Todd Nelson (ice hockey) Todd Nelson (ice hockey) Todd Nelson (born May 15, 1969) is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former player. He is currently an assistant coach for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL). He is the older brother of Jeff Nelson. Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft, Nelson played primarily in the minors and played just one game for the Penguins. Signed as a free agent by the Washington Capitals, he helped guide the Capitals' minor league affiliate Portland Pirates to the Calder Cup in 1994. He was inducted into the Pirates
Ice hockey in the United States Once that season was over, the National Hockey Association was changed into the NHL or the National Hockey League. Minor league professional hockey leagues in the U.S. include the American Hockey League and the ECHL. Additionally, nine U.S.-based teams compete in the three member leagues of the Canadian Hockey League. USA Hockey is the official governing body for amateur hockey in the U.S. The United States Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Eveleth, Minnesota. The United States ice hockey structure includes elements from traditional American scholastic high school and college athletics, affiliated and independent minor leagues, and the unique