Cook sees good opportunity in Finland
By PAUL COSTANZO
Times Herald
Charlie Cook is seeing a trend with younger professional hockey players.
And the 24-year-old Port Huron native is hoping he can continue it.
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Cook signed a one-year deal Monday with Helsinki IFK of Finland's top league, SM-Liiga.
"It seems like more and more guys are going to Europe earlier, and they're coming back and signing pretty good deals," Cook said. "It's a really good league, they say it's on par with or above the American Hockey League.
"I've also been told it's a good league in terms of being able to come back (and play) in North America. Players that play (in Finland) end up coming back with better opportunities."
Cook's contract has a base salary of 55,000 Euros, which translates to $76,500 American, tax free. There also are bonuses written into the deal, as well as housing and a vehicle.
But he said it's more about the opportunities he could be creating than the money.
"There will be bigger ice, and hopefully I can continue to develop my offensive game over there," he said. "It's going to be challenging; there are going to be some top players.
"I definitely think, overall, this will be good for my game."
Cook spent last season with the AHL's Binghamton Senators, with whom he was the team leader in points for a defenseman with 35 (11 goals, 24 assists) in 74 games.
Binghamton teammate, Ryan Vesce, also will be heading to IFK. The two were college teammates at Cornell for three years.
"It will be kind of nice having a friend over there," Cook said.
Also on the IFK roster is forward Rem Murray, who spent parts of nine seasons in the NHL, including a run to the Stanley Cup Finals with the Edmonton Oilers in 2006.
"It's a good opportunity to learn from him," Cook said. "That guy has put up a lot of points wherever he's played.
"I'm sure I'll pick up a lot."
Cook's new coach also has NHL experience. Paul Baxter played in the NHL, and has been an assistant coach as well. He has been a coach in the former International Hockey League and the AHL.
Cook isn't the only one who sees this as a good opportunity.
"The way things are now, I think him going to Europe is good," said Herb Hammond, a former NHL scout. "He might get seen and appreciated more."
Hammond said players often get slotted as AHL players, but this way Cook can avoid that.
"I think he deserves a shot (in the NHL)," Hammond said.
Cook looked to have options at home, as the Phoenix Coyotes had been discussing a two-way NHL/AHL contract that would allow him to be called up at any time. He also said he talked with the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL).
"It would have been nice to stay home, but I'm happy with my decision," Cook said. "Hopefully, it will jump-start me to a more substantial deal."
In Finland, Cook will be playing fewer games in a shorter season, which he feels can lengthen his career. The season starts in September, and he said the team wants him in Finland by Aug. 1.
From there, he'll let things play out.
"A lot can happen," he said. "If I have a good year, if I get a solid offer back here, of course I'm going to come back.
"You could have a really good year and be set in Europe for another 10 years. It's too early to tell, but I expect I'll be back at some point."
Eli Charlie Cook ja Ryan Vesce ensikaudella Hifkissä.:thumbup:
