In a landmark moment for USA Hockey, Zach Werenski and his teammates achieved what had eluded NHL players since they first competed in the Olympics back in 1998. Sunday’s victory over Canada wasn’t just a win; it was the culmination of years of dedication and strategic planning, marking a new era for the U.S. national team.
Reflecting on the journey, Werenski, hailing from Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, has emerged as one of the premier defensemen in the game. His impressive performance, including finishing second in Norris Trophy voting and tallying 18 points with a plus-20 rating in 17 games for Team USA over the last year, underscores his critical role in this historic triumph.
The timing seemed almost destined. Sunday, February 22, coincided with the 46th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice and celebrated Johnny Gaudreau’s son’s second birthday.
The tournament was a tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, with their family present in Milan and a No. 13 jersey hanging in the locker room. After the victory, Werenski, alongside Matthew Tkachuk and Auston Matthews, honored Gaudreau by skating his jersey around the ice and including his children in the postgame celebration.
Werenski expressed the deep sense of pride and connection the team felt. “Seeing his jersey every day, playing with that kind of pride, and having his family there-it was one of my favorite moments,” he shared. The emotional connection extended beyond the ice, as Werenski’s own family, including over 20 friends and relatives, joined him in Italy to witness this monumental achievement.
The whirlwind continued as Team USA celebrated in Milan, followed by a welcome home event in Miami and a visit to the White House. Despite the hectic schedule, Werenski was eager to return to his NHL duties, telling head coach Rick Bowness he was ready to play against the Bruins.
This gold medal isn’t just a personal milestone for Werenski; it’s a testament to the enduring bonds formed with his teammates and a story he’ll share for years. “There’s gonna be hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of kids that want to be Jack Hughes,” Werenski remarked.
“Someone has to pass it to him, and that was me. It’s a full team effort, and I’m incredibly proud of the whole group.”
Werenski’s role in this historic moment is etched in the annals of American sports, inspiring future generations and cementing his legacy as part of a team that achieved the extraordinary.