University of Minnesota Athletics
Thomas Vanek Signs Contract with the Buffalo Sabres
9/3/2004 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
"Thomas was an impact player in our program from his first game and was a major reason we were able to win a national title two years ago," Golden Gopher Head Coach Don Lucia said. "He is certainly one of the best players I have ever had the privilege of coaching. I think he grew a lot as a person and as a player during his time at the University of Minnesota. As the first European to play for the Golden Gophers, Thomas has paved the way for future overseas players to come to Minnesota.
"Thomas has been very honest and open throughout the summer with us regarding negotiations and finally received the offer he deserved. He certainly will be missed in our program, but there is no doubt in my mind that he will have a terrific career in the NHL. I can't thank Thomas enough for being a part of Golden Gophers hockey and wish him a lot of success at the next level."
Vanek will leave the University of Minnesota as one of the most prolific scorers in Golden Gopher hockey history. In just 83 career games over two seasons, Vanek had 57 goals and 56 assists for 113 points to rank 56th in career points and 38th in career goals. His 1.36 career points-per-game mark ranks 10th all-time at Minnesota.
This past season, Vanek garnered his first JOFA/AHCA All-America honor. An All-WCHA Second Team pick, Vanek led the Golden Gophers in scoring with 26-25--51 in 38 games. In the WCHA, he finished fifth in scoring in all games and third in conference contests with 18-16--34. Vanek ranked fifth in the nation in points per game with 1.34 and third in goals per game with 0.68. He led UM with 16 multi-point games and six multi-goal games.
In his freshman season, Vanek led the nation's rookies with 31-31--62, becoming the third Golden Gopher to be named WCHA Rookie of the Year. Vanek helped lead Minnesota to its second consecutive NCAA title, garnering Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player honors with two game-winning goals and four points in the 2003 NCAA Frozen Four.
This past April, Vanek represented Team Austria at the IIHF World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic. Vanek led his team in scoring with two goals and five assists in six games. Austria finished the tournament with an overall record of 1-3-2.
Vanek was the fifth overall pick by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, the highest pick ever for a Golden Gopher.
For more information on Vanek's signing, visit the official website of the Buffalo Sabres at www.sabres.com.
