Start 2026 Strong — Subscribe and get access to 1000+ articles for less than $1/week Subscribe Now →
Subscribe
Elvis Merzlikins Columbus Blue Jackets goalie interview video thumbnail split screen with goalie in full equipment

InGoal Radio Episode 94 Video Interview with Elvis Merzļikins

David Hutchison | | 1 min read
Key Takeaways
  • Merzļikins didn't record his first NHL win until December 29, then went 12-2-0 with five shutouts and a .953 save percentage to close his rookie season.
  • He transitioned directly from the Swiss League to the NHL, making his mental resilience through a difficult early stretch especially notable.
  • Merzļikins describes working out at an intensity that left him physically sick, reflecting his extreme commitment to conditioning.
  • His evolving mental approach was a central theme, including how he managed adversity during his winless opening stretch with Columbus.
  • Specific goalie coaches and their lessons played a key role in developing Merzļikins into the goaltender who dominated in the season's second half.

This week for our Premium Members only, we are publishing the video of our podcast feature interview, presented by Sense Arena, ahead of the regular podcast publication.

Elvis Merzļikins is coming off a remarkable rookie season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but it didn’t start that way.
 
After going straight to the NHL from the Swiss League, Merzļikins didn’t win his first game with the Blue Jackets until Dec. 29, then finished with a 12-2-0 flourish that included five shutouts and a .953 save percentage. Back on the ice in Switzerland last week for the first time since a groin injury ended his NHL playoffs prematurely on Aug. 7, Merzļikins spent close to an hour last week on a Zoom call with the InGoal Radio Podcast discussing that roller coaster rookie season.
 
Merzļikins agreed to share video from that lengthy chat with InGoal Premium Members, allowing us to better capture the emotion, animation and passion of the exciting — and sometimes excitable — Latvian star. With a wide variety of topics ranging from working out hard enough to throw up, to his evolving mental approach and how it was tested during that tough start last season, and the goalie coaches and lessons that helped evolve his game, there’s something for every goalie. Enjoy:  
INGOAL
Unlock the rest of this premium breakdown

Join thousands of goalies, parents, and coaches who train smarter with InGoal.

15+ years as the #1 goaltending resource

$49.99
CAD / YEAR · ≈ $35 USD
Less than a few skate sharpenings
See Membership Options
Save