STOCKTON, California – The Stockton Thunder’s opening day roster included only four members from last year’s team. One of the new members, Cory Urquhart has a two-way contract with the Springfield Falcons (AHL). Urquhart was assigned to the Thunder to build upon his skills and, like other teammates, prepare for future success in the Edmonton
Cory Urquhart
Urquhart, a 6 foot 3 inch, 203 pound, 24 year old native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; has been playing hockey since early childhood. His professional career began with his selection in the second round (40th overall) of the 2003 National Hockey League Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadians. His professional career led him from juniors to the ECHL with the Long Beach Ice Dogs where he helped guide the team to their second straight playoff berth.
During the next two seasons, he would split time between the Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL) and the Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL). Last season with the Cyclones, in 21 games, Urquhart amassed 23 points (14 goals, 9 assists), and only 22 penalty minutes.
As a member of the Stockton Thunder, Urquhart has been a major contributor. In only 22 games, Urquhart is second on the Thunder with 21 points (8 goals, 13 assists), and 16 penalty minutes. He is only 14 goals short of 100 in his professional career. Urquhart recently earned runner up as In Glas Co player of the week in October.
Cory Urquhart
As a child, Urquhart admits he played hockey all the time, like almost every other kid his age. In a recent interview with PHN, Cory was very laid-back when asked about his memory of the draft.
“I just felt lucky to get drafted. There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.”
Cory quickly became a fan favorite. During the preseason, fans were given an opportunity to meet a panel of players and encouraged to ask them questions. Cory admitted to locker room pranks and looked forward to some teasing and pranks during the season. His light mood and smile immediately earned friends among the crowd.
The Thunder has created a website dedicated to their season ticket holders with exclusive, season ticket holder insider information. One of the treats for members is the periodic blog that Urquhart writes. The fans look forward to his entries like a child looks forward to Christmas morning. They love to hear his anecdotes about some of his experiences, travel incidents, down time, and personal strategy.
Most recently, Cory was the ninth Thunder player this season to earn a call-up to the Falcons in early December. Knowing the ECHL is just a step on the ladder to NHL, the fans were excited for his chance to prove his value to the organization, but were going to miss his colorful insight and
Cory Urquhart
Cory’s easy-going and pleasant attitude makes him a welcome addition to the team and says he “likes to go with the flow” and is a calming influence on his teammates. His offensive ability to set-up plays and score goals make him a key part of the team.
Cory is not all hockey, all the time. In his spare time he likes to shop. Being assigned in Stockton doesn’t provide him with many great shopping opportunities, but he admitted to a trip to San Francisco’s Union Square earlier in the season. Urquhart prides himself on looking nice, and keeps up with European men’s fashion. Urquhart has a large assortment of jackets and frequently takes heat from fellow teammates for his high-fashion sense.
At the ECHL level, there are plenty of bus rides, and since Cory can’t sleep on a bus, he reads a lot and prefers books that are sports related or biographies. Urquhart also listens to lots of music and searches the internet for new bands and downloads “lots of music” every week.
Urquhart family has been very supportive of his choice to be a professional hockey player.
“They have always encouraged me to have a positive attitude. I never wake-up unhappy. I’m just a happy guy. Life could be a lot worse.”
He’s right about that; he’s doing something he loves to do.
“It’s been tough being on the road so much during the early part of the
Cory Urquhart
“We have some advantages later, it’s always better to be at home. We have great fan support, too.”
Urquhart is confident that once the Thunder gets through the first half of the season, they will be much better off, and the home ice advantage will provide the team with the momentum and motivation they need to win more games.
Contact the author at shellie.lima@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at jack.lima@prohockeynews.com
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