Carolina prospect Chris Terry is likely to be wearing a River Rats' sweater in 2009-10(Photo from PlymouthWhalers.com)
It's official, Ontario Hockey League all-star Chris Terry is on his way to Albany. Terry, the Carolina Hurricanes' fifth round pick from the 2007 draft, just signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Canes, meaning he will likely start his professional career with the River Rats this October.
In his final year in juniors, Terry tallied 39 regular season goals and 55 assists for a total of 94 points, good for second highest in the league. He landed another 16 points (7 G, 9 A) in 11 games during the playoffs. For a fifth round pick, that is absolute gold.
As a recent Hurricanes' press release proudly pointed out, "The Brampton, Ont., native totaled 114 goals and 175 assists (289 points) in 253 regular-season contests in his four seasons with the Whalers. Terry (5'10", 190 lbs.) competed in two OHL All-Star Classics, was named the Kal Tire OHL Player of the Month two times and helped lead the Whalers to the OHL championship in 2007."
Chris Terry's gifted scoring touch was overshadowed only by his character and leadership. "He was awarded the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy as the OHL's Humanitarian of the Year for his devotion to the Whalers' Community Relations efforts, and he was the inaugural recipient of the Mickey Renaud Captain's Trophy, given by the OHL to the captain that best exemplifies leadership on and off the ice."
If Albany is fortunate enough to have Terry for a full season or more, which is certainly a possibility, he has a good chance of wearing an "A" or a "C" just like his days in juniors. But as with all young forwards, it remains to be seen if his offensive ability will translate to the pros.
Regardless, Terry looks like a true worker who can play just about any role he is assigned, from goal scorer to checking forward. The website Hockey's Future, which keeps track of prospects and developing players, aptly notes that his "future as a pro is probably more tied to being an all-around player who can contribute at both ends of the ice rather than an elite goal scorer." We'll see.
Above all else, Terry, as young as he is, is sure to bring quality leadership to the River Rats' line-up...and if he gets involved in the local community like he did in Plymouth, the Rats' marketing staff will no doubt be kissing his Canadian feet.
Terry is a true all-around character player and, as made evident by the clip below, a genuinely good human being. Plymouth will surely miss him, but Albany will welcome him with open arms.
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