The men’s hockey competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics is underway, and this year’s Games feature the most National Hockey League players since the 2014 Games in Sochi, including two from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins and defenseman Zach Werenski are both on the Olympic stage, with Merzlikins representing Latvia and Werenski playing for Team USA. The two have played seven seasons together in Columbus, but they are set to face each other in Milan when the United States plays Latvia in the first preliminary game of Group C.

ABC 6’s Kellyanne Stitts asked whether there would be any trash talk between the longtime teammates turned opponents before they left for Milan, Werenski said, “I stay away (from trash talk). Maybe with him. I trash talk him at practice, so maybe a little bit with him”

Merzlikins said the chirping had already started. “It’s fun I already started chirping him in practice. I wish him all the best, but we want to win. it’s going to be a particular game, and I am looking forward to it,” Merzlikins said.

Team USA enters the tournament with a roster filled with star power and chemistry, returning all but three players from the Four Nations Face Off team. “I think guys know the role, know how we have to play. I think it’s just being very selfless and understanding that there’s a lot of great players in whatever role you’re given just doing to the best of your ability,” Werenski said.

For Merzlikins, the Olympics also bring a reunion with players he has known since youth leagues in Latvia. He described the Latvian group as close-knit and proud.

“It’s always awesome to be together. We have many stories together. A few of them did Olympics together, for me it’s the first time. It’s something I’ve waited my whole career for, so this is really important moment for me,” Merzlikins said.

Both teams are chasing gold. Team USA is looking for its first Olympic gold medal since 1980, and Werenski said the team is aiming to create its own lasting moments.

“You look back at all the Olympics and there’s memorable moments from each Olympics…. and now it’s just trying to create some of those memories for ourselves,” Werenski said.

The United States and Latvia are scheduled to play tomorrow afternoon at 3:10.