Boston - A Gold Medal Whirlwind for Zach Werenski
Zach Werenski's recent journey reads like a sports fan's dream itinerary: Milan, Miami, and even the White House. Despite the whirlwind, the gold-medal-winning defenseman was the first Columbus Blue Jackets player to hit the ice for Thursday's morning skate. As the Blue Jackets gear up to face the Boston Bruins, Werenski assures fans he's "ready to go."
Reflecting on his recent experiences, Werenski shared, “Getting out there with the guys, watching video … my mindset definitely got back into game mode. I understand where we’re at in the standings and who we’re playing, so it’s not hard to get up for this game tonight.”
Fresh from his Olympic glory, Werenski's energy is palpable, even as he juggles the emotions of a historic win. His assist on Jack Hughes’ overtime “golden goal” against Canada was a moment for the ages, sparking celebrations that spanned continents. The festivities took him from the Olympic Village to Miami and then to the Oval Office, where he met President Donald Trump and attended the State of the Union address.
Werenski describes the experience as surreal. “I can remember exactly what happened in the moment (on Hughes’ goal),” he said.
“And then after it went in, it was just … black. It felt better than I ever could have imagined.”
A poignant moment came post-victory as Team USA honored the late Johnny Gaudreau. Werenski and teammates carried Gaudreau’s jersey around the rink, a tribute to their fallen friend. Werenski and Dylan Larkin brought Gaudreau’s children onto the ice, creating a powerful image that will resonate for generations.
“It was incredible,” Werenski reflected. “We had a lot of pride playing for him.
That’s what it’s all about. He touched a lot of people, and we wanted to do something special for (the Gaudreaus).”
The Olympic experience also forged new friendships for Werenski, who shared the opening ceremonies with Boston's Jeremy Swayman and Charlie McAvoy, and Dallas’ Jake Oettinger. Now, just days later, he faces Swayman and McAvoy as opponents at TD Garden.
“He’s a big boy,” Werenski joked about McAvoy. “I don’t know, I mean, it’s probably going to be the other way around, if anything.”
Werenski also addressed a recent controversy involving Team USA’s postgame laughter following Trump's remarks about inviting the women’s team to the State of the Union. “Incredible group of women.
We got to know them extremely well in the village. No one was bigger supporters of them than us.”
While he hasn’t yet contacted the women’s players, Werenski expressed his support and offered an apology for any misunderstanding. “I just apologize for the way it looks, but I think deep down they know how much support we have for them.”
As Werenski transitions back to NHL action, his Olympic memories will undoubtedly fuel his drive on the ice. The Blue Jackets are counting on that energy as they chase their playoff dreams.