Education
Saint Cloud State University.
Saint Cloud State University.
He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1997 National Hockey League Entry Draft, selected in the second round, 44th overall. At the time of the 1997 National Hockey League Entry Draft, Gaffaney was one of the biggest prospects in college hockey, standing six feet five inches tall. The Penguins selected him in the second round (44th overall) at the 1997 Draft.
Gaffaney spent the next four seasons playing in Saint Cloud State of the WCHA. Upon his completion of his time at Saint Cloud State, Gaffaney joined the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins in their 2000-2001 playoff run.
Gaffaney joined the Penguins in training camp several months later, but spent most of the time recovering from various injuries. He chipped three teeth in the first week of camp.
Two of those were a result of colliding into the back of the helmet of teammate Martin Sonnenberg and a third chipped tooth was a result of an errant high stick from a teammate. Gaffaney also missed parts of camp due to back spasms.
Gaffaney ended up requesting his release from Penguins" camp on September 20, 2001, saying that he wanted to go into a new direction with his life.
When asked about his departure, General Manager Craig Patrick said that he "thinks his (Gaffaney) departure is permanent" and that "it"s a tough profession..that not everybody is suited for lieutenant" Despite Gaffaney"s belief that he was going to make the Penguins team, it was Patrick"s belief that Gaffaney was heading back to Wilkes-Barre or perhaps even the team"s ECHL affiliate in Wheeling. Gaffaney eventually returned to hockey and played for the Peoria Rivermen during the 2003-2004 season, scoring one assist and accumulating fifteen penalty minutes.
