Zach Werenski Biography

Zachary Kenneth Werenski, born July 19, 1997, is an American professional ice hockey defenseman and alternate captain for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the NHL. Selected eighth overall by Columbus in the 2015 NHL entry draft, he has become one of the most accomplished players in franchise history. In June 2026, Werenski was honored as a co-recipient of the Excellence in Sports Award from the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in Troy, Michigan. After being drafted, he joined the Lake Erie Monsters and helped them win the 2016 Calder Cup championship. Over the following decade, he established himself as one of the league's premier offensive defensemen, earning multiple NHL All-Star selections. Werenski participated in the 2009 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Detroit Belle Tire minor ice hockey team. Following an outstanding rookie season, he was named to both the 2014–15 Big Ten All-Freshman Team and the All-Big Ten First Team.