Tristen Nielsen A 'Great Example' Of Hard Work And Coachability

For most young hockey players, their first experience in the pros is eye-opening. They face adversity and the game might not be as comfortable as it once was. For Tristen Nielsen, these were challenges he faced head-on and overcame with the help of the coaching staff, management, and putting in the work.

Nielsen, who agreed to terms with the Canucks on a two-year, entry level contract, was undrafted before the Abbotsford Canucks saw his potential and picked him up for the 2021-2022 season.

Abbotsford Canucks General Manager Ryan Johnson says their development team helps players get to the next level through resources, highlighted by a coaching staff with decades of NHL experience. There's ample chance for draft picks and undrafted players to make their mark with the hockey team.

"Guys that do the work, are professionals, and focus on being a good teammate, are the ones that will rise up and get their opportunity. I think it's a special environment in that way. It's not predicated upon how you got there, it's what you're doing once you walk in that building."

Prior to the 2022-2023 season, Johnson said he and the coaching staff challenged Nielsen to put work in during the offseason to take the next step.

"I give Tristen full credit, he took the onus to get in better shape and work on his skating," Johnson said. "It's an awesome journey when you see a young kid come in and make adjustments, and it's a great example for other young players trying to do that similar thing."

Nielsen gained invaluable knowledge in Abbotsford, and the different coaching perspectives helped him develop.

"It's pretty easy to get better when you have two unreal Swedish hockey players who played long careers in Vancouver out there every day," Nielsen said. "Our coaching staff was amazing down in Abbotsford, whether that's Higgins, power skating coach Mackenzie Braid, or Hank and Danny. They give you confidence and you want to prove them right."

Nielsen made an impression at the 2022 Penticton Young Stars Classic and continued to improve as the season progressed finishing the regular season with 41 points (14-27-41) in 64 games.

Abbotsford Head Coach Jeremy Colliton said he's happy Tristen's earned this opportunity and he's going to have to continue to work hard to make the NHL roster.

"We want to see guys succeed," Colliton said. "Tristen's coming out of junior and had to fight for everything he got, so when a guy like that's able to take those strides and get a contract, we're happy, we're proud."

Throughout his hockey career his dad has been his rock, moving from city to city so he could play elite hockey. His dad also never misses a game, whether it's watching live or recording and watching it back the next day.

"He always saw this for me and obviously he helped me more than anyone," Nielsen said.

Having spent the last four seasons in the Lower Mainland, three seasons with the Vancouver Giants and two with Abbotsford, Nielsen has endeared himself to the fans and has entrenched himself in the hockey community. He knows the value of being a role model for kids and fans at every level he's played at. Growing up in Fort St. John, with no NHL team in his back yard, he longed for that connection to a local player. Nielsen won the WHL Humanitarian of the Year award in 2018 and 2020 and wants to continue his efforts as a part of the Vancouver club.

"I don't ever want to stop being a part of this community. I've always kind of had an open heart for it and I hope I can continue something moving forward," he said.

When he has some free time in the offseason he likes to be outdoors, hiking and camping and has taken up golf. Throughout his childhood he enjoyed horseback riding, riding ATVs, and surf biking, but that's out of the question these days, putting his body first.

Nielsen is going to be heading up north to spend time with family and celebrate this milestone. He says he learned his work ethic and determination to improve from his family and has conviction that if he is the hardest worker in the room, he's going to realize his dream of playing in the NHL.

"It's one step closer to the dream," he said. "This accomplishment has made me super happy. I always wanted it, especially, I imagine like every other young kid, you want it when you're 18, but I'll take it at 23 versus not getting it at all."