St. Paul, Minnesota – The last two games of the islanders before the 4 Nations faceoff took place in Winnipeg and Minnesota are perfectly suited.
That's because both locations provided an excellent opportunity for Brock Nelson, the only representative of the tournament's islanders, to be kicked out of people nearby.
Nelson, originally from Warroad, Minnesota, was just over two hours' drive from Winnipeg and had a section to cheer for the Jets, including his mother and grandfather on Friday night.
He played against Wild on Saturday, with more friends and family in attendance.
“Whenever you go back to them, look at them, say hi and share the experience with them, it's always fun,” Nelson said.
A trip to Minnesota has always been a homecoming of sorts for the islanders, with five different players on teams from the state.
Mike Riley, who was sidelined after a heart surgery, joined the islanders on the trip as he could essentially return home for a two-week break following Saturday's game.
Of course, Nelson will spend the next few weeks with Team USA and try to win the first best on best competition in hockey since 2016.
“He will represent not only the islanders of four countries, but his fellow Americans, as well as fellow Americans here,” Anders Lee said. “It's going to be a great tournament. I'm very excited about him, he's going to play great hockey. He has some boys behind him and cheers him on. We're all excited for him to play.”
Team USA coach Mike Sullivan's line could shake up some ways, but Nelson thinks it's slotted into the bottom six role and will likely be used in a penalty kill.
It's not at least surprising if at some point during the tournament, at some point in the New York-heavy trio, they're lined up with at least one of Chris Cryder or Vincent Trokek.
Nelson's versatility – he can play center or wings and contribute to both special teams – was a key factor in his choice.
While the other islanders of the couple were believed to be in the mix for their respective teams, Matthew Balzard's preseason injury gave him a chance to make Team Canada.
Nelson, who had 16 goals and 17 assists on Saturday, found himself an unlikely, lonely representative.
Nelson should also shine a spotlight on him throughout the event, as he is the subject of last year of his contract and therefore heavy trade speculation.
Nelson has wider family ties with American hockey. Four different relatives represent the country at the Olympic games, with three winning gold. Once at the Times at the World Championships and the previous World Junior.
“Some of the people in both places [Winnipeg and Minnesota] Nelson said. “I think everyone is excited about it. They're trying to enjoy it.”
Team USA will hold a tournament against Finland on Thursday and will play a heavyweight match against Canada next Saturday.
“It's a really cool honor and Brock is the perfect representative for that,” Lee said. “The way he played in the US in the world tournament. Growing up, going to juniors in the world, that's in his pedigree. It's really cool and doesn't happen to more deserving players and people. Brock and he. It was just pumped up for the family of the family and I was excited to see him play. It would be cool.”
