Drew Stafford is gone, Junior Forward signs with Sabres.

Yesterday the Fighting Sioux lost another talented player as Drew Stafford signed a pro contract with the Buffalo Sabres, I know my friend Lucky is happy about this, but I can't share is joy. If my week couldn't get any worse it went from crappy to the pits... Lets see what has happened in the last week: The weather sucks it has in the thirties at night the past week, the NCAA shot down UND's appeal, frankly, I wonder if they even read the damn appeal, then I have to swallow this. I think Daniel Powter's song bad day really sums up the past week:

You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee to go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces everytime
And I don't need no carryin' on
Cause you had a bad day

You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day

Now people would say Goon this was pretty much expected that Drew would sign in the off-season and should be a shock to no one. So they say. Drew has gone from being a serious flight risk to gone from the team. I have seen it written on the various fan message boards that there is no way UND can make a run at the National tile will all the loses they have suffered in the off season. Who wants to bet? I think that defeatist thinking is not very realistic and its down right depressing... Although the loss of Stafford is not minor, the Fighting Sioux played without Drew through the WCHA playoffs and dismantled Wisconsin in the Final Five Championship game. I think we have seen a glimpse of the future without Drew.

Goon's World would like to thank Drew Stafford for all the good memories you have given us over the last three years, it has been fun watching you develop as a player and score some amazing goals. On one final note I am happy that I don't have to worry about you making your living as a singer.

UND players that have signed in the off season:
May 3 Buffalo: Signed F Drew Stafford* (North Dakota)
April 13 New Jersey: Signed F Travis Zajac* (North Dakota)
April 13 Tampa Bay: Signed D Matt Smaby* (North Dakota)

Inside College hockey link to Stafford signing

News Release from the Sabres Site