Blue Jackets Teammates Werenski and Merzlikins to Face Off at 2026 Olympics

Zach Werenski will represent the U.S. while Elvis Merzlikins will play for Latvia in the highly anticipated matchup.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Columbus Blue Jackets teammates Zach Werenski and Elvis Merzlikins will make their Olympic debuts against each other when the United States takes on Latvia on February 12 at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Werenski, who has extensive international experience playing for Team USA, will wear the Stars and Stripes, while Merzlikins, a veteran of the Latvian national team, will represent his home country.

Why it matters

The matchup between Werenski and Merzlikins is highly anticipated, as the two players have been teammates and locker room neighbors with the Blue Jackets. Their Olympic debuts on opposing sides will add an extra layer of drama and intrigue to the game.

The details

The game between the U.S. and Latvia is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. ET on February 12 at the Milano Santagiulia Arena. It will be broadcast live on USA Network and available for streaming on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com. While Werenski is known for his scoring prowess, Merzlikins is renowned for his trash-talking during games, so the matchup could feature some verbal jabs between the two teammates.

  • The game between the U.S. and Latvia is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. ET on February 12, 2026.
  • The game will be re-aired at 11 p.m. ET on February 12, 2026.

The players

Zach Werenski

A defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Werenski has extensive international experience playing for Team USA, including leading all scorers at the NHL's first 4 Nations Face-Off last February and helping the U.S. win its first men's world championship since 1933 in May 2025.

Elvis Merzlikins

A goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Merzlikins has played for the Latvian national team in six world championships, an Olympic qualifying tournament, and three world junior championships.

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What’s next

The game between the U.S. and Latvia is the first of many highly anticipated matchups at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.

The takeaway

The matchup between Blue Jackets teammates Zach Werenski and Elvis Merzlikins at the 2026 Olympics will be a must-watch event, as the two players' competitive nature and history as teammates is sure to add an extra layer of drama and excitement to the game.