CORY JAMES CROSS

Cory Cross was both in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in 1971, and moved to Lloydminster when he was two years old.

He began his hockey career at around the age of six, and played his entire minor hockey in Lloydminster. He played one year of his Jr. B with the Edmonton Royals, followed by three years with the Golden Bears while attending the University of Alberta, where he received his teaching degree. During his tenure with the Golden Bears, Cory was a part of three Canada West Champions, including one Championship in 1992.

As a 21 year old playing university hockey in Canada, Cory had few thoughts of playing in the NHL. Chances for advancements from university hockey programs were basically limited to the NHL where focus was on building through the entry draft and involved primarily 18 year-olds. That all changed in 1992 when he was picked first overall by Florida in the supplemental draft. This draft was for undrafted players over the age of 21 who had not played professional hockey.

Following another year in Edmonton, Cory was assigned to the Lightning's farm team in Atlanta. In 1993 - 1994 his first year with the team he helped win the Turner Cup Championship.

Cory has played for the Florida Tampa Bay Lightning, the Toronto Maple Leafs and in 2003 was traded to the Edmonton Oilers.  He and his wife Nicole look forward each year to visiting family and friends in Lloydminster.