VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) -  There are now four Vancouver Canucks playing in Europe.  Goaltender Cory Schneider has signed with Ambri-Piotta of the Swiss League, but his agent says that it will only commit his client to play until the end of December.

“There’s a period, a few weeks until the Christmas holiday break in the European Leagues before their tournament starts.  You know, we’ll just address it from there.  The idea is quite obvious, this is a temporary assignment, ” agent Mike Liut tells News1130 Sports.  Liut adds that no one should take it as any message other than Schneider is balancing his obligation to the NHLPA and the Canucks in trying to stay prepared in case there is a season.

Sponsors of the Swiss team will help pay for the insurance on Schneider’s NHL contract, but he will draw a pay cheque from Ambri-Piotta.  His insurance is estimated at over $100,000 (CDN) per month.  Liut expects Schneider to get plenty of work playing for the 11th team in the 12 team Swiss first division.

Schneider’s new Swiss coach J.J. Aeschlimann tells News1130 Sports that he is very excited to sign Schneider, calling it a huge signing for his team, and also says that the Cancuks goalie will share goaltending duties with Nolan Schaefer, the son of current Surrey Eagles (BCHL) assistant coach and former Canuck forward Peter Schaefer’s brother.

Schneider is expected to join his new teammates for training Thursday morning, and could make his Swiss league debut as early as the weekend when the team visits Kloten.