Vancouver Canucks goalie Cory Schneider has Spectacular Debut in Swiss League -NHL Update
Cory Schneider has always been one of the most dedicated goalies in the entire National Hockey League (NHL) and he has rightfully earned his position as the top net minder for the Vancouver Canucks after Roberto Luongo is expected to take off whenever the
lockout comes to an end.
While there are always less opportunities for goalies abroad as compared to wingers and defenseman abroad, Schneider’s reputation got him a spot in the Swiss league with the Ambri-Piotta, which may not be the best of clubs overseas, but Schneider plans on
changing that for the better.
"I play hockey for a living," Schneider said. "At some point, I really want to play hockey, whether it's here or abroad. I think it's more important for my career going forward to stay sharp and stay prepared and get games in because 18 months without game
action is not a good thing for a goalie, or for anybody for that matter."
Schneider’s performance with Ambri-Piotta was unbelievable in his debut matchup on Sunday as the 26-year-old secured 40 saves and let just three go through, boosting his team to a 4-3 win over the better known, Rapperswil-Jona Lakers.
Over 5,000 fans showed up to see the goalie debut in the jam packed arena, which was pumped up to see the action. It was their eighth victory in 27 games played thus far during the season as the team sits 11th in a 12 team Swiss league.
Schneider is a native of Marblehead, Massachusetts, United States, and was picked up by the Vancouver Canucks as the 26th overall back in round-one of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He has four seasons with his original draft team and has thus far,
played in 68 games and accumulated a .928 save percentage and 2.24 goals-against average.
His hard work definitely seemed to pay off when the Vancouver Canucks signed him to a $12 million deal this past offseason, giving him an average of $4 million per year in order to prove his capabilities even further and secure an even longer deal.
Maybe Cory Schneider is the answer to the Ambri-Piotta team’s prayers after all.
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