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Nelson's Olympic legacy: 5th family member scores twice
13 Feb
Summary
- Brock Nelson is the fifth family member to play for the U.S. at the Olympics.
- Nelson scored two goals in his Olympic debut on Thursday.
- He comes from a hockey family with Olympic and NHL experience.
Brock Nelson is upholding an impressive family legacy at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He is the fifth member of his family to compete for the U.S. hockey team, following relatives who participated in the 1956, 1960, and 1980 Games.
Nelson wasted no time making his mark in his Olympic debut on Thursday, February 12, 2026. He scored two goals in the U.S.'s decisive 5-1 win against Latvia. His performance highlights his valuable two-way play and scoring prowess, skills honed over a decade in the NHL with the New York Islanders and currently with the Colorado Avalanche.
Coach Mike Sullivan praised Nelson's "complete game," noting his maturity, defensive conscience, and versatility. Linemate Jack Hughes, who assisted on both of Nelson's goals, emphasized that this stage was another big one for a player already renowned in the league. Nelson's NHL career boasts over 636 points in nearly 1,000 regular-season games.
The U.S. team, showcasing its depth, utilizes Nelson on a skilled fourth line alongside Hughes and J.T. Miller. Despite this depth, Nelson's ability to contribute offensively, as evidenced by his two goals in under 14 minutes of ice time, is crucial. The team's upcoming preliminary games are against Denmark and Germany.
