Jul 29, 2009 - 04:30 AM

By Shawn Cayley

THUNDER BAY -- After a stellar career at Lakehead University, Chris Whitley is getting a much-deserved shot at professional hockey.

And his signing with the Allan Americans of the Central Hockey League isn't even the best of it.

No, the best will come in Traverse City, Michigan, when the Oshawa native attends the Detroit Red Wings' rookie camp, with hopes of earning a contract from the National Hockey League club.

Whitley, who closed out his time with Lakehead at the CIS national championships this year, had opportunities to further his hockey career elsewhere, but when the Wings came calling it caused him to stop in his tracks.

"I had calls. A couple teams in Europe were interested, but when I heard Detroit I kind of just held back on everything for the time being," Whitley recalls. "This is something that I think I would definitely regret for the rest of my life if I didn't try to pursue it."

Through his former coach at Lakehead, Whitley had heard of possible interest from NHL clubs. But it wasn't until he answered the phone and heard the voice of Jim Nill, Detroit's assistant GM, a few weeks back that it all became a reality.

"It was definitely a good call to get," Whitley says. "I was a little surprised. He was a very nice guy and it was a good conversation. He explained to me that they were extending the invite to camp in Traverse City and that they really would like me to attend."

At 26, Whitley is taking a lesser road travelled towards the professional ranks, but that's all right with him.

"It's definitely a different road than what most guys take. Most guys come out when they are 20 or 21," he says. "I just had a different route to go and this opportunity became available and I am more than happy. I have a teaching degree behind me, so (playing pro) is something I can look forward to."

In preparation, Whitley, who still lives in Thunder Bay, has been spending time training with Patrick Sharp of the Chicago Blackhawks and the Staal brothers -- Eric of the Carolina Hurricanes, Jordan of the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins and Marc of the New York Rangers.

"Those are some pretty good guys to prepare with," Whitley notes with a laugh.

While Whitley understands that the Red Wings have a couple of top prospects within the organization in goal, he just hopes to make the best of the opportunity.

"It's every kid's dream to try and get a chance to play in the NHL and this is something I never thought would happen," he says. "Five years ago when I went to Lakehead, I didn't think I'd get a chance to go to an NHL training camp."