A Saskatoon hockey player who had hopes of playing in Europe, has been told to stay home after the team found a locked-out NHL player to take his spot.

Riley Armstrong was set to join a professional-level hockey club in Switzerland for the upcoming season.

However, just a few days after the NHL lockout of players began, Armstrong was told his services would not be needed.

"There's probably a hundred and some players in my shoes right now, fighting for a spot to go play," Armstrong said.

For the time being, Armstrong is taking part in scrimmages -- with some locked out NHL players -- in Saskatoon.

Ironically, Armstrong's brother Colby, with the Montreal Canadiens, is one of the NHL players locked out.

Riley Armstrong has played on clubs in Russia and in the American Hockey League.

"I just wake up every day hoping the NHL and NHLPA can come to an agreement so I can go back to Europe or get a job in the American league again," Armstrong said.