Mass Exodus continues at North Dakota. Spirko Gone.

Mass Exodus continues at North Dakota. Spirko Gone.
Sparky Said:
Spirko, who hails from Slovakia, scored 11 goals and added 21 assists as a sophomore last season. According to teammates, Spirko generally kept to himself and had said that playing so far from home was sometimes difficult.

The Losses Keep Coming For the Fighting Sioux.
North Dakota lost its fourth underclassman of the offseason today when sophomore forward Rastislav Spirko decided to leave school and return to his native Slovakia.

Goon’s Perspective on this:
I am probably going to get flamed for this but here goes: Spirko not coming back next season is a loss, but his loss is not insurmountable, next season Sioux fans won’t even remember his name. The Fighting Sioux can play good hockey without Spirko and have a ton of talent to pick up the slack, players that want to be at UND.
Don’t get me wrong I think Sparky was a good player but in my opinion it takes a commitment from the player, and if that player doesn’t want to be here at UND, is unhappy or home sick then it’s a bad situation for all concerned. If Sparky doesn’t want to be here at North Dakota then Sparky should go home, or play in Europe or wherever. From my perspective it seems almost kind of whinny. The players coming in next season will pick up the slack for Spirko. I know what its like to be a young man 4,000 miles away from home, its tough. When I was 19 years old I was stationed in Stuttgart Germany while I served in the US Army, it’s a change that takes some time getting used to.

Goon’s World would like to wish Spirko good luck, however, I think your giving up a hell of an opportunity, the exposure you would gained from playing at UND could have landed you a big time contract in the AHL/NHL eventually, however, your home sickness or money problems caused you to decide to go back to Europe to play hockey, good luck to you. My question is: Why not bring your girl friend to the USA and have her live here with you?

Goon Said Earlier this Week
I don't think this team will miss a beat like one person said earlier have some faith in the players we have on the team. As Sioux fans we have only seen the tip of the ice burg with Oshie and Toews, beside I believe Toews will be a better player than Stafford ever was in the years to come. Take the Money and run Drew we will be fine without you, who can fault you. I think the boys coming in next fall are going to be pretty good too. Lets not lose faith its only May. Although we are all depressed we need to take a deep breath. May I suggest playing some golf. Check this place out. Dan in the club house will set you up with a tee time.
King's Walk

Finally, Don't let the trolls on the various fan message boards that claim to have credible information get you down. Players are going to leave. People talk in this town and there is enough Fighting Sioux Gossip to go around. There is no denieing it. They are nothing more than gossip hounds that have nothing better to do than troll and listen to lockerroom gossip. Sometimes they come trough, sometimes they get lucky and sometimes they are wrong.


The Links:
CHN Spirko Gone
INCH Article

GF Herald Blog