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<\/p>\nMILAN, Italy \u2014 The Colorado Avalanche will be well represented in Italy at the Olympic Games. Center Brock Nelson was named to Team USA on Friday. <\/p>\n
According to our news partners at The Gazette, the 34-year-old center played for the U.S. in the 4 Nations Face-Off and his strong play this season with the Avalanche earned him a spot in Milan.<\/p>\n
Nelson has become \u201cMr. Everything\u201d for the Avalanche, as Jared Bednar has used him on the top power play, penalty kill and in a large role at even strength. <\/p>\n
Nelson has 30 points in 39 games and is a plus-14. His strong play at both ends has some putting him in the conversation for the Selke Trophy.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think he\u2019s certainly a good candidate,\u201d Bednar said. \u201cI just know what he does for our team. It\u2019s a lot of everything. He\u2019s involved in every aspect of the game. I think he\u2019s really good and really solid in all areas that he touches in the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nelson put on a show in front of Team USA\u2019s general manager Bill Guerin in Minnesota, scoring a goal and two assists to help the Avalanche beat Guerin\u2019s Wild just before Christmas. <\/p>\n
Nelson now becomes a third-generation Olympian from his family. His uncle, Dave Christian, was a member of the \u201cMiracle on Ice\u201d team in 1980 while his grandfather and great-uncle were on the 1960 team.<\/p>\n
His teammate, Nathan MacKinnon, would have been surprised if Nelson didn\u2019t make the team.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t see why he\u2019d be off it,\u201d MacKinnon said last month. \u201cAt the 4 Nations, it was all about defense, pretty much. It was very difficult hockey and you have to go check hard, so he\u2019s a perfect player.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now the two will face off against each other in Milan.<\/p>\n
Joining Nelson and the Canadian Avalanche players will be Artturi Lehkonen and Joel Kiviranta for Team Finland. Lehkonen was a lock to make it, as he\u2019s having another great year in Colorado with 32 points in 39 games. <\/p>\n
He can be used anywhere in the lineup on the Olympic stage. Kiviranta was on the bubble, but his dependability makes him a solid option lower in the lineup.<\/p>\n
Lehkonen represented Finland at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February.<\/p>\n
The NHL will pause for their Olympics break from Feb. 6-23. The preliminary games for the hockey tournament begin on Feb. 11.<\/p>\n
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Prices upfront, Colorado’s new transparency law eliminates hidden fees starting January 1<\/p>\n
Several Colorado state laws will go into effect on January 1, including House Bill 1090, which will give more transparency to customers about unexpected costs by eliminating junk fees.<\/p>\n
Prices upfront, Colorado’s new transparency law eliminates hidden fees starting January 1<\/p>\n
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