The Winter Olympics return February 6–22 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, and several athletes with ties to Columbus will be competing on the world’s biggest stage. From Blue Jackets standouts to current and former Buckeyes, here are some local connections to cheer for during the Games.
Zach Werenski – Columbus Blue Jackets | Defenseman
The Blue Jackets star is aiming for gold after earning his first Olympic selection as part of Team USA’s 25-player roster. Werenski has been with Columbus since 2016 and is one of the faces of the franchise, appearing in more than 600 games while averaging among the league’s highest minutes on ice. He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2017, the NHL First All-Star Team in 2025, and has appeared in two NHL All-Star Games. Team USA opens play against Latvia on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 3:10 p.m. ET.
Elvis Merzlikins as the Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender. | Photo via Elvis Merzlikins' Instagram
Elvis Merzlikins – Columbus Blue Jackets | Goaltender
Merzlikins will represent Latvia in his Olympic debut, adding another milestone to his Blue Jackets career. The goaltender has been with Columbus since 2019 and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2020. He currently ranks third in franchise history in wins by a goaltender. Fans will get a unique matchup on Thursday, Feb. 12, when Merzlikins and Team Latvia face Werenski and Team USA.
Cayla Barnes – Former Ohio State Women’s Ice Hockey | Defense
Barnes will make her Olympic debut with Team USA after spending the 2023–24 season with Ohio State. She appeared in every game for the Buckeyes and recorded an assist on the championship-winning goal as the team captured the 2024 national title. Team USA will play its first preliminary game against Czechia on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 10:40 a.m. ET.
Hannah Bilka celebrates Ohio State's 2024 National Championship. | Photo via Hannah Bilka's Instagram
Hannah Bilka – Former Ohio State Women’s Ice Hockey | Forward
Bilka will represent Team USA for the first time alongside former Ohio State teammates Cayla Barnes and Joy Dunne. During the Buckeyes’ 2023–24 national championship season, she led the team in scoring with 26 assists and 22 goals.
Joy Dunne – Ohio State Women’s Ice Hockey | Forward
A junior forward at Ohio State, Dunne joins former Buckeyes Barnes and Bilka on Team USA. She led the Buckeyes in her sophomore season with 29 goals and 33 assists, totaling a program-record 62 points and establishing herself as one of the program’s top offensive threats.
Sanni Vanhanen – Ohio State Women’s Ice Hockey | Forward
Though only a freshman, Vanhanen is headed to her second Olympic Games, representing Team Finland. The OSU forward will face off against several former Buckeyes when Finland takes on Team USA on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 10:40 a.m. ET, adding another local storyline to the international matchup.
Sophie Jaques was on the 2022 National Championship team. | Photo via Sophie Jaques' Instagram
More Buckeyes on the Olympic Stage
Beyond Team USA and Finland, additional current and former Ohio State women’s ice hockey players will compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics representing other nations.
Canada: Former Buckeyes Jenn Gardiner, Sophie Jaques, Emma Maltais, and Natalie Spooner will represent Team Canada. Canada will face Team USA in preliminary play on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 2:10 p.m. ET.
Sweden: Mira Jungåker (sophomore), Jenna Raunio (freshman), and Hilda Svensson (freshman) will skate for Team Sweden, giving Ohio State three current players on Sweden’s Olympic roster. Sweden does not face Team USA in preliminary play.
Switzerland: Former Buckeye goaltender Andrea Braendli will represent Switzerland. Switzerland will take on Team USA on Monday, Feb. 9 at 2:40 p.m. ET.
Together, they give Ohio State one of the strongest collegiate representations in women’s hockey at the Winter Olympics.
