siouxperstar

That's Gordie Stafford, Drew's dad--I heard they won the last 2 year's Nationals & are serious contenders for this year. Think Drew picked up pointers over the years?

"Buning said that Rivard will be re-assigned to other duties within the UND athletic department and UND women

Sabres have just made their 2nd cut--Stafford's still in the mix as of today: "They have five young guys- Paille, Stafford, Thorburn, Novotny, and Ryan- fighting for two forward spots and two young Dmen- Nathan Paetsch and Andrej Sekera- battling for the seventh Dman job."

If you notice closely, the article is written on Aug. 24th--Buffalo's Training camp started Sept. 11th w/rookies & Vets came in on the 14th. Nothing has been decided regarding either Rochester's or Buffalo's roster as of today, though i read they cut a few rookies & sent them back to their Junior teams--says something for going the college route!

Here is a link to show Stafford is indeed on the roster: Buffalo News Here are some comments, written by various individuals during the past week, regarding his training camp sessions thus far: "I want Stafford" "I want him to play for us! He was owning dudes today" Originally Posted by Slangston "Drew Stafford will be in the Sabres line-up come October. Bank on it." "It's a 3 horse race at this point. Novo, Paille and Staff." "Stafford looks pretty good. Soft hands, good vision. Seemed to struggle w/ position in the d-zone. Obviously its still early in camp. Nice juke on miller in the last period for a goal." "From what I saw of him he looked very strong on the puck. He definately stood out." "That's why I'm encouraged by the early reports that Stafford may be ready, as he, of all the RW'ers on this team has the potential to be the most complete player at the highest skill level."

Neighbors who attended the Sioux-Per Gala last Sat., heard Drew's announcement (& saw a poster congratulating him) during an interview there that he's been invited to partake in the World Championships in Latvia May 5-21 as part of Team USA. Mike Eaves will be the coach--Eaves coached Drew on the Gold Medal team that won the 2004 World Jr.'s as you may recall---bring back the gold Drew!!

How much has this kid grown this past year? I think he's more than 200 pounds and taller than 6 feet but I'm not sure. I hope this growth and his phenomenal talent don't make St.Louis rethink his needed 'growth' time.

Totally agree PCM--also, regarding other posts discussing NHL potential, scouts, coaches etc. do not base their opinions on just one game . . . for any of these players.

I heard Stafford did skip a grade--means he's got brains too.

From the Grand Forks Herald NCAA WEST REGIONAL NOTEBOOK: Stafford returns to ice UND standout forward still listed as day-to-day by Brad SchlossmanHerald Staff Writer Drew Stafford cruised up and down the ice Tuesday in Ralph Engelstad Arena. Will he do the same on Friday against Michigan? UND coach Dave Hakstol said the junior forward is still listed as day-to-day and a decision will be made later in the week on Stafford's availability for the NCAA West Regional. Stafford has missed UND's last four games with a leg injury that he suffered in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association first-round playoff series against Minnesota State University, Mankato. Stafford didn't practice last week, but he's since resumed skating with the team. The Sioux, who have won nine of their last 11 games, went 4-0 with Stafford out of the lineup. The junior winger would provide an additional boost to an offense that has averaged 4.2 goals per game in the last five weeks. He also is one of UND's top penalty killers. Stafford is UND's leading scorer with 23 points and 21 assists in 39 games. He consistently played on a line with freshmen Ryan Duncan and Jonathan Toews prior to his injury. The Sioux skated lightly on Monday and had a regular practice Tuesday.

First of all, the ratings you're discussing haven't been updated since the start of the year--I would think the numbers are not reflective of the players' current abilities, since they've all vastly improved this season! Also, predicting they "WILL" be on any given line is somewhat ridiculous, unless you have a crystal ball. Second, the draft is used to predict what potential a player has to be in the NHL--obviously no one can predict the future--each player has to keep developing (& they each develop at their own pace)--I believe each of the players that has been discussed have been doing just that all year. Third, is size a factor in making an NHL team?? Of course! Stafford is definitely over 6' 2" & closer to 210 now--again, those original stats are quite outdated. If a guy has skills + size, he is going to be favored over the "smaller" player. BTW, Zajac is already 21--Stafford is still 20

The skater he was bantering with was Oshie--good to see they have that kind of comraderie! Shows Stafford is happy for his team & not bitter about not partaking in the series. Heard from quite "reliable" sources that Drew has been wearing an extensive brace, specially fitted for his knee. Hope he's ready to go for next series!! He & Zajac are awesome together on the PK!

So let's talk about short-handed goals--these are tough to come by, at any level, including the NHL. Stafford is leading the NCAA with 6 so far--one of them unassisted, I believe.

Good to see Staff being the leader we know he can be, even though he's not playing the role on the ice for now. Even better to see the players listening to him & lighting up the scoreboard! Get healthy & get back to us soon Drew!

No kidding Stafford was robbed! He not only had 2 shorties, but a game winner & an assist as well--WTF?? A+3 in Fri.'s game & a +1 in Sat.'s.

He didn't get "pulled," he took himself out of the game (heard from a reliable source at the game).

Agree totally here--Prpich has made it his life's mission to trash talk & get opposing players off their game--great, it works! However, when he is taking a faceoff & the whole country is focused on the drop, why does he do something so stupid?? He wasn't doing it on the "sly." You'd think he'd know he wouldn't get away with it, & the TEAM then is gonna suffer because instead of trying to score, they're fighting off his selfish penalty. Granted, we all cheer when Paukovitch gets his due, but c'mon, think of the team, buddy. We can't afford to have anybody in the box (as evident in last night's game). This is such a pattern for Prpich--you can almost count on him getting a dumb penalty every game.

If you look at the stats from tonight you'll notice that Smaby had 2 assists & Stafford had a Playmaker--I'd call this "showing up." Goal scoring isn't the only indicator--isn't it apparent that, with the exception of Oshie's unassisted breakaway, the Freshmen needed their teammates to help them score--isn't that "showing up??"

What are you sorry for?? Having a less than "professional" opinion?? I repeat what I earlier stated in an earlier posting this week--maybe these pros know something you don't: As I opened my Hockey News' special issue, the 2006 Future Watch magazine, I was really pleased that many of the current Fighting Sioux have been recognized as talented players with much future potential in the NHL. The top 50, chosen by 21 NHL scouts & NHL team reports include the following: Stafford at 16th Zajac at 21st Lee at 22nd Oshie at 33 Stafford (Sabres) & Zajac (Devils)are both considered their team's top prospect--great news for them--scary for us! Great individual evaluations on all the guys too, plus a mention of Toews as well.

As I opened my Hockey News' special issue, the 2006 Future Watch magazine, I was really pleased that many of the current Fighting Sioux have been recognized as talented players with much future potential in the NHL. The top 50, chosen by 21 NHL scouts & NHL team reports include the following: Stafford at 16th Zajac at 21st Lee at 22nd Oshie at 33 Stafford (Sabres) & Zajac (Devils)are both considered their team's top prospect--great news for them--scary for us! Great individual evaluations on all the guys too, plus a mention of Toews as well.

Another thing though, doesn't Benadryl make you tired?? I heard from my kid's team doctor that taking blood thinners, like aspirin/ibuprofin isn't wise before/during a high contact sport, like hockey, because if there's an injury that's bleeding, it'll be more difficult to stop the flow.

According to my friends in Vail, Altitude sickness can leave you visiting the bathroom nonstop for days--they reccommend lots of water, before you arrive, as well as during your stay. Also, if you can stay in Denver for a day to acclimate yourself a bit, it helps. They also have pills you can take, I believe. Anyways, it is a real problem for many, since it mimics the flu.

I noticed that, but how are you getting the game?

True--sounds like Stafford's been really physical all night, despite Salcido being sent out every time he's on the ice.

Not sure if you are implying I wasn't at the game or not. If so, I was at the game and as I said the effort was there. When a goalie has a bead on the puck like Goephart did, traffic and rebounds may be the only way you'll beat him. I didn't see him straining to see past an attacker very much. No one said the offense sucked either, but you have to admit that one goal is not going to win a whole lot of games down the stretch. As far as other people needing to step up, that is what I was saying, get a goal here and a goal there from the 3rd and 4th line.