Freshman forward Payton Nelson did not have a long commute to college this year.
 
The Colorado local comes to the University of Denver from Centennial, where he played for the Colorado Thunderbirds AAA organization in 2021-22 before going onto the junior ranks. Nelson appeared 81 total games with the T-Birds and netted 52 goals and earned 72 assists.
 
It was an easy decision for Nelson to attend DU, as he grew up dreaming of playing for the Pioneers hockey team. That dream has now become his reality, and he is honored to be part of the program.
 
Nelson made his college debut on Oct. 11 against Bentley and recorded his first point by scoring on Jan. 24 against St. Cloud State.
 
Before DU, Nelson played for the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the British Columbia Hockey League, where he recorded 17 points on 11 goals and six assists in 53 games.  He skated two seasons in the United States Hockey League from 2022-2024, suiting up for the Muskegon Lumberjacks and the Des Moines Buccaneers before finishing the 2023-24 campaign with the Minnesota Wilderness of the North American Hockey League
 
Nelson plans on majoring in business at Denver.
 
Why did you choose the University of Denver?
 
"Choosing Denver was a very easy choice. It is only eight miles away from where I grew up. I have always dreamed of playing hockey at DU and couldn't be happier to be here."
 
How did you get involved with hockey, and what is your earliest memory of skating?
 
"I got involved with hockey because of my brother Jordan. I didn't like ice skating the first couple of times I went. When my brother wanted to play, I followed him, and it became my passion. My earliest memory was skating on Gilson Lake in Wilmette, Illinois."
 
What are your goals for this season?
 
"My goals for the season are to help contribute to winning a National Championship. I want to have a positive impact on the ice and to contribute to building and continuing the amazing culture we have with my teammates and at the school."
 
What are some of your favorite activities to do when you're not at the rink?
 
"I enjoy golfing, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying being outdoors."
 
What are your plans for after college?
 
"I would like to continue playing hockey for as long as I can, as well as pursue a career in aviation."
 
If you weren't playing hockey, what sport would you play and why?
 
"I would be playing baseball or golf. I grew up playing baseball, and I only quit because I wanted to focus on hockey so I could take it more seriously. I enjoyed playing baseball. It was something my entire family played."
 
What kind of music do you like?
 
"I like all kinds of music. Specifically, country, folk, electronic music and pop music."
 
What is your go-to pregame meal?
 
"I usually have chicken or beef with rice and vegetables."
 
Where is your favorite spot to vacation
 
"My favorite spot to vacation is Hawaii. My mom was born in Oahu, Hawaii. It is my favorite vacation spot because of the different kinds of culture and being able to spend time in the ocean and on the beaches."
 
What are your favorite movies?
 
"My favorite movies are any of the Mission Impossible series. I like action movies, and I think Tom Cruise is a great actor."
 
What are some of your favorite spots in the Denver metro area ?
 
"I like Larimer Square in downtown Denver. I think it's a great spot to walk around and have dinner. I also really enjoy Red Rocks—it's an amazing place to enjoy a concert and have scenic views."
 
 
Abigail Soika contributed to this story.