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Time of India

Zach Werenski turns injury into inspiration with powerful Columbus comeback

Zach Werenski turns injury into inspiration with powerful Columbus comeback (Image Source: Getty Images) Zach Werenski has always been a blue-chip player for the Columbus Blue Jackets . But in recent years, he has become so much more than a hockey sensation. When he was injured in 2022, Zach Werenski spent his time off the ice doing something positive for his city. He partnered with the Blue Jackets Foundation to give back to the community. Today, he's giving back while playing the sport he loves. Zach Werenski transforms injury into an opportunity to assist others Zach Werenski got hurt in November 2022 while playing. Operation Sindoor PM Modi meets NSA, chiefs of armed forces amid spike in tensions with Pak India's air defence systems shoot down Pak drones in J&K, Punjab & Rajasthan Several airports in India to be closed till May 15 - check list He took a terrible fall and strained his shoulder and was not playing the rest of the season. As he rested, he couldn't help but ask himself what he could do with his off-season time in a productive way. He had recently signed an extended contract and wanted to do more for Columbus. He sat down with the Blue Jackets Foundation and developed this concept: a unique suite in Nationwide Arena where individuals experiencing difficulties could come to enjoy a game. This became the " Z-Suite ." In its opening in April 2022, over 2,000 people signed in. The Z-Suite also asks for persons like first responders, sick children, military families, and others who are experiencing hard times to come. Werenski sometimes greets the guests and hears their stories. According to him, their smiles and bravery inspire him. Zach Werenski assists families meets fans and spreads happiness through hockey Zach Werenski has done even more off the ice. He's made donations to toy drives, assisted therapy dog programs, and supported hospitals. At the 2025 Stadium Series game, he invited a young hockey fan named Hannah to practice and game day. Another young fan, Jocelyn, once fought cancer, and now she's cancer-free. Werenski says getting to know fans like them has changed the way he sees life. He concedes that growing up, he was single-minded about hockey. But once he was hurt, he found out there was enough time to be a terrific player and be involved in the community, too. He would now like to educate younger players about how they can contribute back. Columbus is more than a city to Zach Werenski, it's a family. And with each small act of kindness, he's demonstrating the power of sports to unite people and raise spirits. Also Read: "I'll Be Making A Case For Zach Werenski": Elliot Friedman Endorses Columbus Blue Jackets Defenseman For MVP