Brock Nelson Continues Family's Olympic Hockey Legacy

Third-generation Olympian from Warroad, Minnesota looks to add to family's gold medal collection in Milan

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Brock Nelson, a 34-year-old forward for the U.S. men's Olympic hockey team, is the latest member of his family to compete in the Olympics. His grandfather Bill Christian and great uncles Roger and Gordon Christian won gold and silver medals for the U.S. in the 1960s, while his uncle Dave Christian was part of the 'Miracle on Ice' team that won gold in 1980. Now Brock is looking to add to the family's Olympic hockey legacy as he plays in his first Winter Games in Milan.

Why it matters

The Nelson-Christian family from Warroad, Minnesota, known as 'Hockeytown USA', has a deep and storied history in Olympic hockey. Brock's participation continues this tradition and highlights the importance of hockey to the community. His success could inspire the next generation of hockey players from Warroad to pursue their Olympic dreams.

The details

Brock Nelson is the latest in a line of Olympic hockey players from his family. His grandfather Bill Christian and great uncles Roger and Gordon Christian won gold and silver medals for the U.S. in 1960 and 1956 respectively. His uncle Dave Christian was part of the 'Miracle on Ice' team that won gold in 1980. Now Brock is looking to add to the family's Olympic legacy as he competes in his first Winter Games in Milan, Italy - the same city where his great uncle Gordon won silver 70 years ago.

  • Brock Nelson's uncle Dave Christian won Olympic gold in 1980.
  • Brock Nelson's grandfather Bill Christian and great uncles Roger and Gordon Christian won Olympic medals in 1960 and 1956.

The players

Brock Nelson

A 34-year-old forward on the U.S. men's Olympic hockey team, continuing his family's legacy of Olympic hockey players.

Dave Christian

Brock's uncle, who was part of the 'Miracle on Ice' U.S. hockey team that won gold in 1980.

Bill Christian

Brock's grandfather, who won Olympic gold in 1960 as part of the U.S. men's hockey team.

Roger Christian

Brock's great uncle, who won Olympic gold in 1960 as part of the U.S. men's hockey team.

Gordon Christian

Brock's great uncle, who won an Olympic silver medal in 1956 as part of the U.S. men's hockey team.

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What they’re saying

“Once an Olympian, always an Olympian. You grow up with that dream of being an Olympian because of my uncles and my dad. That was always my dream. Just having that opportunity to have it come true the way that it did was pretty incredible. And now to have Brock have the same opportunity, I can't describe what this means.”

— Dave Christian, Brock's uncle (The New York Times)

“This is unbelievable. The Olympics is something Brock and I talked about since we were little. We watched my grandpa, we watched my uncle and talked about it all the time. It's such an honor to be here.”

— Blayke Nelson, Brock's brother (The New York Times)

What’s next

Brock Nelson and the U.S. men's hockey team will continue their quest for Olympic gold, with their next game scheduled for February 19th against Germany.

The takeaway

The Nelson-Christian family's multi-generational legacy of Olympic hockey excellence is a testament to the enduring passion for the sport in Warroad, Minnesota. Brock Nelson's participation in the Milan Olympics continues this proud tradition and inspires the next generation of hockey players from 'Hockeytown USA' to pursue their own Olympic dreams.