Music: {allcanada} SCHNEIDER HAS AGENT EXPLORE EUROPEAN OPTIONS

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

{allcanada} SCHNEIDER HAS AGENT EXPLORE EUROPEAN OPTIONS

Cory Schneider has asked his agent Mike Liut to start exploring possibilities, according to The Vancouver Province, but isn't yet ready to pull the trigger on a European deal.

"My agent is out there, talking to teams to see what is available," Schneider said. "I haven't really given him the green light to go and try to find something for sure."

What Schneider can't keep doing is participating in shinny practices three or four times a week in Vancouver. Netminders don't generally count on shinny to prepare themselves for games, requiring instead a healthy dose of goalie-specific practice usually directed by their position coaches.

That's what led Schneider and Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer to work out Tuesday with local goalie coach Eli Wilson, formerly with the Ottawa Senators. It was the first time since Schneider arrived here two months ago he's been able to train with a coach. And what a change. Wilson put the goalies through drills for 90 minutes, leaving them both bent over, huffing for oxygen by the end.

"I haven't been able to talk to Rollie (Melanson)," Schneider said. "I thought about going home or flying in a guy from home, so it was good Eli was here to lend a hand.

"It's little habits you get out of. (Working with Eli), reminds you, reinforces them."

Reimer said: "It's more structured. You can work on things that are more relevant to your position. Also, the shots, and where they are coming from are more like game situations. It gets your prepared. It gets you ready.

"When you're working like this, it's obviously a lot harder. You're getting more shots and it's not just guys floating around the zone and holding onto the puck. It's quick plays and quick shots and you're working your legs more. It's a lot more tiring."