Mike Christensen

 

A native of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, he played three years of varsity hockey before advancing to the junior ranks with the Minnesota Ice Hawks (MnJHL), where he served as tea

m captain and helped lead the team to multiple National Tournament appearances. He also spent time 

with the Winnipeg Saints of the Manitoba Junior A Hockey League, recording 29 points in 29 games, and later led the National Tournament in both goals and points while helping the Ice Hawks reach the semifinals.

He went on to play NCAA Division III hockey at St. Mary’s University before beginning his professional career with the Brooklyn Aces (EPHL), where he finished tied for second in league goal scoring despite an injury-shortened season and earned a call-up to the ECHL’s Elmira Jackals. He later served as an alternate captain for the New York Aviators and helped the team capture a league championship.

Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, volunteering with Special Olympics Minnesota and coaching varsity soccer and hockey before moving into youth hockey. After coaching at the Peewee and Bantam AA levels, he joined BestShift Hockey as a full-time instructor.

His coaching philosophy centers on high-energy practices, skill development, and maintaining a positive environment. He believes hockey provides valuable life lessons and strives to help athletes grow both on and off the ice.