Stafford Named An AHL Second Team All-Star
Published on April 1, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Cleveland Barons News Release
CLEVELAND â The Cleveland Barons, in conjunction with the American Hockey League, announced today that Garrett Stafford was named to the 2003-04 AHL Second All-Star Team as voted by AHL players and media in each of the league's 28 member cities. Michael T. Lehr, President of the Cleveland Barons, made the announcement.
For the second consecutive day, Stafford was awarded with an AHL honor. Yesterday, Stafford was named to the AHL All-Rookie Team. His rookie season has been rather decorated. Stafford was awarded the January AHL Rookie of the Month recording 16 points in 15 games played. He proceeded to earn a spot on the PlanetUSA All-Star Team at the 2004 Pepsi AHL All-Star Game in Grand Rapids.
Stafford, 23, may have been the biggest rookie surprise for the Barons in the 2003-04 season. Competing for roster spots at both the Los Angeles Kings and Dallas Stars training camps, Stafford was signed to a try-out contract by the Barons at the start of the season. After posting 14 points in the first 20 games, the Sharks inked Stafford to a standard player contract on December 9th.
The 6', 190-pound blueliner currently leads all rookie defenseman in points (46), goals (12), and assists (34). Among all defensemen, Stafford is third in points, tied for second in assists, and tied for fourth in goals. Among all rookies, Stafford is fifth in scoring, tied for first in assists, and tied for 20th in goals.
Stafford previously played at the University of New Hampshire from 1999-2003. Overall, Stafford appeared in 134 collegiate games posting 14 goals and 67 assists for 81 points. His decorated collegiate career includes UNH's Best Defenseman honors in his sophomore and junior seasons.
"At the beginning of the season, you never think about awards," stated Stafford. "This is overwhelming and unexpected, but it is nice to be recognized for my performance."
"Garrett deserves all the attention that he is receiving," stated Lehr. "His work ethic, dedication, and character are second-to-none and we are very proud that he is being rewarded."
Stafford is the first Barons player to be honored on the AHL All-Star Team. Yesterday, he became the second member of the Barons to be named to the AHL All-Rookie Team.
Brad Boyes was also a member of the AHL Second All-Star Team. Boyes appeared in 61 with the Barons before being traded to Boston (NHL).
Barons tickets can be purchased at all TicketMaster Outlets, the Gund Arena Box Office, and charge-by-phone by calling 216-241-5555. More information about the Barons is available by calling 216-420-0000 or by Crashing The Net at www.clevelandbarons.net.
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