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Mike Christie, former DU hockey star and Colorado Rockies captain, was impactful coach and genuine jokester

Colorado’s hockey community is mourning the loss of Mike Christie, the former University of Denver standout defenseman who also played three seasons with the Colorado Rockies, including one as captain in 1979-80.

DU hockey defenseman Mike Christie on March 14, 1972.

Christie died July 11 of kidney disease at age 69. He spent six seasons in the NHL, playing 412 games for four teams between 1974 and 1981.

In addition, Christie coached youth hockey for the Littleton Hockey Association while raising his family in Centennial.

“Every single guy I played with said dad was their most impactful coach,” said Dan Christie, who played for his father at Littleton.