The
Topeka RoadRunners are pleased to announce that second year forward
Sean Gaffney has committed to play Division I hockey for the University
of Connecticut Huskies (soon-to-be Hockey East) beginning in Fall 2013.
At the time of this writing, Gaffney is the leading scorer in the NAHL
with 38 points through 27 games.
Gaffney
developed his love for the game at an early age. “My dad was a huge
reason I began playing hockey,” he recalls. “He was a hockey player
himself and threw skates on me right away. I started playing at about 4
and loved it ever since.” His path led him to Detroit Catholic Central
High School, a program that has sent Topeka a stream of eventual
Division I players including Tony Thomas (Air Force), Nickolas Gatt
(Michigan State), and Davey Middleton (Brown). “Growing up, it had
always been a dream of mine to play for my school at Detroit Catholic
Central. The brotherhood and tradition I experienced while at CC still
amazes me when I look back. I will never forget winning a state
championship with my brothers while playing there under Todd Johnson.
Catholic Central is truly a special place.”
As
much as he enjoyed his time at Catholic Central, he began to consider
his next move. “Playing junior hockey after high school had always been
in the back of my mind and, as I developed as a player during my high
school career, it became more and more of a possibility,” Gaffney
revealed. “It was a very tough decision for me to decide to put off
going to the University of Michigan and opt for juniors but looking back
I could not be any happier with my choice.” The junior landscape can
offer players a huge array of choices and decisions but, for Gaffney,
Topeka was an easy one. “I was very excited when the opportunity to play
for Topeka came about. Topeka has had a number of success stories with
players from my high school so it was an easy decision to come here.” He
went on to add, “I had heard nothing but good things about coaching
staff here in Topeka.”
His
head coach in Topeka, Scott Langer, likewise has nothing but good
things to say about his second-year forward and alternate captain. “Sean
is a come-to-work-everyday type of player. He is extremely deserving of
every positive that comes his way.” Langer added, “We are proud to have
such a complete young man represent our program.” Of course, Gaffney’s
on-ice successes haven’t gone unnoticed. “Sean's play warranted him a
lot of interest and I feel UConn is getting a very good two way forward
that could make an immediate impact next season.”
It
may come as no surprise that Gaffney would list a Detroit Red Wing as a
player he most tries to pattern his game after. “Living near Detroit I
have had the privilege of watching Pavel Datsyuk practice and play for
the Wings. I study his game and do my best to emulate him.”
His
time in Topeka has been productive. “Being a part of the family
environment here with the RoadRunner organization has helped to shape me
as a person as well as develop as a hockey player.” When asked about
those who have been influential in that development overall, Gaffney
replied, “My parents have always supported me throughout my hockey
career. I certainly wouldn't be in this position without the love and
support of my parents, Ken and Maureen. Since coming here I cannot
stress enough how blessed I feel to be playing under Scott Langer. He
puts me in a position to succeed and pushes me as a player and a leader.
Additionally, Todd Johnson has continued to help and support me even
after my high school hockey days.”
While
he hasn't officially decided on a major, Gaffney lists business and
finance as his primary interests. The decision to select UConn was made
after a recent visit. “After seeing the campus and getting a great feel
for the program, players and staff at the University of Connecticut, I
couldn't overlook the excitement and buzz around the hockey program. I
am extremely excited about being a part of the new direction of Husky
hockey entering Hockey East. I am looking forward to making an impact
and being a part of the winning atmosphere at UCONN.”
While
the balance of the 2012-13 NAHL season remains his focus, having his
college plans secured allows him a moment to reflect and appreciate
those who have been a part of his success. “I want to give a huge thank
you to Don Stone and the Stone family for all the sacrifices they make
and all they have done to establish this family atmosphere here in
Topeka. I can't thank them enough and would not want to be playing
anywhere else but here for them.” Of his coach, he boasts, “It is hard
not to be successful when you are playing for the best coach in junior
hockey. I want to thank Smacks (Langer) for bringing me in to Topeka and
developing me as a hockey player. He's a player's coach, he holds you
accountable and he is the biggest reason why I am in this position right
now.”
Like
any good teammate and leader, his recognition also goes out to his
RoadRunner brethren. “I also want to give a big shout out to my best
friends/roomies/next door neighbors, Dan Dupell, Luke Veitch, James
Ring, and Clint Garris. Last but not least I would like to recognize my
linemates, Kyle Sharkey and Tyler Andrew. These guys work tirelessly day
in and day out. I wouldn't be here without them.”
Gaffney
will join former RoadRunners Chris Bond, Jacob Poe, and Patrick
Kirtland at UConn. Other former RoadRunners who have played at UConn
include Corey Jendras, Jason Krispel, Cole Schneider, Eric Dahlberg and
BJ Bayers.
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