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19 N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | M H J ON L I N E . C O M Photos / Gopher Athletics MHJ // What is it like playing in front of the intense atmosphere of 3M Arena at Mariucci? Nelson // I remember freshman year getting booed off the ice if we played bad and now last year there were 11,000 fans in the arena against Michigan for the Big Ten Championship. Seeing the crowd gets everyone going, makes it way more fun to play, and now there's something else to play for rather than just the team. MHJ // What does it mean to be a captain of the Gophers? Nelson // It means a lot. Being a captain is special on any team but being a captain for the University of Minnesota is even a bigger thing, especially with the tradition and all the captains that have come through the program. Being able to represent the program and wear a letter on your chest is a big accomplishment. MHJ // What kind of leader do you hope to be? Nelson // I like to lead by example and play hard. If I'm starting the game, I try to make something happen first shift, get the momen- tum on our side, and let the boys know it's time to play. I want to make sure I'm doing every- thing right like holding myself accountable before I hold anyone else accountable. MHJ // Any advice to younger hockey players from smaller towns like Luverne? Nelson // I think the biggest thing is just having fun and don't stress too much about not getting opportunities or that someone isn't watching you. Another thing would be to not just special- ize in hockey but play other sports. Also, have fun, make friends, and build those lifelong con- nections with your buddies. C POSITION: Magnolia COLLEGE: HOMETOWN: University of Minnesota THE NELSON FILE S H O O T S : R i g h t HEIGHT: 6' 4" FUN FACT: Led Luverne to its first high school state tournament appearance in 2014. YOUTH HOCKEY: Luverne Hockey Club "If I'm starting the game, I try to make something happen first shift, get the momentum on our side, and let the boys know it's time to play."