Jeff Christiansen...A Comeback Story

Wisconsin hockey fans likely remember Jeff Christiansen, a power forward that played for University School, was among the best players in the state, and graduated in 2004. He was drafted by Omaha and began the 2004-2005 season with the Lancers in the USHL. His season was up and down. The up included a verbal commitment to Union to attend school and play hockey, just as his brother Doug had done. The down included pain in his hip that just didn't seem normal. The pain persisted throughout the season and he was eventually traded to Billings in the NAHL. He played the final 12 games of the season with Billings including six playoff games.

After the season Jeff had an X-ray taken on the hip that had been hurting. The result? Not only did doctors discover a fracture, but also a tumor. Suddenly hockey and Union didn't seem like the most important things in life. Fortunately, after a week of waiting for test results the tumor was found to be benign, but Jeff had a long road ahead of him. After surgeries, the insertion of a metal rod and five screws, and nine months of rehab, Jeff Christiansen made it back on the ice for Billings for the final 19 games of this season. He still doesn't feel 100% but hopes with a summer of hard work he can be at full strength as he starts out at Union.

You can check out a photo of Jeff and the story of his comeback from the Billings Gazette by clicking here.