NEWSPAPERS n o i t i d E l a i c e Sp
MARCH 12, 2025 candgnews.com
Macomb County and Grosse Pointe papers
WERENSKI SHINES IN 4 NATIONS FACE-OFF
Zach Werenski warms up in Montreal for Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off Photo provided by USA Hockey
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
GROSSE POINTES — The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament final between Canada and the United States of America Feb. 20 was one of the most-watched hockey games ever, and in the thick of it all was Grosse Pointe North High School alumnus Zach Werenski. Werenski has made a name for himself with the Columbus Blue Jackets over his nine-year NHL career. He’s not only been one of the better defensemen in the league, but he’s also an alternate captain for the playoff-contending Blue Jackets and was chosen to be a part of Team USA in this year’s 4 Nations Face-Off. “I’ve been fortunate in my hockey career and it’s taken me to this point,” Werenski said. “You can never really imagine that you’re actually going to play for Team USA and play in an event like this. … It was an incredible experience for me.” See WERENSKI on page 5A
STERLING HEIGHTS GROUP HELPS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — A form of modern-day slavery, human trafficking ensnares people from all walks of life. Sadly, their hardships aren’t over once they’re free. That’s where groups like True North to Freedom make a difference. The Sterling Heights nonprofit helps survivors rebuild their lives. This can mean overcoming trauma, finding work and shelter, and staying sober — drugs being one way that traffickers control their victims. TNTF helps survivors turn things around by offering counseling and other services, as well as limited financial support. Officials say the odds are stacked against survivors. “There’s a lack of understanding of human trafficking. Not knowing what to look for allows this crime See GROUP on page 6A
Heidi Wilt, the executive director of True North to Freedom, assists survivors of human trafficking with resources like counseling, applying for government assistance, searching for jobs, limited financial and physical support with accountability; and more. Photo provided by True North to Freedom