Getting to know Battlefords North Stars alternate captain Owen Nelson

“It’s good to have those connections and just go around the province, getting to play in different divisions, getting to play against different teams more often, creating new rivalries.”

Building relationships through hockey is something Nelson has grown accustomed to throughout his life.

Growing up in Prince Albert, the North Stars alternate captain was a big Raiders fan. His family billeted players, so Nelson got to live with and get to know some of the team’s players.

When asked about memorable billet brothers, Nelson had one player in mind.

“Jakob Brook was probably one of our favourites. He was here when the Raiders won the championship in 2019, so we’re still in touch with him to this day and see him as much as we can,” Nelson said.

“Growing up and getting to see players like Leon Draisaitl and Josh Morrissey play, those were kind of my idols when I was younger.”

Nelson is a Montreal Canadiens fan, but Draisaitl became his favourite NHL player after starring with the Raiders.

“He was so good playing for the Raiders. I remember being so choked when he got traded. I was still pretty young, but I was rattled when he got traded. Just the way he controls the game and the way he can get the puck from the back of the net and find guys, it’s unreal.”

Growing up, Nelson played other sports, including baseball and soccer, but always knew hockey was his goal.

“It was just kind of my dream from a young age. I love playing it. All those other sports are fun to kind of get a break from hockey, but it was always nice when fall rolled around and you got to get back on the ice.”

As an adult, Nelson has taken up golf during the summer and is pleased with how his game has evolved.

“It’s pretty good. I don’t like to brag it up too much, but I think my best round this year was 72. I like to think my driver’s pretty good. When it’s on, that usually is when my game’s at its best. But usually my wedges are pretty consistent, kind of from 100 in.”

Growing up with his younger brother, Wyatt, and sister, Emery, Nelson was never starved for entertainment.

“A lot of battles between me and my brother. We’re 14 months apart, so a lot of battles, a lot of mini-stick games. My sister was there, sometimes jumping in net for us, which was always nice. They’re two of my best friends and I love them.”

Nelson’s parents are both teachers, a career he has considered pursuing.

“They’re always keeping us on our toes during school, making sure we’re doing well. But we appreciate them for that,” he said.

“It’s something that I’m keeping open to. There are a lot of things going through my mind about what I want to do after hockey, but it’s definitely in the cards.”

Another possible career for Nelson is firefighting, after people in his life sparked his interest in the field.

“My boss in the summer is a firefighter as well, so he’s kind of been telling me about it and it seems like a good job. But if I go to school, either business or education probably.”

While Nelson is keeping his options open, his current focus is on the North Stars, where his game-day routine includes several superstitions.

“I’m a pretty superstitious guy. I have a lot of them. I probably won’t get into all of them, but I put everything on left to right first. I tape my stick as soon as I get to the rink and get a coffee. There’s a bunch. If I have a good game or the team has a good game, I’ll wear the same suit and whatnot. Stuff like that.”

Nelson also prefers the same pregame meal, but he is not afraid to change it when things are not going well.

“Usually, I just have tortellini and some meat sauce. If I switch it up, either spaghetti and meat sauce or some sort of chicken and rice.”

As he continues his final year in junior hockey, Nelson is grateful for the support he and the team get from the Battlefords.

“It’s awesome. I think we have the best fans in the league. You go around town and see fans, and they’re reaching out, saying hi and whatnot. They’re very supportive and we like giving back to them as well. So, we appreciate them so much.”

Nelson has two goals and one assist for three points in five games this season. The North Stars continue their schedule Oct. 2 when they visit the Kindersley Klippers.

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com

by Ryan Lambert

Getting to know Battlefords North Stars alternate captain Owen Nelson

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