Next Monday September 24 the Buffalo Sabres head up to Grand Forks, North Dakota, to play an exhibition game against the Minnesota Wild. For not one, but two Sabres, this will be a homecoming of sorts. Paul Gaustad was born in nearby Fargo, North Dakota, while Drew Stafford played his college hockey for the University of North Dakota. For Gaustad, it will be an eagerly awaited trip.

“Yeah even though I live in Portland, Oregon during the offseason, I still call North Dakota home and have many friends and relatives who live there.” said Gaustad.

Gaustad admitted that there will be a huge contingent of his followers coming to Ralph Engelstad Arena to catch the game. “Most of the people I know live within a half hour drive of the arena, so I’ll be seeing a lot of familiar faces while I’m there” said Gaustad.

And Gaustad’s take on The Ralph? “I’ve been there it’s really one of the nicest arenas anywhere, even better than some of the NHL ones” said Gaustad. I asked Gaustad what the player facilities are like, and he replied “as good as you’ll find in the pros. They even have underwater treadmills in the training area.”

Gaustad says he is 100% healed from his brutal foot injury last spring and is eager to begin the season. “We have such a nice infusion of new talent and the nucleus is still intact. Everyone here is so upbeat about the season and it’s just been two days of camp.”

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