Colorado Avalanche's Brock Nelson, chasing Olympic Gold, won by his grandfather and uncle before him

A package waited in the athletes' village for Brock Nelson, containing handwritten letters from family members. Among them were two messages that carried extra weight for the Team USA center preparing to open Olympic play Thursday against Latvia.

The letters came from men who understood the magnitude of the moment better than most, with one of them from his 88-year-old grandfather, who skated to gold in California. Another from a 66-year-old uncle who experienced hockey's most iconic triumph in upstate New York. Both of them made it clear to Nelson that his family’s legacy was at stake come Thursday.

Brock Nelson carries three generations of Olympic hockey legacy into Milan

The moment Nelson opened the package arranged by his wife, he understood his Olympic legacy stretching across seven decades. Bill Christian, Nelson's grandfather, was a forward on the United States team that won gold at the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley.

Meanwhile, Dave Christian, Nelson's uncle, played for the "Miracle on Ice" squad that captured gold at the 1980 Lake Placid Games. The father and son remain part of the only two U.S. men's hockey teams to win Olympic gold.

Nelson's Olympic lineage extends even further back. His great-uncle Gordon Christian earned silver at the 1956 Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the same venue co-hosting these Games. Great-uncle Roger Christian also played on the 1960 gold medal team.

"You know, it's incredible," Dave Christian said. "It's surreal. In some ways, it's come full circle with the hockey in Milan and Cortina co-hosting. We're just so excited for Brock to have his moment and enjoy and have the experience in his own way."

Nelson called his grandfather immediately after making the 4 Nations Face-Off roster one year ago. Emotions poured out on both ends of the line. The same scene repeated when Nelson learned he made the Olympic team.

"Pretty similar conversation," Nelson said. "Special phone call. He's been my biggest fan and supporter since I was just a little boy. Never any pressure from him to be here; he's always supported me."

Team USA coach Mike Sullivan emphasized that Nelson earned his Olympic spot based on merit. The 34-year-old has 29 goals this season, ranking third among American players. His versatility playing center or wing, plus penalty-killing ability, secured his roster position.

"Brock Nelson has made both of these teams because he's a great player and he's deserving of it," Sullivan said. Uncle Dave arrives Saturday and will stay through the gold medal game on February 22. His letter to Nelson contained simple advice: "It's your time. This is your moment. Just go experience it. Stay in whatever moment and situation you're in."

Team USA faces Latvia on Thursday at 3:10 p.m. ET at Santagiulia Arena in Milan, beginning their pursuit of the country's first Olympic gold medal in men's hockey since 1980.


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