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.
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