Dave Christian was a professional ice hockey player who had a successful career spanning over a decade. He was born on May 13, 1959, in Warroad, Minnesota, and grew up in a family of hockey players. His father, Bill Christian, was a member of the 1960 US Olympic hockey team that won the gold medal in Squaw Valley, California.
Dave Christian began his hockey career playing for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux. He played for the team from 1978 to 1980 and was a key player in their success. In his sophomore year, he helped the team win the NCAA championship, scoring the game-winning goal in the final against Northern Michigan.
After his college career, Christian was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in the second round of the 1979 NHL Entry Draft. He played for the Jets for two seasons before being traded to the Washington Capitals in 1982. He spent four seasons with the Capitals, where he was a consistent scorer and a valuable member of the team.
In 1986, Christian was traded to the Boston Bruins, where he played for two seasons. He then played for the St. Louis Blues for one season before being traded back to the Bruins in 1989. He played for the Bruins for two more seasons before being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in 1991.
Christian's career highlight came in 1980 when he was a member of the US Olympic hockey team that won the gold medal in Lake Placid, New York. He was one of the youngest players on the team, but he played a crucial role in their success. He scored a goal in the famous "Miracle on Ice" game against the Soviet Union, which is considered one of the greatest upsets in sports history.
Christian also represented the US in several international tournaments, including the Canada Cup and the World Championships. He was known for his speed, skill, and versatility on the ice, and he was a respected player among his peers.
After retiring from hockey in 1994, Christian remained involved in the sport as a coach and a youth hockey advocate. He was inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012, recognizing his contributions to the sport both on and off the ice.
In conclusion, Dave Christian was a talented and accomplished hockey player who had a successful career spanning over a decade. He was a key member of several NHL teams and played a crucial role in the US Olympic hockey team's historic victory in 1980. He remains a respected figure in the hockey community and continues to inspire young players to this day.
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