Home HOCKEY SPORTS Ice Dynasty: Brock Nelson's Family Olympic Journey

Ice Dynasty: Brock Nelson's Family Olympic Journey

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Brock Nelson
Christian Legacy, Brock Nelson carries family tradition to Olympic Gold 

Team USA has captured Olympic gold in men's hockey just three times in history: first in 1960 at Squaw Valley, second with the legendary “Miracle on Ice” in 1980 at Lake Placid, and now, for the third time, in 2026 at Milano Cortina.


“It's crazy that it's 46 years to the day today since my uncle and his teammates beat the Russians in Lake Placid...”


USA's Brock Nelson is carrying on a legendary family tradition in hockey. He's the grandson of Bill Christian, who won gold in 1960, and the nephew of Dave Christian, part of the iconic “Miracle on Ice” team in 1980. Now, Brock has added his own chapter to the family's Olympic success story, helping Team USA secure its third gold medal in Milan, 2026.


This victory isn't just about Brock's skills on the ice; it's about the family's unwavering dedication to the sport. His great-uncle, Roger Christian, was also part of the 1960 gold-winning team, and another great-uncle, Gordon Christian, won silver in 1956. Brock's achievement is a testament to the family's lasting impact on American hockey.


The “Miracle on Ice” legacy continues with Team USA's Brock Nelson, who's carrying on a remarkable family tradition in hockey. The Americans may have captured one of the most valuable victories, and Nelson's family has been part of it every step of the way. His grandfather Bill Christian won gold in 1960, his uncle Dave Christian was part of the iconic 1980 team, and now Brock has added his own chapter to the family's Olympic success story.


The curious lineage of the Nelson family from Warroad, Minnesota, is truly a miracle. When the US team has won the Olympics, someone from this family has always been there. Brothers Bill and Roger Christian won gold in 1960, and Dave Christian 20 years later at Lake Placid. Now, Nelson has succeeded his grandfather, great-uncle, and uncle.




“It's going to be touching when I call my grandfather,” Nelson said Sunday shortly after winning Olympic gold in a tense final against Canada. “I'm sure I've already gotten a message from him. It means a lot to me,” he told reporters, reflecting on his relationship with 88-year-old Bill Christian, who taught him how to skate.



“This was the X factor. Without Brock and his pedigree, we definitely wouldn't have won that final,” said Charlie McAvoy, as he finally realized the history his teammate's family had written.


When Team USA defeated Canada in overtime, Brock Nelson's uncle, Dave Christian, was in the stands at Milan's Santa Giulia Hall, and he was overwhelmed with emotion. “I couldn't believe my eyes,” he said, watching his nephew become part of history.


Nelson celebrated with his family, beaming with passion. “We did it,” he exclaimed, still in awe of the moment. He reflected on the historical context, saying, “It's crazy that it's 46 years to the day today since my uncle and his teammates beat the Russians in Lake Placid,” highlighting the remarkable coincidence.




Nelson's achievement adds to his family's legacy, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Bill Christian, who won gold in 1960, and his uncle Dave, part of the iconic “Miracle on Ice“ team. 


Warroad's Rich History Shapes US Hockey Legacy

Warroad, a tiny town of under 2,000 people, has had an incredible impact on the US hockey team. Less than 200 years ago, it was home to the Assiniboine Indian tribe, which fought battles with the Sioux over territory. The settlement later became an important fishing village on Lake of the Woods.




From Native Roots to Hockey Hub

After the Indian wars, Warroad evolved into a major hockey school, producing fabulous champions. The town's legacy includes Brock Nelson's family, who've contributed to US hockey triumphs, including the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980 and Nelson's own Olympic gold in 2026.


The Christian family clan played a huge role in putting Warroad on the hockey map. They set up a hockey stick company on the northern border of Minnesota, just a few miles from the Canadian border. The sticks were made in Warroad until 2009, and Brock Nelson even used one of those sticks when he first started skating.




It's no surprise that other hockey stars hail from Warroad, too - like T.J. Oshie, an American with Native American roots who became the first native to bring the Stanley Cup to the rink. The town's got a crazy hockey pedigree, and it's clear it's produced some amazing talent.



1960 Olympic Breakthrough

Coach Jim Riley assembled the 1960 Squaw Valley Olympic team, looking beyond the NHL for talent. The US team, mostly unknowns, thrived at home, beating Canada, Czechoslovakia, and Sweden. The crucial game against Russia at Blyth Arena came down to brothers Billy and Roger Christian's performance.


Christian Brothers Shine

The Christian brothers were instrumental in the US win, with Billy scoring crucial goals. The team's success was a breakthrough moment for American hockey, marking their first Olympic gold. It was the start of a legendary family legacy in US hockey.


“Billy was only 175 centimetres tall and weighed 68 kilos, but he outsmarted goalkeeper Puchkov! The Russian goalie tried to cut the angle of his shot, but Christian got around him and slid the puck into the net,” says the Chronicle of American Hockey in its biography of Coach Riley.


Roger Christian led the 1960 team as top scorer with eight goals, while Billy Christian, Brock Nelson's grandfather, topped the assists chart with 11. It was the US team's first Olympic hockey gold, a sensational triumph. Goalie Jack McCartan even landed a spot with the New York Rangers after the win.


The Soviet Union dominated Olympic hockey afterwards, winning gold in 1964, 1968, 1972, and 1976. But when the Olympics returned to the US in 1980, Lake Placid hosted a legendary story - the “Miracle on Ice.”


Minnesota Roots Run Deep

Herb Brooks, University of Minnesota coach, led the 1980 Olympic team with a strategy similar to Riley's 1960 approach. Brooks tapped into Minnesota talent, with goalie Jim Craig being the only NHL-experienced player.



Lake Placid Bound

Brooks' team was a mix of college players and unknowns, but they were driven and determined. The stage was set for a historic upset - would they pull off the “Miracle on Ice?”


The US team's bet on top NCAA players and a few AHL guys paid off big time in 1980. Dave Christian, Brock Nelson's uncle from Minnesota, was part of the squad. He didn't score any goals, but recorded eight assists in the iconic “Miracle on Ice” tournament.




Christian shone in the tournament, helping the US team pull off a major upset against the Soviet Union. The team's success was a defining moment in US hockey history, later immortalized in the movie “Miracle.” 


Dave Christian's Olympic gold in 1980 was just the start - he was signed by the Winnipeg Jets right after and wore the captain's patch in later years. Christian went on to play 1,009 NHL games over 15 seasons, a testament to his enduring talent. 




Veteran Leader Shines

Brock Nelson, 34, is a reliable force on the ice, with a career mainly spent with the New York Islanders and recent seasons with the Colorado Avalanche. Coach Mike Sullivan trusted him enough to pick him for the 4 Nations Face-Off and the Milan tournament, and Nelson delivered, adding to his veteran credentials. 


“I heard a lot of tears. I could feel him choking up on the phone,” Nelson said of the moment he learned he was going to the Olympics and told his grandfather about it. “You know, I had to call him; it meant a lot to me. He's always been a role model for me. I remember him teaching me how to skate at Warroad when I was a kid. And he's still my biggest fan, he watches me every day. He never put any pressure on me, but he just supports me no matter what.”




And Lake Placid hero Dave Christian, now 66, added: “If they had won, it would have been a dream scenario. Something we can't even imagine. And I'm sure we could say to him, 'Hey, Brock, welcome to the club!'”



Historic Win for Team USA

Brock Nelson played a crucial role in Team USA's Olympic gold medal win in Milan, 2026, marking the country's third gold in hockey history. The team defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime, with Nelson anchoring a perfect penalty kill. This win adds to his family's legacy, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Bill Christian (1960 gold) and uncle Dave Christian (1980 “Miracle on Ice” gold).




Family Legacy Continues

Nelson's achievement is a testament to his family's enduring impact on US hockey. His great-uncle Gordon Christian won silver in 1956, and his uncle Dave Christian was part of the iconic “Miracle on Ice” team. Nelson's win solidifies his place in the family tradition, and he's proud to carry on the legacy.


“Grandpa sure is proud! It'll be strange but nice when I get a chance to call him. I know he'll be happy about it, and I'll finally get to stop by. It's crazy to be here now and to share it with him at the same time. I know he's home watching. And my uncle is here, and he's so touched,” he recounted with tears in his eyes.


Brock Nelson plans to bring the gold medal home to Warroad, adding to the family's impressive collection. “I hope to get together, give him a hug, take a nice picture, and retell all the stories we have,” he said, looking forward to sharing the moment with his family.


The Christian family's Olympic legacy extends beyond Brock's generation - his great-uncle Gordy Christian won silver in 1956. With America's chances of winning another gold in four years, Nelson admits it's likely he won't be part of it. “I'll probably be done by then,” he said with a chuckle, acknowledging his veteran status. 


“I'm not naive, I feel I'm getting older. I've been given this maybe once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I'll be forever grateful for it. You never know how long you're going to play,” he admitted in an interview with NHL.com.


Brock Nelson's seven-year-old son Beckett has already got a taste of the hockey life, and he's hooked. “When we lost to Canada in the 4 Nations Tournament, he was devastated. So I'm looking forward to seeing him after that parade,” Nelson said with a smile, expecting a big reaction from his son.


The US team's future looks bright with Beckett and other young talent on the rise. Who knows what the 2038 or 2042 Olympics will bring? Maybe Beckett will follow in the footsteps of his great-grandfather Bill, great-uncles Dave and Roger, and dad Brock, carrying on the family's Olympic legacy. 




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