Imagine a team striving for Olympic gold, fueled by family legacy and personal redemption. Brock Nelson, after years of waiting, is finally getting his shot at Olympic glory, and he's not alone. But the pressure is on: the U.S. has never clinched gold without a member of his family on the roster! This is not just about hockey; it's about carrying a family's Olympic torch.
Nelson's family boasts a rich Olympic history. His grandfather, Billy Christian, and great-uncle, Roger Christian, were part of the legendary 1960 Olympic Team that secured gold in Squaw Valley, California. Further solidifying the family's Olympic pedigree, his uncle, Dave Christian, played a pivotal role in the unforgettable 1980 "Miracle on Ice" team that triumphed in Lake Placid, New York. Now, it's Brock's turn to write his chapter in the family's Olympic saga.
The NHL's decision to sit out the 2018 and 2022 Winter Games unfortunately coincided with what many considered the prime of Nelson's career. But even at 34, he's proving his mettle as one of the NHL's elite players, currently showcasing his skills with the Colorado Avalanche. His performance speaks volumes: 16 goals and 30 points in just 39 games for the Avalanche, who are currently the NHL's top team.
And Nelson isn't the only former University of North Dakota (UND) player heading to the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Joining him is former UND defenseman Jake Sanderson, who is also proudly representing Team USA. This marks Sanderson's second Olympic appearance. He previously competed in the 2022 Winter Olympics while still a sophomore at UND. But here's where it gets controversial... Sanderson's first Olympic experience wasn't exactly a fairytale. He tested positive for COVID-19 en route to Beijing, forcing him into quarantine in Los Angeles before finally making it overseas. He managed to play in one game, even recording an assist, before a shoulder injury sidelined him for the remainder of the Games. Can Sanderson overcome his past Olympic misfortunes and shine this time around?
At 23, Sanderson has become a key player for the Ottawa Senators, racking up eight goals and 28 points in 39 games. The Olympics are scheduled to take place from February 11-22 in Milan. Team USA will kick off their campaign against Latvia on February 12.
The American roster comprises 14 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goaltenders. Forwards include Nelson, Matt Boldy, Kyle Connor, Jack Eichel, Jake Guentzel, Jack Hughes, Clayton Keller, Dylan Larkin, Auston Matthews, J.T. Miller, Tage Thompson, Brady Tkachuk, Matthew Tkachuk, and Vincent Trochek. The defensive lineup features Sanderson, Brock Faber, Noah Hanifin, Quinn Hughes, Seth Jones, Charlie McAvoy, Jaccob Slavin, and Zach Werenski. The goaltenders selected are Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, and Jeremy Swayman.
Nelson's commitment to Team USA extends beyond the Olympics. He previously earned a bronze medal with the World Junior team in 2011. He has also represented the United States at the Men's World Championship on multiple occasions (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2024), securing a bronze medal in 2015. Furthermore, Nelson participated in the 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025, contributing to the team's second-place finish.
Now, Nelson will step onto international hockey's grandest stage, a place where players from Warroad, Minnesota, have historically thrived. And this is the part most people miss... The 1998 U.S. women's team stands as the only American team to capture Olympic gold without a Warroad player on their roster, highlighting the town's remarkable contribution to American hockey. Gigi Marvin was a member of the 2018 team that won silver in South Korea. T.J. Oshie delivered stellar performances at the 2014 Olympics, and Henry Boucha competed in the 1972 Winter Games.
"We’re excited about our team and congratulate everyone named today," stated U.S. general manager Bill Guerin. "It was incredibly difficult for our management group to get to the final roster, and that’s a credit to so many in our country, including all those at the grassroots level who help make our sport so strong. There’s nothing like the Olympics, and I know our players and staff will represent our country well and work hard to achieve our ultimate goal."
But the excitement doesn't stop there! Bismarck native Britta Curl-Salemme, a former college hockey player at Wisconsin, is also set to make her Olympic debut. Curl-Salemme was initially slated to join the 2022 roster but tested positive for COVID-19 en route to Beijing, preventing her from participating. She recently helped the Minnesota Frost secure the Walter Cup as PWHL champions last season and currently has 10 points in eight games for the Frost this season.
Curl-Salemma has previously represented the United States in four Women's World Championships (2021, 2023, 2024, 2025), winning gold in 2023 and 2025. She also played for Team USA at the Under-18 Championships in 2018. The American forwards include Curl-Salemme, Hanna Bilka, Alex Carpenter, Kendall Coyne-Schofield, Joy Dunne, Taylor Heise, Tessa Janecke, Hilary Knight, Abbey Murphy, Kelly Pannek, Haley Scamurra, Kirsten Simms, and Grace Zumwinkle. The defensive players are Cayla Barnes, Laila Edwards, Rory Guilday, Caroline Harvey, Megan Keller, Lee Stecklein, and Haley Winn. The goaltenders selected are Aerin Frankel, Ava McNaughton, and Gwyneth Philips.
U.S. Olympic Men's Pool Play Schedule:
* February 12: vs. Latvia
* February 14: vs. Denmark
* February 15: vs. Germany
So, what do you think? Can Brock Nelson live up to his family's Olympic legacy? Will Jake Sanderson be able to put his past Olympic struggles behind him and contribute significantly to Team USA's success? And who are you most excited to watch compete in the upcoming Winter Olympics? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
