SPHL Pensacola Ice Flyers

Goaltending Standout Steve Christie Returns to Ice Flyers

Published on July 18, 2012 under SPHL (SPHL)
Pensacola Ice Flyers News Release


Pensacola, Fla. - July 18, 2012 - Pensacola Ice Flyers' head coach Gary Graham is proud to announce that goaltender, fan favorite and key element in the Ice Flyers' post season success, Steve Christie, has signed with the Ice Flyers for the 2012-13 season.

Coming in late November of the 2011-12 season from the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL, Christie proved to be a solid netminder for the Ice Flyers playing in 14 games and recording an 11-2-0 record, a 2.08 goals-against average, .932 save percentage and two shutouts. Though Christie was called up and loaned to the Tulsa Oilers in the CHL for 20 games, he returned to the Ice Flyers in time for the playoffs and was an integral part in the race for the President's Cup.

"Having been so close to winning it all last year and seeing how supportive the city was, I wanted to go back and win a championship," Christie said. "The organization and fans treated me very well last year, and though my time was very short, I created some great friendships and was surrounded by good people. I hope to experience that again this season."

Christie immediately won the fans over with a 34-save shutout performance in his first game with the Ice Flyers. He earned SPHL Player of the Week honors for December 12-18 and was the SPHL Player of the Month for December. His return for the playoffs set the tone for the memorable championship run in April. Christie now holds two playoff records: lowest goals-against average in a single playoff year with 1.17; and most shutouts in a single playoff year with two.

He spent five seasons at the University of Manitoba, earning CIS Goalie of the Year Award, as well as All-Canadian honors.

"Christie is a big piece of the puzzle for the product I am putting on the ice that will battle to bring a championship to Pensacola," Graham stated. "He's going to be a leader on and off the ice for my team and I am expecting him to build off of last season's success. It's an important signing for the organization and our fans, and we all look forward to having him in Pensacola for the season."

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