Steve Nelson “Nellie” began his bandy career straight out of Miami University by playing his first Outdoor Bandy game in Ljusdal Sweden against Boltic BK in the 1996 SJ World Cup. Three Months later he made the US National Team and played in his first of 11 consecutive World Championships in the 1997 VM in Vasteras Sweden. Steve played in numerous international tournaments and racked up 134 international matches over 15 years of international travel. In 2004 Nellie was named Co-Captain of the US National Team and remained captain until he retired from International play after the 2010 World Championships in Moscow Russia.
In January 2010, Nelson completed his USA National Team Career with a goal vs Canada on January 30 making him 3rd in scoring all time among all players in Bandy World Championship history with 76 points. His first goal was in 1997 World Championship on February 8 vs Norway. Through his career in the Bandy World Championships Steve led his pool in scoring in 2004, 2006 and 2007. He also won best player award for pool B in 2006 and 2007. Playing and traveling overseas with his teammates throughout the years is what kept the fire burning over the years of dedication to bandy.
Locally Steve began his Club career with the Minnetonka Dynamo winning rookie of the year and his first (USA Championship) Gunnar Cup in 1998. After the 2000 season while working full time, going to William Mitchell College of Law at night and traveling with the National Team, Nelson found time to start The Minnesota Blades BK. After a rough first few years and some good recruiting the Blades have won the Gunnar Cup in 2004, 2005,2008 and 2011. The Blades have won the North American Cup outdoor tournament three times and are still a thriving team in the Elite League.
Similar to the Outdoor league, after winning the US Indoor Championship Cannon cup in 1997 with team Rowbike, Nelson started the Uptown Comets in 1998 and won the Cannon Cup in their first year and again in 2003. After changing the Comets name a few times including the Blades and Edina Yaks winning NA Indoor Cup in 06 10 13 along the way. Nelson is a dedicated Husband and father of three but has always found the time, effort and finances to keep his teams in the league over the years.
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