Nelson soaking in 'unbelievable experience' with Team USA at Olympics

MILAN -- Brock Nelson had waited his entire life to continue his family’s Olympic legacy. Now, here he was in his Olympic debut, in the middle of everything.

The 34-year-old forward caused a goal to be disallowed, had his own goal disallowed and hit a goal post. But then he scored two gorgeous goals, including the game-winner in a 5-1 victory for Team USA over Team Latvia at Santagiulia Arena on Thursday in the preliminary round of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

“Pretty crazy,” Nelson said. “I mean, just an unbelievable experience, and trying to soak it all in.”

Nelson was thought to be on the bubble to make Team USA entering the NHL season. But he left no doubt that he belonged on the 25-man roster with his performance for the Colorado Avalanche.

He has 29 goals in 55 games this season, sixth among U.S.-born players and third among his American teammates.

“I don’t know who is saying [that] they weren’t sure Brock was going to be on the team,” defenseman Zach Werenski, who plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets, said. “I mean, he’s incredible. Every time we play Colorado during the regular season, he’s one of the best players on the ice.”

When Nelson hit the ice Thursday, he followed four family members who played hockey for the United States in the Olympics. Each won a medal.

His great-uncle Gordon Christian won silver in 1956. His great-uncle Roger Christian and grandfather Bill Christian won gold in 1960, and his uncle Dave Christian was part of the “Miracle on Ice” team that won gold in 1980.

“I think tonight was another big stage for him, just Olympics,” forward Jack Hughes said. “I know he’s got a lot of Olympic ties with his family. … That’s a big night for him, and we’re happy for him.”

The Americans appeared to take a 2-0 lead at 6:59 of the first period on a goal by defenseman Quinn Hughes, but after video review, the goal was disallowed. Nelson was offside.

They appeared to take a 2-1 lead at 11:35 of the first when Nelson deflected a shot into the net, but after video review, the goal was disallowed for goaltender interference by forward J.T. Miller.

And then Nelson hit the right post late in the first.

“You never really know how many looks you’re going to get, so you have that happen, and you’re like, ‘Oh, man. Maybe just not tonight,’” Nelson said. “Just try to stick with it. All the guys were positive, for sure.”

In the second period, Nelson took a pass in the slot from forward Jack Hughes and found himself alone. A left-handed shot, he went forehand to backhand before slipping the puck around Latvian goalie Elvis Merzlikins at 10:38. This time it counted, and Team USA took the lead 2-1.

Nelson made it 4-1 with 11.1 seconds left in the second, finishing a pretty passing play with Jack Hughes and forward Matthew Tkachuk.

“Every guy in the NHL knows what he’s about,” said Jack Hughes, who plays for the New Jersey Devils and used to be a Metropolitan Division rival when Nelson played for the New York Islanders. “I played him a lot in the Metro over the years. You know when you’re playing him, you’re getting a hard night.”

Jack Hughes pointed out how Nelson is 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, and can skate as a 200-foot player.

Matthew Tkachuk said Nelson embodied the sacrifice that the United States needs to be successful in this tournament. He isn’t on the power play. He’s centering the so-called fourth line between Miller and Hughes, killing penalties and taking key face-offs.

“He was awesome,” Tkachuk said. “Their line was great. He’s having a great year back in the U.S. for Colorado, and he’s brought it into this.”

Nelson said his brother brought pins and letters of encouragement from young players in his hometown of Warroad, Minnesota. He also talked about his family. His wife and kids were on the Team USA charter to Milan.

This was a special moment for all of them to savor, and this was just the first of three preliminary round games. Team USA plays Team Denmark on Saturday (3:10 p.m. ET; Peacock, USA, ICI Télé, CBC Gem, TSN) at Santagiulia Arena.

After that is single elimination and the chance to join his great-uncles, grandfather and uncle as an Olympic medalist.

“I feel great,” Nelson said. “I still love playing, love the game. I think having kids over the years -- we’ve got four of them -- that keeps me young, and they love the game, so to share it with my wife and kids like that I think just continues to give me motivation to keep going out there.”