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Jeff Christian Named CHL's Most Valuable Player

March 26, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Youngstown SteelHounds News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The Youngstown SteelHounds, in conjunction with the Central Hockey League (CHL), announced today that SteelHounds forward Jeff Christian has been named the CHL Most Valuable Player. Voting was done by CHL coaches, communications departments and select media from around the league.

"We are proud of Jeff and what he means to the organization," said SteelHounds Head Coach Kevin Kaminski. "It has been great watching Jeff all season long the way he goes about his business and the way he leads the young players on this team. He is a great asset for the CHL and for the Mahoning Valley."

Christian finished the season with a league high 116 points including 38 goals and a league-leading 78 assists. He also ranked at the top or among the league leaders in plus/minus (+45, first) power play goals (16, fourth), shorthanded goals (six, second) and shootout goals (seven, first). The Canfield, Ohio resident also finished tops in the CHL's Three Stars Competition finishing with 83 points, three better than teammate Chris Richards.

"I am very thankful for receiving such an honor," said Christian. "Hockey is truly a team sport and I can only accomplish what we as a team accomplish. I am lucky to have such strong teammates that have been a pleasure to skate with and be friends with off the ice. I am excited about what comes next because I feel that our strong regular season is just the start of a great post-season."

Last week, Christian was named to the All CHL Team for the second consecutive season and last year the 6-2, 225-pound forward finished second in the league's MVP race to Amarillo's Derek Hahn. Over the last two seasons, Christian has scored a remarkable 223 points including 93 goals in 125 games.

The Joe Burton Scoring Championship (named after former Oklahoma City player Joe Burton who amassed 985 points in 11 CHL seasons) was up for grabs until the final weekend of the season as Christian and Richards battled it out but an injury in Friday's victory over Memphis left Richards on the sidelines for the final two regular season games and Christian's five-game point streak to finish the season put all doubt aside. Richards finished the season with 106 points (39-67=106), 10 behind his teammate.

Christian recognized Richards as the best teammate he has had.

"Richy is one of the best teammates I have ever played with. We have meshed very well over the past two seasons and I couldn't get it done with out him. I absolutely share this award with him. In my mind we are co-MVP's."

The SteelHounds begin their quest for the cup on Friday in Colorado in the first game of a best-of-seven series versus the Eagles. Face-off is scheduled for 9:05 PM (EST).



Central Hockey League Stories from March 26, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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