Cory Cross, a Canadian defenseman, embarked on his professional hockey journey after being drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round, 1st overall, of the 1992 NHL Supplemental Draft. Born on January 3, 1971, in Lloydminster, Alberta, Cross played collegiate hockey at the University of Alberta, where he honed his skills before making the leap to the National Hockey League (NHL).
Cross made his NHL debut with the Tampa Bay Lightning during the 1993-94 season. Over the course of his tenure with the Lightning, he developed a reputation as a reliable defenseman, known for his size and physical play. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds, his presence on the ice was hard to miss. He played with the Lightning until the 1999-2000 season, contributing both defensively and offensively when needed.
In 1999, Cross was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he continued to play a steady role on the blue line. His time with the Maple Leafs saw him participate in several playoff runs, including the team's journey to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2002. Cross's defensive capabilities were an asset to the team, and he became a dependable part of the Maple Leafs' defensive corps.
After his stint with Toronto, Cross was traded to the New York Rangers in 2003. His time with the Rangers was brief, as he was soon traded again, this time to the Edmonton Oilers. Playing for the Oilers was a homecoming of sorts for Cross, as he returned to his home province of Alberta. With the Oilers, he continued to provide veteran leadership and stability on defense.
In 2004, Cross signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he played for a season before being traded to the Detroit Red Wings in 2006. His tenure with the Red Wings marked the final chapter of his NHL career. Throughout his time in the league, Cross was known for his defensive reliability and his ability to play a physical game, which made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for.
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