2ND GUEST SPEAKER FOR GOLF TOURNAMENT: DAVE CHRISTIAN

Author Sam Christian,

There are two things the tiny town of Warroad, Minnesota knows how to produce: Windows and Olympians. With a population of only 1700, Warroad has sent eight hockey players to the Winter Olympics, and seven have brought home medals. One player was part of the 1980 Miracle on Ice team: Dave Christian.

Born and raised in Warroad, Christian was destined to become a hockey player. His father and two uncles played hockey in the Olympics. His father Bill and uncle Roger both brought home gold medals in 1960 and his uncle, Gordon, won silver in 1956. 

From a young age, Christian had a knack for playing hockey. His speed, intelligence and ability to put the puck in the net caught the eye of many college and NHL scouts. Christian chose to play for the University of North Dakota, the same place where his Uncle Gordon played. In two seasons at UND, Christian racked up 70 points and helped lead the Fighting Sioux to the 1979 WCHA Championship and the NCAA Frozen Four. That summer, Christian was selected 40th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the NHL Draft.

Before Christian began his 13-year NHL career, he was selected to play on the 1980 US Olympic hockey team coached by Herb Brooks. As the pre-Olympic exhibition schedule progressed, Herb decided to move Christian from forward to defense. To many, the move was a turning point for the team and showed how much Brooks trusted Christian’s versatility and hockey sense. During the Olympics, Christian led all Team USA defensemen with eight points and notched an assist on Mark Johnson’s pivotal game tying goal against the Soviet Union, with only one second left in the first period.

After the Olympics, Christian was signed by the Winnipeg Jets and had an immediate impact, scoring just seven seconds into his first shift, which is still the record for the fastest goal by a player in his first game. Christian went on to have a fabulous NHL career with five different teams including Chicago, Washington, Winnipeg, Boston, and St. Louis.  Christian played in over 1000 games, scoring 340 goals, which is the most by any Minnesota born player.  He also played in the 1991 NHL All-star game and the 1990 Stanley Cup Finals. In 2001, Christian was elected into the US Hockey Hall of Fame.

Christian currently resides in Chaska, Minnesota with his wife Lisa. Along with his passion of golfing, Christian has spoken at many events and fundraisers. We are thankful and honored to have Dave speak at the InSports Charity Golf Tournament June 9th at Oxbow Country Club.    

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