| Three Questions with Cory Schneider |
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Cory Schneider, Vancouver's first round draft pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, recently took the time to speak with Canucks Fanz Columnist Farhan Devji. Read what Cory had to say about Roberto Luongo, among other things, and stay tuned for "Three Questions with" many more!
 1. You went through your first NHL training camp this year, what kinds of things did you learn playing alongside and being in the presence of the likes of NHL superstar and veteran goaltender Roberto Luongo? CS: My first training camp was a great experience for me. Seeing Roberto up close and in person was very valuable not only on the ice, but seeing how he prepares off the ice. I was trying to absorb anything I could that I may be able to use this season. He is obviously one of the best so you have to take advantage of every second you spend around them. 2. Playing in such a deep goaltending organization in Vancouver with Roberto Luongo locked up until 2010, how do you see yourself developing into an NHL goaltender and when do you think you will be NHL ready? CS: With Luongo locked up, there is clearly not a rush to get to the NHL. Having that said, it does not mean I am going to sit around and wait. I still want to develop as best and as quickly as I can regardless of who is ahead of me. If I can force the issue when Luongo's contract is up then that works to my advantage. But for now I am just focusing on getting better everyday and not worrying about anyone else. 3. How did it feel to finally sign a professional hockey league contract with Vancouver and what was your first significant buy? CS: It was a relief and very exciting to sign my contract. It was something that I have been working towards my whole life so to finally see my efforts materialize was a very rewarding and exciting moment. However it did come with some difficulty because I really enjoyed my time at Boston College and leaving a year early was not an easy decision. My first big buys were a car (Toyota 4Runner) and a Playstation 3. Thanks again Cory!  #35 - CORY SCHNEIDER: Position: Goaltender Catches: Left Born: March 18, 1986 Place: Marblehead, Massachusetts Height: 6'2" Weight: 195 lbs. Last Amateur Club: Boston College Eagles (NCAA) Drafted: Vancouver's first round draft choice, 26th overall, in 2004 NHL Entry Draft TALENT ANALYSIS: (courtesy of Hockey's Future) Schneider is a fundamentally sound goaltender with superb quickness and agility. He has demonstrated that he can step up in big games. Nowhere was that more evident this past season than in Hockey East play. Schneider plays with a tremendous amount of focus and confidence and gives his team a chance to win on most nights. He isn’t one to get rattled easily either. The book on Schneider is to “take away his eyes” because if he sees it, more often than not he’s going to stop it. Schneider is excellent positionally. He does an outstanding job of taking away the lower portion of the net, moves extremely well laterally and with his 6’2 frame covers a lot of the top half of the net as well. He will aggressively challenge shooters. His possesses a quick glove and has little trouble playing the puck. The most notable improvement that Schneider made in his collegiate career is his ability to control rebounds. It isn’t often that he will give up rebounds and when he does, he does an excellent job of steering loose pucks away from the crease area. PICTURES: (click on thumbnail for larger version)    Discuss it in the "Three Questions with" sub-forum!                |