Charles “Tiger” Stafford was an intense player, with a blistering shot and a knack for scoring.  He made the team as a defenseman in his freshman year, even as he insisted that he could contribute more as a winger.  Fortunately, he was moved to forward early in the season, scoring a goal in his first shift as a right wing.  He would lead the team in assists that year, frequently feeding his linemates Joel Steenson and fellow HOFer Dave Conklin.  He captained the team in his Junior year and led that young team in goals, assists and total scoring.

Off the ice, Tiger was easy going and liked to have a good time, but his demeanor changed once the puck was dropped.  He did not like losing, and his teammates fed off of his relentless competitiveness.  With 78 career goals and 89 assists, Tiger made huge contributions offensively, but he was also strong defensively and backchecked tirelessly.  Overall, his play reflected the motivational acronym coined by his late coach Herb Mitchell.  S.H.A.F.T.T = Skate Hard And Fast Together Today.

In his Senior year, he earned the Student Scholar Athlete Award, given to the player with the highest cumulative GPA.  He is a published novelist and now resides in Taos, New Mexico where he is a ski instructor, fishing guide and serves as president of the Taos Youth Hockey Association.  Charles enjoys spending time with his two sons, and tending to his rare African plants, a hobby he picked up on a road trip during his playing days.

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