Cook turns setback into blessing with Wranglers

A casualty of the NHL lockout, veteran defenseman Charlie Cook was squeezed out of Europe after six seasons and took a big pay cut to play for the Wranglers.

"The whole lockout left a bad taste in my mouth because of stuff like that," Las Vegas coach Ryan Mougenel said. "Here's a guy who shouldn't be here in the ECHL, but NHL (players) thought nothing of going over there and taking that kid's job."

Not that Cook is complaining. Far from it. In fact, on Thursday the 30-year-old turned down a couple of lucrative offers to return to Europe, in part, to show his gratitude to the Wranglers for giving him a job when they were scarce.

"It was really short notice, and it would've left the team in a bind," Cook said of offers to play in Germany and Sweden. "I didn't want to burn a bridge because I am thankful to have the opportunity to play here and be with this team.

"It just was not the right thing to do."

Shortly before the season started, Cook and his wife, Catherine - both Cornell graduates who met after leaving school - were in New York expecting to catch a flight to Europe when their plans abruptly changed.

"When the lockout kept dragging on and the possibility of signing NHL guys became more realistic, a couple teams who were going to pull the trigger on me decided to wait," Cook said. "It's kind of funny. At first, it seems like a setback, but a lot of times even better opportunities arise out of it.

"I really enjoy playing here and the quality of life out here. (My wife and I are) both really happy. It's fun to be playing hockey in the sunshine for the first time, too, instead of the dark Scandinavian countries."

A Port Huron, Mich., native, Cook played two seasons in the American Hockey League after graduating from Cornell before heading to Europe, where he played in Finland, Sweden, Switzerland and Germany.

After playing for a Philadelphia team that won the Calder Cup, Cook enjoyed a breakout season for Binghamton in 2006-07, compiling 11 goals and 24 assists.

"That's how I was able to make the jump over to Europe," he said. "I was having a hard time getting a two-way NHL/AHL deal, so I thought I'd go the Europe route and try to have a great year and maybe come back.

"I was close to coming back a few times, but life in Europe was pretty good. It was a real good experience. I got to see Europe and every top league over there."

Mougenel, who shares the same agent as Cook and Wranglers defenseman Jamie Fritsch, said Cook has exceeded his expectations this season.

"He's been amazing. He doesn't make any mistakes," he said. "There's a definite reason teams want him. They've done their research and know Charlie Cook's as reliable as they come.

"The reason why we give up (among) the least amount of goals in the league is mostly because of (Cook) and (Fritsch)."

Cook, who has 21 points (four goals, 17 assists), scored a tying goal Wednesday in the Wranglers' 4-2 comeback win over Bakersfield and had an assist in Friday's 5-4 shootout victory over Alaska.

He assisted on Chris Francis' game-winning goal in Saturday's 3-2 overtime victory against the Aces at Orleans Arena.

"I don't think we've hit our full potential yet as a team, myself included," Cook said. "We have a really good mix of guys here. I think if we can peak at the right time we can make another (deep) run in the playoffs like they did last year."

Cook and team captain Mike Madill are extensions of the coaching staff, Mougenel said.

"When Charlie decides he doesn't want to play anymore, he'd be a great coach. Him and Diller would be phenomenal," he said. "If I were ever to leave, those are the two guys I'd recommend (as coach). They're just awesome people."

While he's still passionate about playing, Cook said he'd welcome the chance to coach one day.

"When you go through the lockout and spend the whole summer looking for a job, you think about the future," he said. "I'd be very honored if I could stay in the game (as a coach). I think I would like that a lot."

Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0354.