Drew Stafford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Drew Stafford |
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Stafford with the Buffalo Sabres in 2012
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| Born | October 30, 1985 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
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| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | ||
| Weight | 202 lb (92 kg; 14 st 6 lb) | ||
| Position | Right Wing | ||
| Shot | Right | ||
| Played for | Buffalo Sabres Winnipeg Jets Boston Bruins New Jersey Devils |
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| National team |  United States |
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| NHL Draft | 13th overall, 2004 Buffalo Sabres |
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| Playing career | 2006–2019 | ||
Drew Stafford (born October 30, 1985) is an American former professional ice hockey player. He played as a right winger. Drew was picked early in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. He played for several teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), including the Sabres, Winnipeg Jets, Boston Bruins, and New Jersey Devils.
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Drew Stafford's Early Life
Drew Stafford was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up in Faribault, Minnesota. When he was a teenager, he played high-level youth hockey. His dad, Gordie, was also a professional hockey player. Drew's uncle, Barrie Stafford, worked for the Edmonton Oilers hockey team for many years.
Drew Stafford's Hockey Journey
Starting Out as an Amateur Player
Drew Stafford played hockey in St. Albert, Alberta, when he was young. He was a top scorer on his team. Later, he played high school hockey at Shattuck-Saint Mary's in Minnesota. He also played for the US national team in big tournaments.
After high school, Drew played for three seasons at the University of North Dakota. In 2004, the Buffalo Sabres chose him as the 13th player in the NHL Draft. He decided to turn professional in 2006, after three successful years in college. He scored 118 points (48 goals and 70 assists) during his college career.
Playing as a Professional
Drew Stafford started his professional career with the Rochester Americans. This team is a minor league affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. He played so well that he was called up to the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL very quickly.
Time with the Buffalo Sabres
Drew made his NHL debut on November 5, 2006. He earned his first NHL point by helping score a game-winning goal. A few days later, he scored his first NHL goal. He became a regular player for the Sabres in the 2007–08 season.
Drew scored his first career hat-trick (three goals in one game) in January 2008. He went on to score five more hat-tricks during his time with the Sabres! In 2011, he signed a four-year contract to stay with the team.
Moving to the Winnipeg Jets
In 2015, Drew Stafford was traded to the Winnipeg Jets. This was part of a big trade involving several players and a draft pick. In his second game with the Jets, he scored a goal and helped his new team win in a shootout. He signed a new contract to stay with the Jets for two more years.
Playing for the Boston Bruins
In March 2017, Drew was traded again, this time to the Boston Bruins. He quickly made an impact, getting an assist in his first game. He scored his first goal for the Bruins just a few days later.
Joining the New Jersey Devils
Drew Stafford signed with the New Jersey Devils in August 2017. He played 59 games for them, scoring 8 goals and getting 15 points. He signed another contract with the Devils in 2018. In January 2019, he played his 800th NHL game and scored the game-winning goal in a shootout!
In September 2019, Drew attended a training camp with the Minnesota Wild.
Drew Stafford's Personal Life
Drew Stafford's family has a strong connection to hockey. His father, Gord Stafford, played professional hockey in the 1980s. Drew also has a creative side! While in college, he formed a band called Red Seal Peach with another hockey player, Jordan Parise. He even appeared in a music video for the band Every Time I Die.
Drew Stafford's International Play
Drew Stafford also represented the United States in international hockey tournaments. He won a gold medal at the 2004 World Junior Championships. He also played for the US men's team in the IIHF World Championships several times.
| Medal record | ||
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| ice hockey | ||
Representing the  United States |
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| World Junior Championships | ||
| Gold | 2004 Helsinki | |
