Dave Snuggerud

The Buffalo Sabres made Snuggerud their No. 1 draft pick in the 1987 supplemental draft after an outstanding college career with the University of Minnesota's Golden Gophers. With the Gophers, Snuggerud compiled 140 points (73 goals and 67 assists) in 123 career games, earning team MVP honors in 1988-89 and serving as team captain that same year. In addition, he skated for the 1988 U.S. Olympic Team and was a member of the U.S. National Team in 1989.

In his first season in Buffalo, Snuggerud was the Sabres top rookie during the 1989-90 season. He quickly gained a reputation as a top defensive forward and penalty killer.

Snuggerud was acquired by the Sharks in exchange for Wayne Presley at the end of the 1991-92 season where he played in eleven games, picking up one assist. He started the 1992-93 season in San Jose before being traded to Philadelphia for Mark Pederson in mid-December. With Philadelphia, Snuggerud played 14 games, picking up two assists.

He ended his NHL career with 84 points (30 goals, 54 assists) in 265 games. The retirement was surprising to many who felt he had at least couple of good years still left in him.

But "Snuggy" had different ideas. After retiring at the end of the 1992-93 season, Dave went back to the University of Minnesota to obtain his college degree.

He came out of retirement for one year to play with the Minnesota Moose. However he went back into retirement after one season, this time to teach elementary school.

"Teaching sixth grade is a lot of fun," says Snuggerud.  "Right now I'm having the best time of my life."