Grosse Pointe native shines in 4 Nations Face-Off

GROSSE POINTES — The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament final between Canada and the United States of America Feb. 20 was one of the most-watched hockey games ever, and in the thick of it all was Grosse Pointe North High School alumnus Zach Werenski.

Werenski has made a name for himself with the Columbus Blue Jackets over his nine-year NHL career. He’s not only been one of the better defensemen in the league, but he’s also an alternate captain for the playoff-contending Blue Jackets and was chosen to be a part of Team USA in this year’s 4 Nations Face-Off.

“I’ve been fortunate in my hockey career and it’s taken me to this point,” Werenski said. “You can never really imagine that you’re actually going to play for Team USA and play in an event like this. … It was an incredible experience for me.”

Going into the tournament, which consisted of four national teams — Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States — there was speculation on if the event would be successful. The tournament was replacing the NHL All-Star Game, which had become an unattractive game in the opinions of many due to its lack of intensity, defense and checking.

“I knew hockey fans would watch it, but I guess I didn’t realize how many other people it would reach,” Werenski said. “We were all just taken aback by how much this tournament traveled worldwide. … The media tripled.”

According to ESPN, the tournament finale between Canada and the U.S. was watched by more than 10 million viewers, which was the most for a non-Stanley Cup hockey game in more than a decade. And in the middle of it all was Werenski, who not only made a name for himself on the national stage, but ended up leading the entire tournament in points with 6. He had more points than players including Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, who have all won the NHL’s Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s most valuable player in their careers.

“There’s no denying that I noticed it,” Werenski said. “I’m on social media. … The follows and the likes and the direct messages and just seeing your name from prominent sports writers … I really don’t care about it. That’s not why I do it, but it is cool.”

Someone who undeniably noticed the attention Werenski and Team USA received was Zach’s father, Ken Werenski.

“As a parent, to see your kid grow and achieve his goals … I’m fortunate I get to experience it with him,” Ken Werenski said. “It’s nice to see him go down the list of his bucket list and knock things off that he wants to achieve. … It gives me strength.”

Ken Werenski is the director of the Grosse Pointe Shores Public Safety Department and has worked in the community for more than 30 years. Seeing the impact of someone from the area thrive on the biggest stage is not lost on him or his family.

“It is pretty special. I work in the community too, and I see it,” Ken Werenski said. “I could be at the gas station or the bank and somebody will stop me (and talk about Zach). ... It’s really nice that everyone in the community follows (him).”

Zach Werenski graduated from Grosse Pointe North High School and played at the University of Michigan before being drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft. And he’s always keeping an eye on the hockey landscape back home.

“I’m a Grosse Pointer through and through,” Zach Werenski said. “Me and my fiancee love it there. It’s always fun going back there and seeing the young hockey players. … It’s all kind of coming full circle now.”

His family was able to be at the entire tournament to support him in games at Montreal and Boston. Having his family there was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“They’re the main reason I was even on that stage,” Zach Werenski said. “To have them enjoy the experience with me, that’s what it’s all about.”

Next for him is a playoff push for the Columbus Blue Jackets, which is scheduled to include a Stadium Series outdoor game at Ohio Stadium against the Detroit Red Wings on March 1. That is another game with plenty of ‘full circle moments’ for Werenski.

“I’m fortunate to be a part of it. It couldn’t have worked out better that it’s against the Red Wings,” Werenski said. “They’re playoff games essentially.”

And soon, all eyes will shift to the Winter Olympics that will be held in 2026. Werenski showed he was one of the best players on the ice this year, and he will be eyeing a roster spot on the Olympic team next winter.

“I don’t know what in my hockey career will ever top (the 4 Nations Face-Off),” Werenski said. “Maybe the Olympics or maybe a Stanley Cup one day … but I’m just very grateful for it.”