RISING STORM: The Making of Goaltender Owen Nelson

Before he ever pulled on a Tri-City Storm jersey, goaltender Owen Nelson was already building a reputation as one of the most disciplined and promising young netminders coming out of Minnesota’s powerhouse high-school hockey scene. Growing up in Hudson, Wisconsin, Owen spent his childhood skating in rinks across Minnesota, moving through youth programs such as Minnesota Made, White Bear, Hudson, and eventually the storied Cretin-Derham Hall High School each step sharpening his instincts and fueling a drive that would define his game.

That passion began early. Owen credits his dad for putting him on skates almost as soon as he could walk, inspiring not just his love for the game, but his competitive mindset. “He pushed me every day, and he cares just as much as me,” Owen says. “I couldn’t ask for a better role model.”

That motivation translated into elite performance long before his arrival in Kearney. During the 2024–2025 season, Nelson dominated at Cretin-Derham Hall, posting a 20-4-1 record, a 1.71 goals-against average, a stellar .926 save percentage, and two shutouts across 25 games. In that same season, he also suited up for Team Wisconsin (UMHSEHL), where he put together a 7-3-1 record, a 3.28 GAA, and a .913 save percentage in 21 games.

The year prior was no different. In 2023–2024, he delivered a 10-3-1 record with a 1.91 GAA and .909 save percentage in 14 games for Cretin-Derham Hall, while adding a 9-3-0 record, 2.97 GAA, and .913 save percentage in 24 contests with Team Wisconsin 16U AAA.

Numbers like those don’t just show talent they show consistency, maturity, and a level of composure rare in young goaltenders.

So when Storm GM Anthony Noreen reached out, Owen didn’t hesitate. He knew the opportunity meant something bigger

a chance to elevate his game, test himself against the nation’s top junior players, and make the people who supported him proud. “I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to play for the Storm,” he says.

Since arriving in Kearney, Owen has thrived both on and off the ice. He quickly found a second home with his billet family, describing them as a major part of his comfort and success. “They make all the difference,” he shares. “I’m so thankful for them and they do so much for me.”

When he’s not stopping pucks at the Viaero Center, you’ll find him hanging out with teammates or working out at the wellness center, strengthening the chemistry that has made this year’s roster stand out. “We have the perfect blend of experience and youth,” he says. “I hope to go far into the postseason.”

Owen has also embraced Kearney’s community and pace of life from grabbing Chipotle or Good Evans (“both fantastic,” he says) to soaking in the support of Storm fans. And that support matters. “It means a lot I love playing in front of a crowd,” he says.

As he continues carving out his place in the USHL, one thing is clear: Owen Nelson isn’t just a young goalie with good numbers. He’s a competitor shaped by hard work, family influence, and a deep love for the game. He brings steadiness to the crease, humility to the locker room, and a hunger to keep leveling up. And for the Storm fanbase, that means one thing there’s a rising force in net, and his story in Tri-City is only getting started.

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