Kelsey and Nicholas met in the early fall of 2012 within the halls of Mankato West High School. Kelsey was starting her freshman year and Nicholas his junior year. Immediately upon getting to know each other, both learned they grew up in the same neighborhood and found it hard to believe their paths had never crossed before.

As Kelsey was finishing her junior year in 2015, Nicholas finally asked her to be his girlfriend! They tackled “long distance” while he played junior hockey and spent their weekends in a rink growing many special friendships within the Steel hockey community.

After Nicholas’ junior hockey career was over, both began their first year at Minnesota State University in Mankato. He continued to coach hockey while in school and she found a love for healthcare. They graduated from MSU in the spring of 2021. Shortly after graduation, Kelsey decided to pursue a nursing degree while Nicholas worked as a college athletic recruiter.

Over their 10 years together, they’ve made several moves, started new careers, traveled the U.S. and Canada, met life-long friends, found their passions in life, and became "pawrents" to Benson.

On April 13th, 2024, Nicholas got down on one knee in their home surrounded by their closest family and friends. He pulled off another surprise for Kelsey with an engagement party at their favorite local bar where they celebrated all night long!

Kelsey and Nicholas want to thank you for being here, reading a small piece of their story, and showing them such love and support as they begin this new chapter as husband and wife.