Zach Werenski has won the Norris Trophy, becoming the 10th defenseman in NHL history to lead his club in scoring in consecutive seasons, and then be awarded the league’s top prize as an NHL defenseman. He tied the franchise record for assists (one he already shared with Artemi Panarin) and was given the trophy in a surprise moment in front of his entire family.
Werenski believed he was showing up to a simple Father’s Day interview with the NHL, but it turned into one of the most touching scenes.
The Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman walked in expecting cameras for a casual piece about new fatherhood. Instead, his entire family — including his wife, brother, parents and close friends— stood waiting as an NHL crew revealed the James Norris Memorial Trophy.
A mort stoic personality, Werenski’s wife admitted that his reaction wasn’t likely to be as obvious as the rest of his family’s. Still, she could tell it meant everything to him. He held the silver trophy high with both hands, a wide smile breaking across his face as a childhood dream became a reality. His father fought back tears nearby and held up the trophy as well, extremely proud of his son. His mother beamed with uncontainable pride.
“It’s his dream,” his wife said of the moment. After finishing second in Norris voting the previous season, she noted he’d said in the past, you don’t get anything for second place. Werenski became the first Blue Jackets player ever to win the award as the NHL’s top defenseman. His 81-point season (second among all blueliners) capped a year of dominance, leadership, and resilience. Cale Makar came in second, with Rasmus Dahlin coming in third.
Werenski’s father noted that this wasn’t just personal validation for his son. It was validation for the long hours, the sacrifices, and the hard work he’d put in.
A backyard BBQ became the scene of one of the NHL’s more touching moments. It was a well-deserved win.
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