Tristan Nelson '21 Recruiting Profile

My life experiences have shaped and continue to shape my life. I thrive on and enjoy new experiences, new challenges, and setbacks as they provide the fuel to drive me to be a better person, student, and athlete. Living in Eastern Canada for 3 years instilled not only my love of hockey, but helped me gain a respect for people of different backgrounds, religions, and ethnic groups which enriched my life. Being part of the Boy Scouts of America and pursuing my Eagle Scout has provided me with multiple high adventure experiences, increasing my courage and confident, while solidifying my personal commitment to the values of the Scout Oath and Law, instilled a desire to help and serve others in need, and helped me to become a leader with my peers. I enjoy learning and have pushed myself educationally by enrolling in all honors courses to work towards graduation from high school with an Advanced Honors diploma to pursue goal of a college education and degree. Being part of a new and growing hockey family in Las Vegas, with the Vegas Junior Golden Knights (VJGKs), has been a highlight of my life these past two years.  Learning from great coaches, players, and examples in the hockey community has been a blessing and inspiration. I love a challenge and to push my limits, so I have trained and competed in Spartan World Championship Races each summer, placing in the Top 10 in my age group, and recently completing my Trifecta. 

Hockey is a major part of my life; however, being well-rounded, helping others grow and experience, and making a positive impact every day is an important part of my life. I enjoy music by playing the guitar, saxophone, and piano. I enjoy helping my family and those in my community and church by doing service projects, helping kids learn to play hockey, working hard with my teammates, helping those with adaptive skills, and supporting my family members and teammates. Being chosen for the Player’s Choice Award from my team makes on the VJGKs Varsity High School Team, as a freshman during my first year on the team was a surprise and honor. I’m looking forward to new challenges and opportunities, working with new coaches and teammates, and sharing my talents with others in the hockey community to motivate and inspire them to continuously improve and enjoy every moment hockey life has to offer.  I love to help people in need in my community, which is why I organized an annual Proving Comfort for the Homeless Charity Ice Skate which collected thousands of clothing items in need along with over $6K (with a partnership with the Vegas Golden Knights) each year which was donated to the Las Vegas Rescue Mission and Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth. I love to work hard and serve others.