Brock Nelson eyes Olympic opener as chance to extend Christian family’s golden legacy

Brock Nelson will skate into his first Olympic game on Thursday with more than a nation on his shoulders. The 34-year-old center carries generations of family history — and a chance to add another chapter — when Team USA faces Latvia at Santagiulia Arena at 3:10 p.m. ET.

A family tree built on Olympic medals

Nelson’s hockey lineage is stitched into the fabric of American Olympic lore. His grandfather, Bill Christian, and great-uncle, Roger Christian, won gold in 1960. His uncle, Dave Christian, helped author the Miracle on Ice in 1980. Another great-uncle, Gordon Christian, earned silver in 1956 in Cortina d’Ampezzo — one of this year’s co-host cities. If the United States reaches the top step again, Nelson would become the fourth member of his family to medal, and the third to earn gold.

“You know, it’s incredible,” Dave Christian said this week, reflecting on the family’s return to Olympic ice with Milan and Cortina serving as hosts. “In some ways it’s come full circle. We’re just so excited for Brock … for him to have his moment and enjoy and have the experience in his own way.”

Emotional messages from home set the tone

When Nelson arrived at the athletes’ village, a package was waiting: handwritten cards from family members, including his grandfather and uncle. The gesture hit home for a player who has drawn motivation from the stories — and standards — set by those who wore the crest before him.

“Special for sure,” Nelson said. “I had a couple letters from family members: grandfather, uncle, my wife, all my family members sent messages. But to have that connection with them and what they’ve accomplished before me, it means a lot for sure.”

The emotions aren’t new. Nelson said he called his grandfather when he made last year’s 4 Nations team and again when he learned he’d be an Olympian, and the conversations were filled with tears and pride. “Pretty similar conversation,” he said of the latest call. “He’s been my biggest fan and supporter from when I was just a little boy. I remember skating with him on the river back home and at the rink in Warroad. I had half days in kindergarten, and he would take me up there and we would skate, just kind of learning and loving the game.”

Veteran center arrives in form — and with defined responsibilities

Nelson’s path to Milan has been fueled by a surge in production. After a slow start with Colorado this season, he erupted last month with 12 goals and 18 points in 14 games, entering the Olympic break at 29 goals and pushing toward a 40-goal pace. His reputation as a streak scorer fits neatly into a short-tournament format where bursts of offense can swing medal hopes.

For the United States, Nelson’s role mirrors his responsibilities at the 4 Nations event: a reliable, two-way center who can elevate linemates, win draws, and finish when chances arise. He offers lineup flexibility — trusted on the power play for his quick release and in late-game defensive situations for his reads and reach down the middle.

Full-circle stage in Cortina country

The geography of these Games adds another layer. With men’s hockey staged in Milan and Cortina, Nelson finds himself chasing gold on the same Italian ice that once spotlighted his great-uncle’s silver in 1956. The resonance isn’t lost on the family or the player. “Any time you get to represent the country it’s an incredible honor,” Nelson said. “To think about, obviously, at the Olympics, too, it’s pretty special to have that chance. It gives me a lot of chills and goose bumps and emotions.”

Those sentiments have been reinforced by days in the village, sessions with new teammates, and the energy of packed arenas around the tournament. The immersion — gear, schedules, team events, and a campus of athletes — has made the experience feel real, and immediate.

What to watch vs. Latvia

The opening assignment arrives Thursday at 3:10 p.m. ET against Latvia at Santagiulia Arena, a test of patience and structure against a disciplined opponent. Expect Nelson to be leaned on at even strength for matchup duty and in offensive-zone situations to exploit his release off the half-wall. Faceoffs and net-front presence — staples of his NHL game — could be early swing factors as the United States settles into tournament rhythm.

As the puck drops, the stakes extend beyond standings and seedings. For Nelson, a strong start would resonate from Milan back to Warroad and through generations of Christians who shaped U.S. Olympic hockey history. The opportunity now is his: to carve a new memory on a familiar family stage, and to bring the United States one step closer to its first men’s hockey gold since his uncle’s unforgettable run.

Sources consulted: NHL.com, New York Post, Mile High Sports