Sports
July 19, 2008 09:32 PM
Stortini inks 3-year deal with Oilers
By: John Cudmore
All Corey Locke is seeking is the chance to show he belongs in the NHL.
The Newmarket resident hopes he gets that opportunity when training camp opens in September.
After four seasons playing in the minor leagues in the Montreal Canadiens’ chain, however, Locke is thrilled to be in new surroundings and taking a crack at a new roster after he was traded to the Minnesota Wild for defenceman Shaun Belle Tuesday.
“I’m excited,” said the 24-year-old Newmarket resident in a telephone interview Wednesday. “It was a time where Montreal and myself thought it would be a good opportunity to get out.
“I want the chance to play in the NHL and Montreal thought this would be an opportunity for me to get out see what’s out there.”
The deal was finalized last Tuesday following the completion of paperwork, including Locke signing a qualifying contract.
“I’m looking forward to playing in a new organization,” said Locke, who began his junior career as a member of the Newmarket Hurricanes. “It’s nice to feel wanted.”
Locke and the Canadiens agreed a move was in order following the Stanley Cup playoffs.
“It’s been worked on since after the playoff run, but I didn’t know any of the teams that were involved,” said Locke, a centre, who is listed at five-foot-nine and 167 pounds. “They said they would get something done.
“I had no idea where Montreal was going to trade me. I was a little surprised it was Minnesota, but not in a bad way.”
A creative offensive player, Locke appeared in just one regular season game with Montreal, failing to register a point in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks last season.
In four AHL seasons with Hamilton, he compiled 229 regular season points, including 85 goals.
He led the Bulldogs in playoff scoring as the club claimed the Calder Cup in the 2007.
He had career highs in goals (30) and points (72) last season.
The Canadiens drafted Locke following a stellar junior career with the Ottawa 67s in the Ontario Hockey League. He was named the
Canadian Hockey League player of the year and twice was the top player in the OHL.
“My main goal is to be in Minnesota and make that lineup or be as close as possible,” said Locke. “If I have to be in the minors for a short while, at least I’ll be close.”
Meanwhile, former Hurricanes teammate Zack Stortini signed a three-year contract extension Tuesday with the Edmonton Oilers.