Matt Cooke is a name that resonates with many hockey fans, particularly those who followed the National Hockey League (NHL) during the early 2000s. As a former professional ice hockey player, Cooke was known for his rugged and physical playing style, which often landed him in the spotlight for both positive and negative reasons. After retiring from professional hockey in 2015, many fans have wondered what Matt Cooke is doing now. In this article, we will delve into Cooke’s life after hockey and explore his current endeavors.
A Brief Overview of Matt Cooke’s NHL Career
Before we dive into what Matt Cooke is doing now, it’s essential to understand his background and NHL career. Born on September 7, 1978, in Belleville, Ontario, Canada, Cooke began his junior hockey career with the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the sixth round (144th overall) of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.
Cooke made his NHL debut with the Canucks in 1998 and quickly established himself as a physical and aggressive player. He played for the Canucks from 1998 to 2008 before being traded to the Washington Capitals. Cooke then played for the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2008 to 2013 and finished his NHL career with the Minnesota Wild from 2013 to 2015.
Notable Moments and Controversies in Cooke’s NHL Career
Throughout his NHL career, Cooke was involved in several notable moments and controversies. One of the most significant incidents occurred in 2010 when he delivered a devastating hit to the head of Boston Bruins defenseman Marc Savard. The hit resulted in a concussion for Savard and sparked a heated debate about player safety and the need for stricter rules regarding hits to the head.
Cooke was also involved in a high-profile incident in 2013 when he was suspended for seven games for kneeing Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie. The suspension was Cooke’s sixth of his NHL career, and it marked a turning point in his career as he began to transition away from his role as an enforcer.
Life After Hockey: What is Matt Cooke Doing Now?
After retiring from professional hockey in 2015, Cooke has remained involved in the sport, albeit in a different capacity. He has been working as a hockey analyst and commentator for various media outlets, including the NHL Network and Sportsnet.
In addition to his work in broadcasting, Cooke has also been involved in various charitable initiatives. He has worked with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the NHL’s “Hockey is for Everyone” initiative, which aims to promote diversity and inclusion in hockey.
Cooke’s Involvement in Youth Hockey
One of Cooke’s most significant endeavors since retiring from hockey has been his involvement in youth hockey. He has worked as a coach and instructor for various youth hockey programs, including the Minnesota Wild’s youth hockey initiative.
Cooke has also been involved in the development of a new youth hockey program called “Cooke’s Crew.” The program aims to provide young players with the opportunity to develop their skills and learn from experienced coaches and players.
Cooke’s Philosophy on Youth Hockey Development
When it comes to youth hockey development, Cooke emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment. He believes that young players should be encouraged to develop their skills and creativity on the ice, rather than being forced to conform to a specific style of play.
“I think the biggest thing is to make sure that kids are having fun,” Cooke said in an interview with the NHL Network. “If they’re not having fun, they’re not going to want to play. And if they’re not playing, they’re not going to develop.”
Cooke’s Personal Life
In addition to his work in hockey, Cooke is also a devoted husband and father. He is married to his wife, Michelle, and the couple has three children together.
Cooke is also an avid outdoorsman and enjoys spending time hunting and fishing in his free time. He has been involved in various conservation efforts, including working with the National Wild Turkey Federation to promote wildlife conservation.
Cooke’s Reflections on His NHL Career
When reflecting on his NHL career, Cooke is proud of the accomplishments he achieved on the ice. However, he also acknowledges the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned along the way.
“I think the biggest thing I learned from my career is the importance of perseverance,” Cooke said in an interview with Sportsnet. “There were times when I faced adversity and had to overcome obstacles. But I always tried to stay positive and focus on my goals.”
Conclusion
Matt Cooke’s life after hockey has been marked by a transition from his role as an enforcer to a more supportive and developmental role in the sport. Through his work as a hockey analyst, commentator, and youth hockey coach, Cooke has remained involved in the sport he loves while also giving back to his community.
As Cooke looks to the future, he is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Whether it’s working with young players, promoting conservation efforts, or simply enjoying time with his family, Cooke is grateful for the experiences he has had and the lessons he has learned along the way.
| Team | Seasons | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver Canucks | 1998-2008 | 566 | 83 | 120 | 203 |
| Washington Capitals | 2008 | 17 | 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 2008-2013 | 352 | 64 | 106 | 170 |
| Minnesota Wild | 2013-2015 | 162 | 13 | 21 | 34 |
In conclusion, Matt Cooke’s life after hockey has been marked by a transition from his role as an enforcer to a more supportive and developmental role in the sport. Through his work as a hockey analyst, commentator, and youth hockey coach, Cooke has remained involved in the sport he loves while also giving back to his community.
What is Matt Cooke doing now after retiring from the NHL?
Matt Cooke is currently involved in various endeavors after retiring from his professional hockey career. He has been working as a hockey analyst and commentator, providing insights and analysis on the game. Cooke has also been involved in various charity initiatives, using his platform to give back to the community.
In addition to his work in hockey, Cooke has also been spending time with his family and pursuing his hobbies. He has been open about his struggles with concussions and the impact they had on his life, and has used his platform to raise awareness about the importance of player safety and concussion protocols.
What was Matt Cooke’s role in the NHL, and how did he earn the reputation as an enforcer?
Matt Cooke played the role of an enforcer in the NHL, known for his physical play and ability to drop the gloves. He earned a reputation as one of the toughest players in the league, with a willingness to stand up for his teammates and defend himself against opponents. Cooke’s playing style was marked by his aggressive forechecking and his ability to create turnovers and scoring opportunities.
Cooke’s reputation as an enforcer was also marked by his involvement in several high-profile incidents, including a hit on Marc Savard that left the Boston Bruins player with a concussion. The incident led to a 17-game suspension for Cooke and sparked a wider conversation about player safety and the role of enforcers in the NHL.
What teams did Matt Cooke play for during his NHL career?
Matt Cooke played for several teams during his NHL career, including the Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Minnesota Wild. He began his career with the Canucks, playing for the team from 1998 to 2008. Cooke then played for the Capitals from 2008 to 2010, before joining the Penguins from 2010 to 2013. He finished his career with the Wild, playing for the team from 2013 to 2015.
Cooke’s time with the Penguins was marked by a Stanley Cup championship in 2009, as well as several playoff appearances. He was a key contributor to the team’s success during his time in Pittsburgh, providing a physical presence and scoring important goals.
What are some of Matt Cooke’s career highlights and achievements?
Matt Cooke’s career highlights include winning the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009. He also played in over 1,000 games in the NHL, a milestone that is a testament to his durability and longevity as a player. Cooke was also a key contributor to the Penguins’ playoff runs, scoring important goals and providing a physical presence on the ice.
In addition to his on-ice achievements, Cooke was also recognized for his community service and charitable work. He was a finalist for the NHL’s King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2010, which recognizes players who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to giving back to their communities.
How has Matt Cooke’s life changed since retiring from the NHL?
Matt Cooke’s life has changed significantly since retiring from the NHL. He has had to adjust to a new routine and find new ways to stay active and engaged. Cooke has spoken publicly about the challenges of transitioning from a life as a professional athlete, including the loss of identity and the need to find new purpose.
Despite the challenges, Cooke has remained positive and focused on his future. He has been open about his struggles with concussions and the impact they had on his life, and has used his platform to raise awareness about the importance of player safety and concussion protocols. Cooke has also been spending time with his family and pursuing his hobbies, including golf and fishing.
What is Matt Cooke’s current relationship like with the NHL and the hockey community?
Matt Cooke’s current relationship with the NHL and the hockey community is complex and multifaceted. While he is no longer an active player, Cooke remains involved in the game through his work as a hockey analyst and commentator. He has also been involved in various charity initiatives and has used his platform to raise awareness about important issues affecting the hockey community.
Cooke’s relationship with the NHL has been marked by controversy and criticism, particularly in the wake of his suspension for hitting Marc Savard. However, he has also been recognized for his contributions to the game and his commitment to giving back to the community. Cooke has spoken publicly about the need for greater awareness and education about concussions and player safety, and has used his platform to advocate for positive change.
What is Matt Cooke’s legacy in the NHL, and how will he be remembered by fans and players?
Matt Cooke’s legacy in the NHL is complex and multifaceted. He will be remembered by fans and players as a physical and aggressive player who was willing to stand up for his teammates and defend himself against opponents. Cooke’s playing style was marked by his ability to create turnovers and scoring opportunities, and he was a key contributor to the Penguins’ Stanley Cup championship in 2009.
However, Cooke’s legacy is also marked by controversy and criticism, particularly in the wake of his suspension for hitting Marc Savard. He has been recognized as one of the toughest players in the league, but has also been criticized for his role in perpetuating a culture of violence and aggression in the NHL. Ultimately, Cooke’s legacy will depend on how he is remembered by fans and players, and how his contributions to the game are evaluated in the years to come.