Columbus Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski Leads Team USA to Olympic Gold

Werenski's hustle play in overtime secures first U.S. men's hockey gold in 46 years

Feb. 23, 2026 at 6:18pm

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Columbus Blue Jackets star Zach Werenski capped off a dominant run for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, with a game-winning play in overtime to defeat Canada 2-1 and capture the first U.S. men's hockey gold medal since the 'Miracle on Ice' team in 1980.

Why it matters

Werenski's performance for Team USA over the past two years, including silver at the 4 Nations tournament, gold at the 2025 World Championships, and now Olympic gold, solidifies his status as one of the NHL's elite defensemen and a true 'Captain America' for USA Hockey.

The details

Werenski, who is in the prime of his NHL career with the Blue Jackets, played a key role throughout the Olympics, leading all U.S. skaters in combined scoring at the 4 Nations tournament and the Olympics with 13 points in 10 games. In the gold medal game against Canada, Werenski's hustle play in overtime, chasing down the puck and setting up the winning goal, capped off the U.S. victory.

  • Werenski first represented Team USA at the Under-17 World Championships in 2013-14.
  • Werenski won silver with Team USA at the 4 Nations tournament in 2025.
  • Werenski led Team USA to gold at the 2025 World Championships.
  • Werenski captured Olympic gold with Team USA on February 22, 2026.

The players

Zach Werenski

A star defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who has been a key contributor to the U.S. National Team over the past several years, culminating in an Olympic gold medal in 2026.

Auston Matthews

The captain of the U.S. men's hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Quinn Hughes

An elite offensive defenseman who played alongside Werenski for Team USA at the Olympics.

Charlie McAvoy

A Boston Bruins defenseman who played with Werenski in overtime of the gold medal game.

Jack Hughes

The younger brother of Quinn Hughes, who teamed up with Werenski for the game-winning goal in overtime.

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What they’re saying

“He doesn't force it all the time. He has that unique ability to do that, and a lot of guys, when things aren't going good, they keep forcing it. He just has that unique ability to slow it down, bring it back and make the right play, which he did a few times (against Canada).”

— Rick Bowness, Blue Jackets Head Coach (dispatch.com)

“With the guys (Canada) had out there (in OT), that's no easy feat. To make that play, and to do that in the biggest moment and biggest stage is pretty special. He's got it all, and he showed it on that specific play. It was awesome to see.”

— Charlie Coyle, Blue Jackets Center (dispatch.com)

What’s next

Werenski is expected to be a top contender for the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman when he returns to the Blue Jackets, building on his runner-up finish last season.

The takeaway

Zach Werenski's dominant performance for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics, capped by the game-winning play in overtime of the gold medal game, cements his status as one of the NHL's elite defensemen and a true 'Captain America' for USA Hockey.