The 6-foot-4, 192-pound Nelson was a first-round draft pick of the Islanders in 2010, when he was selected 30th overall.

Nelson enjoyed a breakout sophomore season in 2011-12, leading the Fighting Sioux in points (47) and goals (28) in 42 games and becoming the program's youngest 20-goal scorer since Jonathan Toews scored 22 in 2005-06.

A native of Warroad, Minn., Nelson led the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) in goals and was the WCHA's only player to score 20 goals during league play. He currently ranks third nationally in goals, is tied for third in game-winning goals (6) and is tied for sixth in power-play goals (10). His six GWG tied him for the 10th-best single-season total in school history.

Nelson was named to the all-tournament teams at both the Red Baron WCHA Final Five and the NCAA West Regional. He finished the year with five goals in his last five playoff games, leading UND to a third straight Broadmoor Trophy as WCHA playoff champion and a berth in the regional championship game.

As a freshman last season, Nelson recorded eight goals and 13 assists in 42 games and was named the recipient of UND's Tom Hoghaug Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to the freshman men's hockey player who demonstrates initiative, character and a sense of responsibility.

Nelson finished his collegiate career with 36 goals and 32 assists for 68 points in 84 games.

~ Go Sioux ~