Maple Grove native Sammy Nelson, one of the top 2008-born forwards in the country, has made a verbal commitment to the University of Notre Dame to play Division I college hockey.
Nelson, a 6’2″, 185-pound left-shot forward, has continued to raise his stock as one of the elite American prospects in his age group. This past season, he suited up for the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP), splitting time between the U17 and U18 squads and gaining valuable experience at the highest level of youth hockey. Across 60 games with the NTDP, Nelson recorded 34 points.
Nelson blends size, skill, and hockey sense into a well-rounded offensive game. He’s a smooth skater with a powerful stride, able to drive play in transition and navigate tight areas with control. His style of play has drawn comparisons to his older brother, Danny Nelson—another Maple Grove standout now excelling at the collegiate level.