There’s nothing like experiencing something as a family.
As it turns out, Team USA men’s hockey player Brock Nelson is hoping to do something two of his family members have already done.
His grandfather won a gold medal on the 1960 U.S. team.
His uncle was on the Miracle On Ice team that won in 1980 in Lake Placid.
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And now here’s Nelson in 2026, the center from the Colorado Avalanche trying to be part of the third United States team to win a gold medal.
His grandfather was Bill Christian.
His uncle, Dave Christian.
They wore Nos. 6 and 23, respectively, which add up to Nelson’s 29 at this tournament.
Brock Nelson playing in the Olympics wearing 29. His grandfather was on the 1960 gold team, his uncle was on the 1980 gold team.
Bill Christian # 6
Dave Christian # 236+23 = Brock Nelson 29
What a story. What a family. Warroad.
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
— Frankie Borrelli (@FrankieBorrelli) February 12, 2026
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At the moment, Nelson has opened the tournament as a fourth-line center for Team USA.
But he’s been heavily involved in the action in Thursday’s opener against Latvia, including scoring the United States’ second goal.
His family is certainly proud. He’s trying to join them in the gold medal club.
