Cory Cross, Canadian ice hockey player and coach

Cory Cross, born on January 3, 1971, is a distinguished Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman whose extensive career spanned twelve impactful seasons within the highly competitive National Hockey League (NHL). Renowned for his reliable presence on the blue line, Cross established himself as a durable and steady force throughout his tenure in North America's premier ice hockey league, playing a crucial role in the defensive schemes of multiple franchises.

Cory Cross: A Career Defined by Durability and Defensive Prowess

Hailing from Prince Edward Island, Canada, Cory Cross carved out a significant niche in the NHL as a tenacious defenceman. His journey to the pinnacle of professional hockey began when he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning, 241st overall, in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. This late-round selection underscored his perseverance and dedication, allowing him to defy expectations and forge a lengthy and impactful career in an era characterized by robust defensive play and physical hockey.

Navigating the NHL: A Twelve-Season Odyssey Across Multiple Franchises

Cross's twelve seasons in the NHL saw him represent multiple franchises, consistently contributing his robust defensive capabilities to each team. He commenced his NHL career with the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he spent five seasons from 1993 to 1998, developing into a dependable blueliner. His defensive acumen and physical play made him a valuable asset. Following his time in Tampa Bay, Cross was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he continued to demonstrate his reliability, featuring prominently for three seasons from 1998 to 2001 and contributing to their deep playoff runs. He later joined the New York Rangers for the 2001-2002 season, the Edmonton Oilers from 2002 to 2004, and briefly played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2004. Towards the end of his illustrious NHL career, he also had stints with the Detroit Red Wings in 2006 and the Calgary Flames from 2006 to 2007. Across his 659 regular-season NHL games, Cross accumulated 35 goals and 108 assists for 143 points, along with 832 penalty minutes, statistics that prominently reflect his primary role as a defensive specialist.

The Role of an NHL Defenceman: Cory Cross's Impact on the Blue Line

As a defenceman, Cory Cross was primarily tasked with preventing opposing teams from scoring, blocking shots, delivering crucial hits, and initiating breakouts from his own zone. He was consistently characterized as a "stay-at-home defenceman," a player whose strength lies predominantly in their defensive assignments rather than offensive production. His physicality, disciplined positional play, and unwavering willingness to sacrifice his body by blocking shots were hallmarks of his game, making him a highly valued component of any defensive corps he joined. This steadfast defensive focus was crucial for teams aiming for playoff contention, providing a stable, reliable foundation from the back end and allowing more offensively-minded players to take risks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cory Cross's NHL Career

Which NHL teams did Cory Cross play for during his career?
Cory Cross played for a total of seven NHL teams: the Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings, and Calgary Flames.
What was Cory Cross's primary playing style or role on the ice?
Cory Cross was known as a stay-at-home defenceman, meaning his primary role involved robust defensive play, including blocking shots, physical engagement, and sound positional awareness, rather than focusing on offensive point production.
How many games did Cory Cross play in the National Hockey League?
Cory Cross played in 659 regular-season NHL games over his twelve-season professional ice hockey career, accumulating 143 points and 832 penalty minutes.