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Written by Jim Swanson, Citizen Sports Editor
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Tuesday, 16 June 2009 |
For one ex-Prince George Cougar, his road to full-time status in the NHL is taking a European detour.
Jonathan Filewich, who played four years for the Cougars, has signed to play next season in Austria. Filewich, a 24-year-old winger, is already overseas training with the Salzburg Red Bulls after a disappointing season that saw his NHL rights traded and his progression to the big leagues stalled.
"It is a great opportunity for me because they are huge into off-season training and with their philosophy they believe when you train and play here you can one day play in the NHL again," Filewich said from Austria.
"This is what drew me to the team. I am over here from now until April next year. It is only a one-year contract."
Filewich, the Cougars' first-round draft pick in 1999 (10th overall), registered 69 goals and 166 points in 253 games for Prince George, then was sent to the Lethbridge Hurricanes for his overage season where he put up 80 points (42 goals, 38 assists).
The Kelowna-born but Edmonton-raised Filewich was taken in the third round of the 2003 NHL entry draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, and made his pro debut with the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the fall of 2005. In his second season, Filewich was selected for the all-star game and scored 30 goals.
He got the call to the NHL with the Penguins and played five games, recording no points, for Pittsburgh in the 2007-08 season. A mid-season trade last winter sent his NHL rights from the Penguins to the St. Louis Blues -- the price was a conditional sixth-round draft pick -- and he finished out the season with five goals and 15 points in 49 games.
Filewich is looking forward to the change of approach that comes with a European working vacation.
"Going into the season, I don't know what to expect,"said Filewich.
"I mean I have never played in Europe, let alone seen a game. I have watched the Spengler Cup, World Championships and Olympics but that is the best of the best. I came to Europe and Austria for the team. I am going in to under the guidance of the trainers, doctors and coaches and their belief that I can go back to North America a better player."
Filewich admitted to being worn out mentally from the grind of not just playing hockey in the AHL, but of being in the constant conflict that comes with battling to outplay your teammates and earn a call-up.
"I had the best two weeks of my life in the National Hockey League and no one can take that away from me," said Filewich.
"With my four years professional experience I had to say it's time to try something new.
"The hockey world is so funny, though. I mean two years ago playing in the Calder Cup final against Chicago I had the opportunity to hang out with (former Cougar) Dustin
Byfuglien everyday and remain very close. Last year when I was traded from the Penguins to the Blues I played with (Prince George native and ex-Cat Nick Drazenovic). Not only did I play with him but we were roommates. Every single day he reminded me of the great times in Prince George. It made me miss the place a ton. I have to say that many of those moments were due to the people I met, but most of all the Jenkins family."
Filewich has one other tie to the Cougars. He is now engaged to Lindsay Falloon, the sister of former teammate and Prince George captain Chris Falloon. The wedding is slated for next summer. The connection led to a funny quip from Filewich.
"(Lindsay and I) will move to Prince George in 2020 and I will become the assistant general manager to Dallas Thompson," joked Filewich.
--- Former Cougars goaltender Billy Thompson, who played with both Filewich and Falloon in Prince George, has signed with Cortina (Italy Serie A) after spending last season in the Netherlands with Tullburg. Thompson spent a number of years in the American Hockey League with the Ottawa Senators organization, along with a brief tour with the Victoria Salmon Kings of the ECHL.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 16 June 2009 )
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