Sabres put their faith in Vanek

[Don Cherry]

Former Junior Amerk no stranger to Buffalo
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/sports/general/images/0622story_general2_1.jpg
June 22, 2003) — NASHVILLE, TENN. — Flashy forward Thomas Vanek will enjoy a homecoming of sorts after the Buffalo Sabres selected him with the No. 5 pick in the NHL draft on Saturday.

Western New York is very familiar territory to the Austrian-born player after his performance in helping Minnesota defend its NCAA title during last April’s Frozen Four tournament at HSBC Arena, the Sabres’ home.
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[Ð]

Talk about a big fish in a small pond. I can count the number of players who were successful in NCAA who've parlayed that to NHL success with both hands and maybe a few toes.