SAINT PAUL, Minn. — It’s completely becoming that the Islanders’ ultimate two video games earlier than the 4 Nations Face-Off got here in Winnipeg and Minnesota.
That’s as a result of each areas supplied the proper alternative for Brock Nelson, the Islanders’ lone consultant on the event, to be despatched off by these near him.
Nelson is a local of Warroad, Minn., simply over a two-hour drive from Winnipeg, and had a cheering part at Friday night time’s loss to the Jets that included his mother and grandfather.
On Saturday towards the Wild, there have been extra family and friends in attendance.
“Anytime you get to return in entrance of them, see them, say hello, kinda share that have with them, it’s at all times enjoyable,” Nelson stated.
A visit to Minnesota is at all times a homecoming of kinds for the Islanders, with 5 completely different gamers on the staff who hail from the state.
Mike Reilly, who has been sidelined after coronary heart surgical procedure, even joined the Islanders on this journey, since he may basically hitch a experience house for the two-week break that follows Saturday’s sport.
Nelson, after all, shall be spending the following couple weeks with Crew USA, making an attempt to win hockey’s first best-on-best competitors since 2016.
“He will get to symbolize not solely the Islanders on the 4 Nations however his fellow Individuals right here on the staff,” Anders Lee stated. “It’s nice. Gonna be a enjoyable event. I’m very excited for him, he’s gonna go play some nice hockey. He’s acquired some boys behind him, cheering him on. We’re all pumped for him to play.”
Although Crew USA coach Mike Sullivan’s traces may shake out any variety of methods, it figures that Nelson will slot right into a bottom-six position and maybe be used on the penalty kill.
It will not be stunning within the least if he had been on a line with at the very least one in all Chris Kreider or Vincent Trocheck in some unspecified time in the future through the event in what can be a New York-heavy trio.
Nelson’s versatility — he can play middle or wing, and contribute on each particular groups — was a key think about his choice.
Although a pair different Islanders had been believed to be within the combine for his or her respective groups, Mathew Barzal’s early-season harm value him any probability of creating Crew Canada, as did Noah Dobson’s sluggish begin to the season.
Nelson, who had 16 targets and 17 assists heading into Saturday, discovered himself an unlikely lone consultant in consequence.
As a result of he’s within the final 12 months of his contract — and thus the article of heavy commerce hypothesis — Nelson ought to have a highlight on him all through the occasion as nicely.
Nelson has in depth household ties to USA Hockey — 4 completely different family have represented the nation on the Olympic Video games, together with three who received gold, along with his uncle Dave Christian being part of the Miracle on Ice staff — and has donned the celebs and stripes 5 occasions at World Championships and as soon as at World Juniors earlier than.
“A number of of the folks which might be in each spots [Winnipeg and Minnesota] shall be there to assist me as nicely,” Nelson stated. “I feel everyone’s excited for that. Attempting to take pleasure in it.”
Crew USA opens its event on Thursday towards Finland, with a heavyweight match towards Canada subsequent Saturday.
“It’s a very cool honor, and Brock’s the proper consultant for that,” Lee stated. “The best way he’s performed for the U.S. in world tournaments. Rising up, going to World Juniors and all that, it’s in his bloodline. Only a actually cool story and doesn’t occur to a extra deserving participant and individual. Simply pumped for Brock and his household, excited to see him play. It’ll be cool.”