Cory Schneider

Cory Schneider
Born	(1986-03-18) March 18, 1986 Marblehead, Massachusetts, U.S.
Occupation	Professional ice hockey goaltender (retired)
Years active	2007–2020
Known for	NHL goaltender for Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders

Cory Franklin Schneider (born March 18, 1986) is a retired American professional ice hockey goaltender who competed in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, and New York Islanders.

Chosen 26th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Schneider played collegiate hockey for three seasons with the Boston College Eagles. During his tenure, he secured two Lamoriello Trophies as champions of Hockey East and participated in two appearances at the NCAA Finals. Turning professional in 2007, he joined Vancouver’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, where he earned the AHL Goaltender of the Year accolade after his sophomore season. Schneider ascended to Vancouver’s full-time backup goalie role in the 2010–11 season, sharing the William M. Jennings Trophy with Roberto Luongo for achieving the NHL’s lowest team goals against average (GAA). The following year, he set franchise records for a 1.96 GAA and a .937 save percentage.

In 2013, Schneider was traded to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for the ninth overall draft pick. Although he delivered several commendable individual campaigns, the Devils experienced limited team success during his seven years, qualifying for the playoffs only once in 2017–18—a season marked by a notable decline in Schneider’s performance. His contract was subsequently bought out in 2020.

On the international stage, Schneider represented the United States at various junior levels, capturing gold at the 2003 U-18 Junior World Cup and silver at the 2004 IIHF World U18 Championships. He also competed in both the 2005 and 2006 World Junior Championships, finishing fourth on both occasions. Schneider possesses Swiss citizenship through his familial heritage.

Early life

Born to Susan and Richard Schneider in Marblehead, a suburb near Boston, Schneider began working with goaltending coach Brian Daccord at age 15. Daccord now owns Stop It Goaltending, a business in which Schneider holds a minor ownership interest. Starting hockey around age six, Schneider initially rotated as a goalie before establishing himself as a regular netminder by age eleven. He idolized Mike Richter of the New York Rangers and selected jersey number 35 to honor him.

He completed his secondary education at both Marblehead High School and Phillips Academy, a preparatory school located in Andover, Massachusetts, where he also participated on the varsity baseball team. Throughout his academic and athletic career, Schneider received several honors including the Yale Bowl award and the John Carlton Memorial Trophy from the Boston Bruins. At Boston College, he pursued a finance major within the Carroll School of Management and was twice named to the Hockey East All-Academic Teams, additionally earning the Paul Patrick Daley Student-Athlete Scholarship in 2006.

Schneider is part of the Friends of Marblehead Hockey Hall of Fame, inducted in 2008 as its sole native NHL draftee. He holds dual citizenship in both the United States and Switzerland through paternal lineage.

High school and USNTDP (2000–2004)

Schneider began his high school career at Marblehead High School before transferring to Phillips Academy to benefit from its more competitive hockey program. Serving as team captain during his senior year, he achieved a 17-4 win-loss record with an impressive .960 save percentage, guiding Phillips to reach the semifinals of the New England Prep tournament. Twice honored as an All-New England selection, Schneider joined the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) during his final year of high school, participating in ten under-18 contests as well as two games within the North American Hockey League.

Prior to the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, NHL Central Scouting ranked him as the second-best American goaltender available. Ultimately, he was picked 26th overall by the Vancouver Canucks.

Boston College (2004–2007)

Choosing to focus on academics alongside hockey, Schneider committed to Boston College, where head coach Jerry York kept him on the team after a scholarship became available. He made an impressive debut with a 23-save victory and quickly earned the Hockey East Defensive Player of the Week award during his freshman year. Although a knee injury sidelined him for three weeks, he concluded the season with a notable 13-1-4 record, a 1.90 goals against average (GAA), and a .916 save percentage, securing Hockey East All-Rookie recognition as well as Boston College's Bernie Burke Outstanding Freshman Award.

York appointed Schneider as the starting goaltender for the playoffs, where he guided Boston College to their sixth Lamoriello Trophy as champions of Hockey East. His standout efforts included 39 saves in a double-overtime semifinal win. The team advanced to the 2005 NCAA Tournament regional final but was defeated by North Dakota.

In his sophomore campaign, Schneider set new team records with eight shutouts and amassed 1,088 saves. He recorded a .929 save percentage and led all conference goaltenders with a 1.96 GAA. His performance earned him the Hockey East Goaltending Award, Second All-Conference Team honors, and he shared Boston College's MVP title. At the Beanpot tournament, he was recognized as the top goaltender. Boston College progressed to the Frozen Four but ultimately fell to Wisconsin in the national championship game.

During his junior year, Schneider achieved a personal best of 29 wins in 42 games while posting a 2.15 GAA and .925 save percentage. He contributed to securing another Lamoriello Trophy and reached his second straight NCAA final, where they were defeated by Michigan State. Following this season, Schneider decided to turn pro, finishing his collegiate career with 65 wins, 25 losses, 7 ties, and 15 shutouts across 97 games.

Vancouver Canucks (2008–2013)

On July 3, 2007, Schneider inked an entry-level deal with the Vancouver Canucks. Initially positioned as the third-string goalie behind Roberto Luongo and Curtis Sanford, he was assigned to Vancouver’s AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. After a sluggish start to the 2007–08 season, Schneider's performance improved markedly following an important discussion with head coach Scott Arniel. He secured the starting goalie role for Manitoba and was honored as AHL Rookie of the Month in March, concluding with a 21–12–2 record, a 2.28 GAA, and a .916 save percentage. During the playoffs, he excelled with a 1.92 GAA and .938 save percentage over six contests.

In the following season (2008–09), Schneider vied for the Canucks' backup spot but began again in Manitoba. He earned his first NHL call-up on November 22, 2008, due to Luongo’s injury while leading the AHL in wins and GAA at that time. Schneider debuted in the NHL on November 29 against Calgary Flames and secured his first NHL victory on December 5 versus Minnesota Wild. After eight NHL appearances, he returned to Manitoba following Vancouver’s acquisition of Jason LaBarbera. Schneider extended his winning streak to a franchise-record 13 games and was chosen as PlanetUSA’s starting goaltender for the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic, where he also captured Top Goaltender honors in the Skills Competition. He ended the season holding team records for wins (28), GAA (2.04), and save percentage (.928), leading the league in both GAA and save percentage. His outstanding play earned him both the Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award as AHL’s top goaltender and the Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award for lowest goals against average. These achievements propelled Manitoba to finish with the league’s best regular-season record and reach the Calder Cup Finals.

Following Luongo’s signing of a lengthy 12-year extension with Vancouver in September 2009, speculation mounted regarding Schneider’s potential trade due to limited opportunities behind Luongo. Schneider competed with Andrew Raycroft for backup duties during the 2009–10 season but was assigned back to Manitoba after training camp. He received a brief recall in October when Luongo was injured but returned after two weeks. Despite posting strong numbers—a 2.51 GAA, .919 save percentage, and setting a franchise record with 35 wins—he was controversially excluded from that year’s AHL All-Star Game. Manitoba qualified for the postseason but were eliminated in six games by Hamilton.

On June 2, 2010, Schneider agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $1.8 million aimed at solidifying his position as Luongo’s backup while enhancing his trade value. He started his first NHL game of the 2010–11 season on October 18, earning a victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. On March 6, 2011, Schneider recorded his first NHL shutout against Anaheim Ducks. Late in that season, he met minimum game requirements to share Vancouver’s William M. Jennings Trophy win alongside Luongo—the first time Canucks goaltenders received this accolade—posting a combined team GAA of 2.20.

Schneider completed his rookie NHL campaign with a solid 16-4-2 record, ranking fourth in goals against average (2.23) and third in save percentage (.929) league-wide; this set a new single-season save percentage record for Vancouver goalies. He made his playoff debut replacing Luongo during Game 4 of Vancouver’s opening-round series against Chicago Blackhawks and later started Game 6 before exiting due to cramps; although Vancouver lost in seven games, they advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals.

In the following season (2011–12), Schneider’s responsibilities increased after Luongo sustained an injury in November. He earned NHL Second Star of the Week honors after securing three wins including back-to-back shutouts against Colorado Avalanche and Phoenix Coyotes. Over 33 games (28 starts), he posted career-best statistics: 20 wins along with league-leading numbers including a remarkable 1.96 GAA (third overall) and .937 save percentage (second overall)—both setting new franchise records; his save percentage ranked fourth-best historically across all NHL goalies.

During Vancouver’s 2012 playoff run, Schneider replaced Luongo as starting goalie after two losses versus Los Angeles Kings but could not prevent elimination in five games despite an outstanding performance featuring a stellar 1.31 GAA and .960 save percentage across three starts. Media widely anticipated that Schneider would become Vancouver’s starter for the next season while Luongo would be traded; Luongo himself expressed readiness to waive his no-trade clause if requested.

In June of that year, Schneider secured a three-year contract extension worth $12 million with Vancouver.

During the NHL lockout of 2012–13, Schneider played eight contests for Swiss club HC Ambrì-Piotta in National League A where he posted a .914 save percentage. Upon returning from lockout play resumed; he appeared in 30 games for Vancouver compiling a record of 17–9–4 while tying for most shutouts league-wide with five. In two playoff appearances that season, he was unable to prevent Vancouver from being swept in round one by San Jose Sharks.

New Jersey Devils (2013–2020)

Following a year of unsuccessful efforts to trade Luongo, the Canucks opted to send Cory Schneider to the New Jersey Devils on June 30, 2013, during the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. This transaction also involved Vancouver acquiring the ninth overall pick, which was used to draft future team captain Bo Horvat. Schneider described the move as "shocking," having recently expected to remain with Vancouver. He made his debut in a 3–0 defeat against the Pittsburgh Penguins and shared goaltending responsibilities with veteran Martin Brodeur throughout the 2013–14 season, eventually earning more starts due to his strong play.

On July 9, 2014, Schneider agreed to a seven-year contract extension worth $42 million with the Devils. With Brodeur not returning, Schneider assumed the role of starting goaltender. During the 2014–15 season, he achieved a .925 save percentage—ranking sixth in the league—and a 2.26 goals-against average (GAA), yet New Jersey missed the playoffs for a third consecutive year, managing only one win in their last eleven games.

Schneider continued to post top-tier statistics in the 2015–16 season, recording a 2.15 GAA and .924 save percentage; however, the Devils failed to reach postseason play for a fourth straight year. In 2016–17, his performance declined somewhat, with a .908 save percentage and 2.82 GAA, finishing with a 20–27–11 record as New Jersey ended last in the Eastern Conference, trailing playoff qualification by 25 points.

The Devils saw marked improvement in 2017–18, beginning with a franchise-record 9–2–0 start and returning to the Stanley Cup playoffs. Unfortunately, Schneider sustained a groin injury in January that sidelined him, allowing backup Keith Kinkaid to step in. Despite Kinkaid's struggles during the playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Schneider returned late in Game 2 and started Games 3 through 5, delivering an impressive 1.78 GAA and .950 save percentage. Ultimately, New Jersey was eliminated in five games.

After undergoing hip surgery in the off-season, Schneider missed the opening portion of the 2018–19 season. He made his comeback on October 29, 2018, securing his first victory since December 27, 2017.

On November 18, 2019, facing diminished performance levels, Schneider was placed on waivers and assigned to New Jersey’s AHL affiliate, the Binghamton Devils. After seven seasons with the Devils organization, he was placed on unconditional waivers on October 8, 2020, leading to a contract buyout covering his remaining two years.

New York Islanders (2021–2023)

Schneider signed a reported one-year deal worth $700,000 with the New York Islanders on January 14, 2021. He was re-signed by the Islanders on September 21, 2021, and again on September 21, 2022, each time agreeing to one-year contracts.

Following his tenure with New York’s AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Islanders, during the 2022–23 AHL season, Schneider announced his retirement from professional hockey on September 26, 2023.

International competition

Schneider represented Team USA at the 2003 U-18 Junior World Cup held in Slovakia, contributing to the nation's inaugural gold medal by remaining undefeated across five matches. Sharing goaltending responsibilities, he started in the final against Russia, making 32 saves in a 3–2 triumph.

During the 2004 IIHF World U18 Championships in Belarus, Schneider achieved the third-lowest goals-against average (1.71) and the second-highest save percentage (.929), securing a silver medal as the U.S. fell to Russia in the championship game. His performance throughout the 2003–04 season earned him the David Peterson Goalie of the Year award from USA Hockey for guiding the team to two podium finishes.

In August 2004, Schneider participated in the U.S. National Junior Team Evaluation Camp and made his under-20 debut at the 2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. Serving as backup to Al Montoya, he started one preliminary match but was replaced after conceding three goals on eight shots. The United States ultimately placed fourth following defeats in both semifinal and bronze medal contests.

Following a second evaluation camp held in Lake Placid, Schneider was named starting goaltender for the 2006 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships hosted in British Columbia. He earned two player of the game distinctions during preliminary and quarterfinal stages. The U.S. team was eliminated in the semifinals and subsequently lost the bronze medal match to Finland. Schneider concluded with a 2.67 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage.

Schneider was included on the senior men's roster for the 2007 IIHF World Championship in Russia but did not see ice time, acting as third goaltender behind John Grahame and Jason Bacashihua.

On April 19, 2019, Schneider earned selection for Team USA at the 2019 IIHF World Championship in Slovakia.

Goaltending approach

Schneider utilizes the butterfly technique characterized by dropping to his knees with pads sealing off the lower net area. He honed this style under consultant Brian Daccord starting at age 15. After becoming a full-time backup with Vancouver in 2010–11, he collaborated with goalie coach Roland Melanson, who recommended positioning himself more shallowly within the crease to boost agility for initial shots and enhance rebound control as well as cross-crease coverage. His primary strengths include his physical stature and athleticism, complemented by sharp positional awareness, attributes highlighted by former coach Scott Arniel.

Personal background

Schneider lives with his wife Jill and their two children in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Regular season and playoffs

				Regular season											Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	W	L	T	OTL	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%		GP	W	L	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%
2002–03	Phillips Academy	NEPSAC		23	13	7	2	—	1,385	39	3	1.69	.951		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2003–04	Phillips Academy	NEPSAC		24	17	5	2	—	1,336	32	6	1.42	.956		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2003–04	U.S. NTDP	U-18		10	9	1	0	—	559	15	1	1.61	—		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2003–04	U.S. NTDP	NAHL		2	2	0	0	—	120	6	0	3.00	—		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2004–05	Boston College	HE		18	13	1	4	—	1,102	35	1	1.90	.916		—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2005–06	Boston College	HE		39	24	13	2	—	2,361	83	8	2.11	.929		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2006–07	Boston College	HE		42	29	12	1	—	2,516	90	6	2.15	.925		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2007–08	Manitoba Moose	AHL		36	21	12	—	2	2,054	78	3	2.28	.916		6	1	4	375	12	0	1.92	.938
2008–09	Manitoba Moose	AHL		40	28	10	—	1	2,324	79	5	2.04	.928		22	14	7	1315	47	0	2.15	.922
2008–09	Vancouver Canucks	NHL		8	2	4	—	355	20	0	3.38	.877	—		—	—	—	—	—	—
2009–10	Manitoba Moose	AHL		60	35	23	—	2	3,557	149	4	2.51	.919		6	2	4	366	19	0	3.12	.905
2009–10	Vancouver Canucks	NHL		2	0	1	—	79	5	0	3.80	.915	—		—	—	—	—	—	—
2010–11	Vancouver Canucks	NHL		25	16	4	—		1,372		51		1			2.23		.929	5		0		163		7		0		2.58		.915
2011–12	Vancouver Canucks	NHL		33		20		8		—		1,833			60		3		1.96		.937	3		1		183		4		0		1.31		.960
2012–13	HC Ambrì-Piotta	National League A		8		4		4		485		26			3.22		.913	——		——		——		——		——		——		——		——
2012–13	Vancouver Canucks	NHL		30		17		9		4		1,733			61		5		2.11		.927	2		0		117		9		0		4.62		.880
2013–14	New Jersey Devils	NHL		46		16		15		12		2,680			88		3		1.97		.921	——		——		——		——		——		——		——
2014–15	New Jersey Devils	NHL		69		26		31		9		3,924			148		5		2.26		.925	——
2015–16	New Jersey Devils	NHL		58		27		25		6		3,413			122		4		2.15		.924	——
2016–17	New Jersey Devils	NHL		60		20		27		11		3,473			163	(continued...) International Year Team Competition GP W L T MIN GA SO GAA SV% 2003 United States IH18 — — — — — — — — — 2004 United States U18 6 5 1 0 350 10 0 1.71 .929 2005 United States WJC 1 0 1 0 22 3 0 7.94 .625 2006 United States WJC 6 2 3 1 359 16 0 2.67 .912 2016 United States WCH 1 0 0 0 18 0 0 0.00 1.000 2019 United States WC 6 3 3 0 362 15 0 2.49 .920 Junior career totals 13 7 5 1 731 29 0 2.37 .912 Senior career totals 7 3 3 0 380 15 0 2.36 .926 High school Honor Year John Carlton Memorial Trophy (presented by the Boston Bruins for outstanding athletic and academic performance by a senior in Massachusetts high school) 2004 College Honor Year Selected to the All-Hockey East Rookie Team 2005 Bernie Burke Outstanding Freshman Award (Boston College) 2005 Named to the Hockey East All-Tournament Team 2005, 2006, 2007 Recipient of the Eberly Trophy (awarded to the top goalie at the Beanpot) 2006 Earned AHCA East First-Team All-American honors 2006 Awarded HE Goaltending Award (for lowest goals-against average in league competition) 2006 Named to All-Hockey East Second Team 2006 Norman F. Dailey Memorial Award (co-recipient with Chris Collins as Boston College MVP) 2006 Honored as NCAA Northeast Regional Tournament MVP 2006 AHL Honor Year AHL All-Star Game 2009 (2008–09 season) Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award 2009 (2008–09 AHL season) Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award 2009 International Distinction Year Gold medal at U18 Junior World Cup 2003 Silver medal at IIHF U18 2004 Dave Peterson Goalie of the Year Award 2004 NHL Title Year William M. Jennings Trophy (awarded jointly with Roberto Luongo) 2011 Selection to the National Hockey League All-Star Game 2016 Boston College Most shutouts in a single season: 8 (2005–06) Highest number of saves in one season: 1,088 (2005–06) Career shutouts total: 15 (2004–2007) Manitoba Moose Longest winning streak: 13 consecutive victories (2008–09) Best goals-against average in a season: 2.04 (2008–09) Top single-season save percentage: .928 (2008–09) Most wins in one season: 35 (2009–10) Total career wins: 84 (2007–10) Total games played during career: 136 (2007–2010) External links