CANES DRAFT REVIEW Part 1

CANES DRAFT FIGHTING SIOUX DREW STAFFORD
CAROLINA

The Carolina Hurricanes went into the draft with a few needs and a couple wants. Knowing full well the potential graduation in store for the Canes ahead of them, the Canes wanted to pick a young player who could make an impact both on and off the ice.

The first selection of the Cane’s draft came in the form of University of North Dakota forward Drew Stafford. Stafford, 18, has an impressive resume with two straight team USA World Junior appearances and several individual accolades associated with each, including a gold medal two seasons ago.

“We wanted this kid all along because he brings a lot of intangibles to the forefront,” said head of scouting Barry Trapp. “Drew is an up and down winger, good size and he comes back hard. We felt we had a good group of offensive forwards already in the system, we wanted a character guy with a great work ethic and a determination to win. I think Drew has all of these wrapped up in a big frame and tied with skill.”

Stafford, a Minnesota native, who stands 6’2 and weighs in at about 200 pounds, will likely be counted on later in his development as a two way winger and a future captain.

“Getting drafted is a dream of mine, but getting drafted to a team that wants to develop through the system gives younger guys like myself the chance other teams don’t,” said Stafford. “I look at the roster and it looks like they have done well to stockpile some excellent prospects. Guys like Carter and Phaneuf I have had to play against for seasons now at the Worlds so it’ll be great to be on their side for once.”

The strong right winger will likely find himself fighting for a starting spot on the Canes junior roster with veterans Ryan Getzlaf, Brian McGratton, Anthony Stewart and Luc Belanger still around. Time will tell but the Canes could not be more excited about their acquisition of the young forward.