Interview: Drew Stafford

written by: Chad Blouin (Chad)

Drew is a freshman forward for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux, and a member of the 2004 World Junior Championships gold medal winning Team USA. He's eligible for the 2004 NHL Entry Draft in June, where he's expected to be taken in the first round. Our thanks to Drew, for taking time out to answer a few questions.

1. How did you get started in hockey? I grew up in the surrounding areas of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where my dad was playing for the Admirals at the time. When I was about two years old, he got me these double bladed skates and he took me out onto the ice and pushed me around. Later on, I got this little stick and a ball and I couldn't put it down. I played on my first team when I was five. 

2. Who's been your biggest influence on your hockey career thus far? My parents have been the biggest influence on my hockey career so far just because of their support and encouragement. Also my coach last year at Shattuck-St. Mary's, Tom Ward, has also been a huge influence on me. I developed into a better player and person because of him.

3. The always popular "favorites" question: Favorite NHL team and player? My favorite NHL team is the Edmonton Oilers and my favorite player is Ryan Smyth because he just loves to play the game and he is fun to watch.

4. Almost every young player not yet in the NHL is compared to some one who is. What are some of the comparisons you've heard, and is there any one player you try to model your game after? A few people have told me that I resemble a young Trevor Linden and after watching him I definitely try to soak up as much as I can from his game. There are so many other players that I watch and try to learn from though.

5. What was your experience with Team USA at the World Junior Championships in Finland like? Playing for Team USA over in Finland was the greatest experience of my life. Obviously anytime you can represent your country it is such an honor. Also, the fact that we came back and beat Canada just topped it off. Our team became a family in the three or so weeks we were together and that made it extra special winning it all.

6. I know your dad was born in Alberta, Canada; did he have any trouble rooting for team USA in the gold medal game vs. Canada? Well, obviously he still has Canadian blood in him, but at least around me he never rooted for the bad guys.

7. Where do you keep the gold medal? I keep my gold medal in my room at my house in Minnesota, along with my jersey from the tournament.

8. You're projected to be a first round pick in the upcoming NHL entry draft. Does that put any more pressure on you to perform well in the NCAA post-season? Well, it's definitely an honor to be considered such a high draft pick. But, being drafted at all is such a privilege that I am thankful I will have an opportunity to do so. It doesn't really put that much pressure on me at all though. I don't think about anything but playing as well as I can every night and helping the team to the best of my abilities.

9. Alright, fantasy time. Two players, past or present; who are you lining up with? If I could play with any two players at all I would pick Wayne Gretzky and Peter Forsberg. Although with those two I think I would have a hard time not being a spectator.

10. What kind of stuff do you do in your spare time? Any hobbies? I play guitar, listen to music, or hang out with my friends in my spare time. I am a pretty big golfer and I play a lot of tennis too.

11. Any pre-game rituals or superstitions in general? I go through my normal mental imaging and breathing before each game, but otherwise I have no big superstitions.