Merzlikins has skated in six World Championships, being named a Top 3 Player for Latvia three times, as well as the World Juniors and Olympics qualifiers for his home nation. The Riga native is in his seventh season with the Blue Jackets and enters having won five of his last six starts with a 2.03 GAA, .925 save percentage and one shutout in that span.
The schedule for the event is as follows, and we’ll update this page throughout the tournament with how the Blue Jackets are faring. Preliminary rounds will be televised as part of NBC Olympics coverage including streaming through Peacock.
Preliminary Round Schedule
Thursday, Feb. 12
United States (Werenski) vs. Latvia (Merzlikins), 3:10 p.m. ET (USA Network)
Saturday, Feb. 14
Latvia (Merzlikins) vs. Germany, 6:10 a.m. ET (CNBC)
United States (Werenski) vs. Denmark, 3:10 p.m. ET (USA Network)
Sunday, Feb. 15
Latvia (Merzlikins) vs. Denmark, 1:10 p.m. ET (CNBC)
United States (Werenski) vs. Germany, 3:10 p.m. ET (USA Network)
Playoff qualification for seeds five through 12 are set for Tuesday, Feb. 17, with quarterfinals Wednesday, Feb. 18, semifinals Friday, Feb. 20, the bronze medal game Saturday, Feb. 21, and the gold medal game Sunday, Feb. 22.