It was a tale of two cities for Cory Stillman in 2000-01. The forward, known for his dependability and unselfish play, scored 21 goals and had 45 points in 66 games with Calgary before his trade to St. Louis. As a member of the Blues, Stillman fired home three goals and seven points in 12 games. The centreman reached a career-high mark with 10 power play goals and notched four game-winning tallies last season, good enough for the second-highest career total in that category.

Before he reached the pros, Stillman played two seasons with Windsor and one season as a member of Peterborough in the Ontario Hockey League. He scored a total of 85 goals and finished his junior career with 271 points in just 178 games. He then went on to suit up with the Saint John Flames of the American Hockey League. He finished his AHL career with 164 points in only 142 games. Cory first played one game for the Canadian national team during the 1992-93 season. He then represented his country again at the 1999 World Championships.

The native of Peterborough, Ontario, recently sat down for a chat with nhlpa.com

On the first thing that comes to his mind when he thinks of Peterborough…: "It has to be hockey. I obviously played my minor hockey in Peterborough, but I was lucky enough to play my final year of junior at home. It doesn't get much better than that. It's truly one of the best hockey places in the world."

On a typical Saturday night for the Stillman family…: "Those were the best. When it would get cold, that meant hockey season. We'd always watch the Leafs on TV and everyone was glued to the set. Even if you were at a party, the game was on and everybody's attention would be on the game. The next day was our day to practice, so weekends were the best. Watch hockey on Saturday night and then go practice the following day."

On television privileges on school nights…: "On Wednesday nights you'd only get to see the first period and then it was off to bed. But it was still a lot fun. I was a big Leafs fan I was a kid, especially since Toronto was only about two hours away from us."

First jobs…: "I did things I'm sure just about every other kid did. In the summer I cut lawns and in the winter I shoveled snow. I also worked at a hockey school as well."

On the best aspects of the city…: "It's a small community and the people are very friendly. Obviously, the Peterborough Arena is extremely important to the people. It's not that I miss one thing in particular during the hockey season, but it's the little things. It's a nice leisurely pace in Peterborough and that's much different than the rush-rush of the bigger cities."

On coming back home in the summers…: "We stay in Peterborough the whole summer. No trips, no big plans. It's just a very relaxing time, a time to spend togetheras a family. I wouldn't want to do that anywhere else. It's also a time to spend with our relatives, too. It's a perfect fit."

On the people of Peterborough…: "Everyone is very laid-back and very friendly. It's nice to go back home and relax and know that the people are great to be around. It's an honour to say that Peterborough is my hometown."

On playing hockey for the Petes…: "I guess it can be tough playing in your own hometown, but it was a great experience for me. Growing up and knowing all of the history of the team and the great players that went on to play in the NHL really inspired me. Hockey and Peterborough just seem to go hand-in-hand."

SOME FACTS ABOUT CORY STILLMAN

Full Name : Cory Scott Stillman
Wife: Mara
Children: Riley and Madison
If you could be a musician, who would you be: Garth Brooks
Favorite Olympic Sport: Volleyball
Favorite Cartoon Character: Bugs Bunny
Favorite Season: Fall
How old were you when you put on your first pair of skates: 3 years old
Favorite Magazine: Sports Illustrated
Favorite Meal: Steak and Potatoes