lala
01-31-2004, 08:50 AM
STAFFORD IN THE STARS
Miroslav Zalesak will have to make room in his car for his February road trip to Grand Rapids. Garrett Stafford will now ride along as he was selected to the PlanetUSA AHL All-Star Team in the 2004 Pepsi AHL All-Star Classic to be played Monday, February 9th in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Van Andel Arena.
Stafford, in his rookie season with the Barons, is among league leaders in several defensive scoring categories. The University of New Hampshire alum has recorded 29 points on 8 goals and 21 assists in 40 games this season. Among all AHL defenseman, Stafford ranks second in points (29), tied for third in goals (8), fourth in assists (21), tied for third in power play points (12), tied for third in power play assists (8), and tied for fourth in power play goals (4).
Stafford is also among the leaders in several rookie-scoring categories. The 6'0", 190-pound first year professional leads all AHL rookie defensemen in goals, assists, and points. Overall, Stafford is third in rookie scoring, second in rookie assists, and tied for 15th in rookie goals.
"This is quite a humbling honor and I will try to enjoy it," stated the AHL All-Star. "It is nice to be considered in the same category with so many great players. Since 1995, over 90% of the players who compete in the All-Star Classic have played in the NHL, so hopefully it is a sign of things to come."
Signed to a professional try-out by the Barons on October 10th, Stafford was signed to a standard player contract by the San Jose Sharks on December 9th. Stafford took part in both the Los Angeles Kings and Dallas Stars training camp prior to joining the Sharks organization.
Known as an offensive defenseman coming out of college, Stafford didn't come into the season with statistics on his mind.
"I really don't think about points. Whatever happens out there happens and I am just glad to help the team win."
Undrafted, Stafford led a decorated collegiate career. In 2003, Stafford helped the University of New Hampshire advance to the 2003 NCAA Championship before falling to the University of Minnesota. He was selected to the Hockey East All-Tournament Team in both 2002 and 2003. Stafford was selected to the 2002 All-Hockey East 2nd Team. Also, he was selected by teammates as the UNH Defenseman of the Year in 2001 and 2002.
CHANGE OF PLANS
Stafford's All-Star nomination must have come as a suprise. Stafford booked a reservation to fly home to Los Angeles, California over the All-Star weekend. Stafford will now be relegated to another couple days in the wintry climate of Grand Rapids.
"I was all set to go home for a couple of days. But I really don't want to be anywhere else during that time," said Stafford.
Miroslav Zalesak will have to make room in his car for his February road trip to Grand Rapids. Garrett Stafford will now ride along as he was selected to the PlanetUSA AHL All-Star Team in the 2004 Pepsi AHL All-Star Classic to be played Monday, February 9th in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Van Andel Arena.
Stafford, in his rookie season with the Barons, is among league leaders in several defensive scoring categories. The University of New Hampshire alum has recorded 29 points on 8 goals and 21 assists in 40 games this season. Among all AHL defenseman, Stafford ranks second in points (29), tied for third in goals (8), fourth in assists (21), tied for third in power play points (12), tied for third in power play assists (8), and tied for fourth in power play goals (4).
Stafford is also among the leaders in several rookie-scoring categories. The 6'0", 190-pound first year professional leads all AHL rookie defensemen in goals, assists, and points. Overall, Stafford is third in rookie scoring, second in rookie assists, and tied for 15th in rookie goals.
"This is quite a humbling honor and I will try to enjoy it," stated the AHL All-Star. "It is nice to be considered in the same category with so many great players. Since 1995, over 90% of the players who compete in the All-Star Classic have played in the NHL, so hopefully it is a sign of things to come."
Signed to a professional try-out by the Barons on October 10th, Stafford was signed to a standard player contract by the San Jose Sharks on December 9th. Stafford took part in both the Los Angeles Kings and Dallas Stars training camp prior to joining the Sharks organization.
Known as an offensive defenseman coming out of college, Stafford didn't come into the season with statistics on his mind.
"I really don't think about points. Whatever happens out there happens and I am just glad to help the team win."
Undrafted, Stafford led a decorated collegiate career. In 2003, Stafford helped the University of New Hampshire advance to the 2003 NCAA Championship before falling to the University of Minnesota. He was selected to the Hockey East All-Tournament Team in both 2002 and 2003. Stafford was selected to the 2002 All-Hockey East 2nd Team. Also, he was selected by teammates as the UNH Defenseman of the Year in 2001 and 2002.
CHANGE OF PLANS
Stafford's All-Star nomination must have come as a suprise. Stafford booked a reservation to fly home to Los Angeles, California over the All-Star weekend. Stafford will now be relegated to another couple days in the wintry climate of Grand Rapids.
"I was all set to go home for a couple of days. But I really don't want to be anywhere else during that time," said Stafford.