COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – It was announced Wednesday that Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski made the U.S. men’s national team that will compete in the 4 Nations Face Off tournament in February.

Werenski, however, found out he had made the team while on a date with his fiancée, Odette Peters, days before Thanksgiving.

According to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, Werenski and Peters were out to dinner after a Blue Jackets game, a game in which Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin, who was named general manager of Team USA, attended to scout players.

Kaplan reported that Team USA Assistant general manager Chris Kelleher suggested they tell Werenski the news live and in person.

“Should we tell him tonight?” Kelleher asked. “We won’t be able to tell many of the guys in person.”

So, Guerin summoned the couple back. “I just need you guys to pick up the check, I forgot my wallet,” Guerin joked. “His fiancée was great. She said, ‘I’ll buy your dinner if you put him on Team USA!'”

“All right, you’re buying,” Guerin said. “Because he’s in.”

It’s the fifth appearance with Team USA for Werenski, who leads the NHL in average ice time (26:06) and is tied for the most goals (8) scored by defensemen.

The NHL and its players’ association are hosting the 4 Nations Face-Off, which will feature four of the world’s hockey powerhouses – United States, Canada, Finland and Sweden.

Werenski, who played his 500th career game for the Blue Jackets on Nov. 10, is the only current player on any of the four rosters. Former Jackets forwards Gustav Nyquist and William Karlsson will play for Team Sweden, and forward Patrick Laine will suit up for Team Finland. Former Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella was named an assistant under Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Games will be played at the Bell Centre in Montreal and TD Garden in Boston between Feb. 12 and 20.