Steve Christoff
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Olympic medal record | |||
| Men's Ice Hockey | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 1980 Lake Placid | Team | |
Steve Christoff (born January 23, 1958 in [[Springfield, Illinois]) is a retired American professional ice hockey forward who played 248 regular season games in the NHL with the Minnesota North Stars, Calgary Flames, and Los Angeles Kings in 1980–84.
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[edit] Amateur career
Before turning professional, Christoff attended the University of Minnesota where he played for the Minnesota Gophers for three seasons in 1976–79. He made his international debut for Team USA at the 1979 Ice Hockey World Championship tournament in Moscow. Christoff is best known for being a member of the "Miracle On Ice" 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team won the gold medal.
[edit] Professional career
Christoff was selected 24th overall in the 1978 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota North Stars. He joined the North Stars for 20 games after the Olympics, scoring eight goals and 15 points. The next year, he suited up for 56 games, netting 26 goals and 39 points and was one of the Stars best performers as Minnesota lost the 1981 Stanley Cup finals to the New York Islanders. He also participated in the 1981 Canada Cup tournament as a member of Team USA. In 1981–82, Christoff appeared in 69 games, scoring 26 goals and 55 points, a career high. Although he was an extremely popular figure in Minnesota, Christoff was traded to the Calgary Flames for the 1982–83 season, but he was used in just 45 games, scoring nine goals and 17 points. In 1983–84, Christoff played his final season in the NHL with the Los Angeles Kings, starting 58 games, scoring eight goals and 15 points.
[edit] Post career
Christoff works as a pilot on commuter flights for Minnesota-based Mesaba Airlines since retiring from hockey. He was named one of the 50 greatest players in University of Minnesota hockey history as part of "Legends on Ice" tribute in 2001.
