siouxperstar
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Posts posted by siouxperstar
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"Buning said that Rivard will be re-assigned to other duties within the UND athletic department and UND women
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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."
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Appears he will start the season in Rochester
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!
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I apologize if this has been brought up in another thread, but I didn't see any fitting topic except former players which is 78 pages long and too much to sort through.
So, my question is does any one know where Stafford is currently playing? He was on Buffalo's rookie camp roster, but not on their training camp one. Also, checking the stats for Buffalo's first few games, he has not been in the lineup.
Did he get assigned to the AHL already, or am I just missing something?
I appreciate the help.
Here is a link to show Stafford is indeed on the roster:
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."
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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!!
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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.
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I'm not hanging the loss on Jordan by any stretch of the imagination. There were pleny of bad penalties, poor line changes and blown defensive coverages throughout the game to spread the blame around. Really, I think it's quite an accomplishment that the Sioux made it a one-goal game at the end.
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.
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I thought Drew also skipped a grade rather than accelerating. Whatever our young (really this applies to all our boys) amazing athletes did to get to the D1 level as young as they did, it highlights their dedication, work ethic and love of the game!!
Dam@, we are some lucky Fighting Sioux Hockey fans!!!
I heard Stafford did skip a grade--means he's got brains too.
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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.
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Both Potulny and Irmen are undersized forwards when it comes to the NHL. 6 Foot and 190 plus pounds just isn't big enough unless you have skills to burn. They are both rated at 6.5 B which means they have the potential to make it but aren't expected to play on anything but the third line.
Zajac and Stafford are rated at 7.0 B which means they will play on the 2nd or 3rd line. They are both 6 foot 2 and 200 plus pounds which means they are more likely to be able to handle the long season. They are also both 1 year younger than Irmen and Potulny and are on schedule to play in the AHL in their 20th year. Irmen and Potulny are a year behind most of their peers that are going to play pro hockey somewhere.
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
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Anybody else notice drew and one of the players on skates wrestling around??? Nice to see Drew feeling better, but scares me if he does have knee problems to be out on the ice in shoes goofing around.
CONGRATS on the WIN
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!
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While I realize that the Oshie vs. Kessel posts get tiresome, some people in this thread were having a legitimate discussion about statistics, which is the thread's title.
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.
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If I may be so bold, here's the USCHO recap of Saturday's game.
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!
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I would just like to give a big congrates to Jonathan Toews for being co-rookie of the Week. He is on one heck of a tear. Lets hope he keeps it up!
Also I would like to congratulate Jordan Parise for being nominated for Defensive Player of the week. (which he was robbed of) heck... anyone posting back to back shut-outs should be an automatic pick!
and lastly, congratulations are in order for Drew Stafford for being nominated for Offensive Player of the week. (I thought he was robbed too) 3 goals and 1 assist on the weekend with 2 of the goals being shortys!
WTG guys. Keep it rollin' in the post-season
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
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the way Jordan just layed face down and away from the shooter on goal #6 and not even try to get up once is just pathetic no wonder he got pulled......
He didn't get "pulled," he took himself out of the game (heard from a reliable source at the game).
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I don't buy using the rationale that hockey is a rough game to justify Prpich's stunt. Violence is a great part of the game: when a player has his head down and gets flattened, he had it coming. Good body shots in open ice or along the boards are a joy to watch. Stickwork, though, is usually chickensh!t. Some players, like Prpich, play a good verbal game, and that is ok too, and fun. Paukovich deserved what he got, and I surely don't feel sorry for him, but Mike's doing it just strikes me as stupid--nothing more.
That said, I'm not sure what a coach should do about it. I think most or all of us really like the fighting spirit Prpich brings to the ice. How to get him to play smarter and keep that spirit is probably easier said than done.
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.
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Excellent game tonight for the Sioux. DU did fight in the 2nd period, but Sioux found a way to turn things around for the better in the 3rd. Freshman showed again. I like that, but I still think we need the upperclassman to show too, in order to go anywhere in the playoffs. It seems like one night, it's the freshman, while the next night, it's the upperclassman. Let's all just score all the time, and get back to normal 6 and 7 goal games like back in the late 90s!!!
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??"
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I am sorry but Drew Stafford will be back for his senior year just MHO, the kid can't and hasn't score against though or ranked opponents. I just wonder what makes people think that he is leaving UND? Zajac I am hoping will stay for a year to play with his brother, Also, I am not sold on the fact that he is ready for the next level either wether it be in the AHL or the NHL. Maybe he should talk to the older Lundbohm. I had a conversation with a guy the other day on this very subject. I said, "Is Travis as good as Zach Parise (nope) is Travis as good as Gionta (not even close) is Travis as good as Rass or John Madden (I don't think so) I don't see who he is going to replace in the Devils Line up? I am just hoping he stays one more year. That being I don't think Travis has done much more than Drew this season. Just wondering. As far as Matt Smaby the kid is a serious monster, but I am not so sure he would be able to step in down in TB either right now.
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.
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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.
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I used to get sick like that at altitude also. My decathlon coach would have me make mix a concoction (with dr approval of course... don't want to peeve off big brother AAU athletics or the NCAA drug testers) of benadryl (anti-nausea), low strength aspirin (thins the blood), Vitamin D tablets (apparently stabilizes inner ear at high altitudes?), ibuprofin (again, some type of inner ear/cranium anti-inflammation reason) and good old Mountain Dew (for caffiene which offsets some of the drowsiness of the benadryl).
Gotta say it worked like a charm. Within a couple of hours of taking it I could go from not being able to walk straight and feeling like I was going to fall over or puke to being completely normal. I haven't looked at the NCAA guidelines in a while to see if this is still Kosher, but if it is, maybe he should try it?
Feel free to forward this email to anyone who can reach him!
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.
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I used to get sick like that at altitude also. My decathlon coach would have me make mix a concoction (with dr approval of course... don't want to peeve off big brother AAU athletics or the NCAA drug testers) of benadryl (anti-nausea), low strength aspirin (thins the blood), Vitamin D tablets (apparently stabilizes inner ear at high altitudes?), ibuprofin (again, some type of inner ear/cranium anti-inflammation reason) and good old Mountain Dew (for caffiene which offsets some of the drowsiness of the benadryl).
Gotta say it worked like a charm. Within a couple of hours of taking it I could go from not being able to walk straight and feeling like I was going to fall over or puke to being completely normal. I haven't looked at the NCAA guidelines in a while to see if this is still Kosher, but if it is, maybe he should try it?
Feel free to forward this email to anyone who can reach him!
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.
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Ugh the radio is sooooooooooo far behind.
I noticed that, but how are you getting the game?
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Lee gets the only assist, but Stafford doesn't despite working hard to create the chance.
True--sounds like Stafford's been really physical all night, despite Salcido being sent out every time he's on the ice.
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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.
Coach rivard's contract not being renewed
in Men's Hockey
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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?