LISTEN: Brock Nelson On Being Back On Long Island
The former New York Islanders forward spoke with us following Colorado's morning skate.
ELMONT, NY — When the New York Islanders were in Colorado, Brock Nelson was ecstatic to see some of his former teammates.
Today, he’s back on Long Island for his first game against his former team at UBS Arena.
His last game in the Blue & Orange was an emotional one.
In a 3-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets, Nelson recorded a goal and an assist, leading to him sitting down with MSG’s Shannon Hogan following the contest.
Following the Avalanche’s morning skate, we spoke with Nelson.
Here’s our 9-minute conversation with Brock, along with words from Anders Lee, Bo Horvat, and Patrick Roy:
BROCK NELSON INTERVIEW:
Anders Lee: “Expecting a warm welcome. He obviously meant a lot to this team and this group for a long time, and it’s great to have him back in the building. Big test for us. He’s on a great hockey team, and I just think it’s gonna be a great night overall. I know how much he was appreciated here for everything that he did, and I'm excited to see the turnout for him. It’ll be fun to see him on our ice. We spent some great time together a week and a half ago. And with their travel and stuff, they got in a little later, so we’ll see him tonight. I know that his kids and families are here, and they’re gonna pop over and reconnect with everyone here. So, it's a good couple of days for them to be here in town.”
Bo Horvat: “We’re happy for him. He’s playing good hockey, and obviously, they’re having lots of success as a team. So it’s always weird seeing him on the other side, but I'm happy for him and his success. I’m sure it’ll be a huge ovation here for him tonight.
Patrick Roy: “I’m sure he’s excited about it. I mean, he played here for what, 14 years, or something like that. So, I mean, I’m sure it means a lot to him, and sure, he’s gotta have goosebumps before the game. The fans should give him a great reception as well. So I feel like being on Long Island was probably like a great experience, and the team did well under him, and I just see positive things for him right now. I mean, he’s playing with a great team, and their team has a lot of success. And it’s a trade, I think, right now that allows us to have a really good young player in Ritchie and a first-round pick for the next draft. So it feels like right now. I mean, both teams are pretty happy about the trade, and that’s the objective, isn’t it?”
