Brian Gaffaney

Brian Gaffaney
Born (1977-10-04) October 4, 1977
Alexandria, Minnesota, U.S.
Height 6 ft 6 in (198 cm)
Weight 195 lb (88 kg; 13 st 13 lb)
Position Defense
Shot Left
Played for Peoria Rivermen
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
NHL Draft 44th overall, 1997
Pittsburgh Penguins
Playing career 2001–2004

Brian Gaffaney (born October 4, 1977) is a former American professional ice hockey player. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, selected in the second round, 44th overall.

Career

At the time of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, Gaffaney was one of the biggest prospects in college hockey, standing six feet five inches tall.[1] The Penguins selected him in the second round (44th overall) at the 1997 Draft. Gaffaney spent the next four seasons playing in St. Cloud State of the WCHA. Upon his completion of his time at St. Cloud State, Gaffaney joined the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins in their 2000-01 playoff run.

Gaffaney joined the Penguins in training camp several months later, but spent most of the time recovering from various injuries. He chipped three teeth in the first week of camp; two of those were a result of colliding into the back of the helmet of teammate Martin Sonnenberg and a third chipped tooth was a result of an errant high stick from a teammate. Gaffaney also missed parts of camp due to back spasms.[2] Gaffaney ended up requesting his release from Penguins' camp on September 20, 2001, saying that he wanted to go into a new direction with his life. When asked about his departure, General Manager Craig Patrick said that he "thinks his (Gaffaney) departure is permanent" and that "it's a tough profession...that not everybody is suited for it." Despite Gaffaney's belief that he was going to make the Penguins team, it was Patrick's belief that Gaffaney was heading back to Wilkes-Barre or perhaps even the team's ECHL affiliate in Wheeling.[3]

Gaffaney eventually returned to hockey and played for the Peoria Rivermen during the 2003-04 season, scoring one assist and accumulating fifteen penalty minutes.

References

  1. ↑ Kovacevic, Dejan (January 9, 2001). "Hockey Prospect Watch: Brian Gaffaney". Retrieved April 30, 2006.
  2. ↑ Molinari, Dave (September 17, 2001), "Teething Pain: Penguins Believe Gaffaney Needs More Time To Develop On Defense", Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, p. C3, retrieved June 24, 2012
  3. ↑ Molinari, Dave (September 20, 2001), "Gaffaney Quits: 8 Others Trimmed From Roster", Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, p. D9, retrieved June 24, 2012

External links


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