January 7, 2009

Five Questions for Drew Bagnall

The following article featuring former St. Lawrence standout Drew Bagnall appeared in the January 7 issue of the Union Leader.

 

By KEVIN PROVENCHER
Staff Sports Writer

The Dossier: Defenseman Drew Bagnall is a second-year pro from Oakbank, Manitoba. The 25-year-old played four seasons for St. Lawrence University, where he was the captain in his senior year, was named the top defenseman in the ECAC and was the only defenseman finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. "My mom pushed school," said Bagnall of his decision to graduate from college before turning pro. His mother, Gail, is the superintendent of schools for the Lord Selkirk School Division near Oakbank, and his dad, Andrew, is retired. They rent their expansive farm acreage. At 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, Bagnall is a staunch defender of his teammates and never shy about dropping his gloves to challenge all takers. He had 147 penalty minutes in 64 games in his rookie year last season. Little known Bagnall hockey fact? Dallas drafted him in the sixth round (195th overall) in 2003 and a year later traded his rights along with those of Enver Lisin (now with Phoenix) to Florida for Valeri Bure. He is in the last season of a two-year contract with the L.A. Kings and this summer the club will have the option of re-signing him.

1. You grew up near Winnipeg, so were you a Winnipeg Jets fan?

Bagnall: "I was and my favorite players were Phil Housley and Mike Eagles. When we played in Winnipeg last month I hadn't played in Manitoba since I was 16. It was great. I had a lot of family at the game. We had all the guys over for dinner the night before our first game in Manitoba -- roasts and ham."

Complete article can be accessed via the Union Leader Web site by clicking here.