Blue Line Strikes Back

MILAN – Zach Werenski recalls supporting Team USA during the Olympics as a child in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, but he attributes a different phase of his life to truly understanding what it signifies – and what it requires – to don the USA emblem on his jersey. 

“I developed a passion for representing USA Hockey at the NTDP,” Werenski stated during the U.S. Olympic Orientation Camp in August, which featured a meeting with this year’s current group of athletes at the National Team Development Program. “From an early age, it becomes ingrained in you how significant it is, how special it is to wear that jersey and to never take it for granted. Whether it's World Juniors or World Championships, the 4 Nations, I have always enjoyed playing for USA Hockey.

“It is essential to play hockey for your country.”

Werenski initiated the scoring for the U.S. on Sunday night in the team’s 5-1 triumph over Germany to secure Group C at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, netting a goal with 8.7 seconds left in the first period, marking the start of an impressive evening for the team’s defensemen. 

“Great play by Auston (Matthews) there,” Werenski remarked. “He provided me some time, and I definitely felt good seeing it go in the net. Obviously, you dream of playing in an Olympics, and scoring a goal in one is quite special. 

“Today was our best 60 minutes, without a doubt,” Werenski noted. “We’ve had good moments throughout the tournament. Good periods, but today was our most consistent.” 

A defenseman either scored or assisted on every goal for the U.S. against Germany.

“I think we just know we have it,” Werenski expressed. “We know we can certainly produce. You look at the players in the NHL and the seasons they're having. Many players are enjoying great seasons with their production. And I believe if you just play the game correctly, the offense will come naturally. You're going to get it at some point, and I feel like that's what we accomplished tonight.”

Werenski ranks second in goals (20) among NHL defensemen ahead of the Olympic break and second in points (62). He led all players at the 4 Nations Face-Off in assists and points (0-6—6) and became the first defenseman in NHL International Tournament history (including OLY, WC, WJC, WCH/4N) to lead all players outright in points.

The Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman recognizes that any of Team USA’s blueliners can influence the game in various aspects.

“You look down the list of defensemen on the team, and everyone is capable of doing everything, whether it’s power play, penalty kill, or five-on-five situations,” Werenski stated. “It’s a truly special and unique group. I feel like it’s probably the deepest defensive core the U.S. has ever had, and I’m just honored to be a part of it.”

One of Werenski’s teammates at the NTDP in 2013-14 was Matthews. The captain of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team extended the U.S. lead to 2-0 when he scored off a rebound 3:25 into the second period from a Quinn Hughes shot during the power play. This was the first of two goals from Matthews. 

“It is a significant honor to wear this jersey and represent your country, to witness all the support, USA flags, and chants, and my family is here as well. It has been a truly special experience,” Matthews remarked.

Seventeen of the 25 players on the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team have played for the NTDP on their developmental journey to the NHL.  

This includes Hughes, whose four assists are the highest among defensemen at the Olympics through pool play. 

“We are striving to be as close a team as possible and enjoying the experience,” Werenski mentioned earlier in the week at the Starbucks Winter House. “I feel like in a short tournament like this, the closest teams have the best chance of winning, and I believe we're already a pretty close team, which brings us together even more.”

“We are not just playing for our country. We want to represent our country well and return home with a gold medal.”

Brock Faber, who played for the NTDP five years after Werenski and Matthews, increased the U.S. lead to 3-0 with 2:25 left in the second period. 

Werenski’s defensive partner, Jake Sanderson, later assisted on both of the United States’ goals from Matthews and Tage Thompson in the third period as the U.S. pulled away from Germany. Sanderson also played with Faber at the NTDP.

“We keep improving with every game, building more chemistry as well,” Sanderson stated. “(Germany) is a really good team with a lot of skill, and I thought we checked really well.”

Werenski and Sanderson have been developing as a defensive pairing after first playing together last year at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

“It's been fantastic, and I played with him last year at the 4 Nations for a bit,” Werenski said. “He’s just so quick to close plays and maintain gaps. He’s really easy to read off, and I really enjoy playing with him.”

Sanderson added, “He's so talented. He's incredibly fast. He just commands the puck. Such a good skater, and he transitions the puck really well. So yes, he’s an exceptional player. 

Werenski contributed to the U.S. ending a 92-year gold medal drought at the IIHF Men’s World Championship eight months ago. 

Now he and the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team await their quarterfinal opponent (Latvia or Sweden) on Wednesday at 3:10 p.m. (NBC | Peacock) as the U.S. continues its quest for its first gold medal in men’s ice hockey since 1980.

“I feel like we’ve elevated our game with each match, and we are likely in the best position we’ve been in throughout the tournament, so I think we feel confident,” Werenski concluded.

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