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Roger Christian

BIRTHPLACE: Warroad, Minn.

BORN: December 1, 1935

DIED: November 9, 2011

TEAMS/ASSOCIATIONS: United States National Team, United States Olympic Team, Warroad Lakers

 

Bio

Roger Christian began his early years in hockey like most other youngsters in Warroad, playing road hockey four to five hours or more on the river and on outdoor rinks.  He and his brother, (fellow enshrined) Billy, used magazines for shin pads and hockey sticks made by their father.  They even shared a pair of skates and one would use them for half an hour then the other would trade. 

Roger started playing high school hockey for Warroad in 1950, and by 1952 he was the team's leading scorer.  In 1953 he led Warroad to the State Tournament, something sacred to all kids in the Land of 10,000 lakes.  Over his storied prep career selected to the All-State Team, and was named All Region twice. 

He would go on to star internationally after that.  In 1958 he led the U.S. National team in scoring, under Coach Cal Marvin and Manager Don Clark, and in 1960 Roger played on the fabled Gold Medal winning Olympic Team, alongside his brother.  He would go on to play on five U.S. National teams altogether.

After that Roger went on to play for nearly 20 years with his hometown Warroad Lakers, an amateur dynasty, where his number 7 Jersey was later retired from the Lakers roster in 1974. 

Roger later went on to co-found the multi-million dollar stick and equipment manufacturing company called Christian Brothers, where he continues to work today.  In addition, he remains active in local community and youth hockey programs as well.