Like father, like son
Gavin Christie can’t wait to hear his name announced at the 2025 OHL draft. Photo by Insight Imaging Photography.
There’s nothing like having a former NHLer in your corner when you have aspirations of playing hockey at the next level.
Niagara North Stars defenceman Gavin Christie, who is looking forward to this weekend’s Ontario Hockey League draft, has the benefit of having a father, Ryan Christie, who made it to the highest levels of the sport.
Ryan suited up for three seasons in the OHL with the Owen Sound Platers before being selected by the Dallas Stars in the fifth round of the 1996 NHL draft. He ended up playing five NHL games with the Stars and two more with the Calgary Flames and had a lengthy pro career.
“He has been a really big part of everything I know up until now,” said the 15-year-old Beamsville resident, who turns 16 on Sunday. “He has helped me make a name for myself and he’s taught me a lot.”
Dad’s advice to the 6-foot-2, 165-pound defenceman heading into the OHL draft is simple.
“He told me to just enjoy the process.
Gavin started skating when he was three and began playing hockey in Beamsville when he was four or five. He has been a member of the Niagara North Stars AAA travel program for the past seven years.
The Grade 10 student at Blessed Trinity realized he had a chance to play in the OHL last season.
“It was my compete and love for the game and I really developed last year. I’ve have gotten even better since then.”
It has always been his goal to play in the OHL.
“It’s the best of the best and it is building your way up to make it further.”
Niagara North Stars U16 head coach Curtis Conrad describes Christie as an all-round defenceman.
“He can play anything you want. If you want to muck it up and play a physical game and get into the nitty-gritty stuff in the corners, he can do that. But he can also make plays with the best of them. He’s got great poise with the puck. He’s a big body, he’s got a great one-timer on the power play. He puts up good points for a defenceman and he plays a well-rounded game.”
Christie agrees with that assessment.
“I’m exactly that.”
He feels that he has always had finesse in his game and the grit comes from fighting with his older brother, Jackson, when the two were little and his dad’s genetics.
Ryan had 136- and 208- penalty minute seasons in the OHL with Owen Sound and a further three pro seasons where he exceeded 120 minutes in penalties.
Gavin is looking forward to the draft.
“I am nervous but excited.”
Heading into the draft, he has had discussions with almost every team in the OHL and he would be happy to go to any team that drafts him.
He will follow the draft on-line at home with his parents, his brother and his grandparents.
