Network.
How long have Merzlikins and Werenski been teammates?
Merzlikins and Werenski have been teammates with the Columbus Blue Jackets since 2019.
What did the players say about facing each other?
Both players acknowledged the game would be competitive but expressed respect for one another. Werenski said it would be “neat” to see Merzlikins on the ice, while Merzlikins stated he wants to beat everyone, including his teammate.
As the puck drops, the focus will shift from camaraderie to competition, but the shared experience of these two Blue Jackets players at the Olympic Winter Games is sure to be a memorable one.
