Christian re-signs for another season

The veteran was runner-up for the league's Most Valuable Player award.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Youngstown SteelHounds re-signed All-Star captain Jeff Christian.
In his first season in the Central Hockey League, Christian led the team with 107 points (55 goals, 52 assists). He finished atop numerous CHL categories, leading the league with 55 goals, 20 power play goals and 10 game winning goals. He also led the league in shooting percentage with .193 percent. His 107 points were second to the CHL's Most Valuable Player Derek Hahn (114 points). The veteran finished with 32 multiple point games and 15 multiple goal games this season.
"We had a great start last season, and we're looking to build on that success this year," Christian said. "Becoming a playoff team is definitely what we're reaching for."
Joins teammate
He joins Chris Richards as the first two players under contract for the Hounds.
The Burlington, Ontario native was named a Northern Conference starter at the CHL All-Star game and made his appearance memorable scoring the game-winning goal in a shootout. Christian was also a member of the All-CHL team and the runner-up for the league's Most Valuable Player award. In addition, he was named the CHL Oakley Player of the Week three times.
"I really enjoyed playing in Youngstown," Christian said. "This town has embraced the team and it has embraced my family. We bought a house here and are happy to call Youngstown home. We plan on making this the last stop of my career."
Christian has played in 18 career National Hockey League games seeing action with Pittsburgh, New Jersey and Phoenix. He was originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the second round (23rd overall) of the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. In his 18 career NHL games, Christian totaled four points (two goals, two assists) and 17 penalty minutes.
Background
Prior to joining the SteelHounds, Christian played 679 career minor league games splitting time between the American Hockey League and the International Hockey League, where he scored 258 goals and added 319 assists to go along with 1,840 penalty minutes. His most productive season came with the Turner Cup Champion Houston Aeros (IHL) during the 1998-99 campaign where he led the team with 46 goals, was second with 86 points and first with 252 penalty minutes. His 46 goals were third and his 86 points were seventh in the IHL that season. Following the 1998-99 season, Christian was awarded the IHL's John Cullen Award given to the player deemed to have been a key contributor to his team, while overcoming injury, illness, or other personal setbacks.