Former NHLer, Leafs Organization Coach Lands Head Job Out West: 'I'm Incredibly Honoured'
Photo credit: Billy Hurst-Imagn Images
Former Newfoundland Growlers head coach Matt Cooke has been announced as the new head coach and GM of the Vernon Vipers.
There have been several changes within the Maple Leafs organization over the past few months, including moving on from Brendan Shanahan, and bringing in Derek Lalonde to replace former assistant Lane Lambert after he became head coach of the Seattle Kraken.
Matt Cooke heads out West; takes over Vernon Vipers
However the organization has seen another change, though it feels like it was a matter of when, not if.
It was announced that former NHL player and Newfoundland Growlers head coach Matt Cooke has joined the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL as both their new head coach and general manager.
The team announced the move via their social media page on X:
Both Cooke and owner Tom Glen had some comments about the move, with Cooke looking forward to the new opportunity:
Cooke's comments:
I'm incredibly honoured to be named the next Head Coach and General Manager of the Vernon Vipers. The Vipers are a team with a rich and storied history, and it's a privilege to join an organization that has meant so much to the community in Vernon and to the BCHL and junior hockey across Canada.
I'm excited to be a part of rebuilding a culture of excellence here in Vernon and returning this organization to being a perennial contender for the Fred Page Cup.
I'm excited to be a part of rebuilding a culture of excellence here in Vernon and returning this organization to being a perennial contender for the Fred Page Cup.
Cooke's last position with the Growlers saw him as part of the Toronto Maple Leafs' organization as they were the ECHL affiliate before folding in 2024 and the team found Cincinnati as their new home.
Glen was very straightforward with his comments, though seemed delighted that Cooke was brought in:
This is a special day for our organization. Matt brings tremendous experience as both a player and a coach. His work ethic is second to none, and we are absolutely thrilled to welcome him to the Vernon Vipers.
Cooke will have no rest before starting however, as he is expected to get to work immediately.
Who is Matt Cooke?
Cooke, 46, was known for pretty much one thing in his career and that was his viciousness. Unflinching in his efforts to cause chaos and destruction wherever he went, he was subject to a lot of criticism throughout his career.
He does have 398 points in 1,046 games (167 goals, 231 assists) and won a Stanley Cup in 2008-09 with the Penguins.
Cooke was a 144th overall pick with the Canucks and spent five seasons there before heading to Washington, Pittsburgh and finally Minnesota.
Sadly, Cooke's prowess on the ice is overshadowed by his hit on Marc Savard; one that effectively retired the forward. He was suspended four times, but eventually learned to change his ways.
Working with then-Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma, Cooke adjusted how he played and viewed the game and got better overall; though ended up in his old ways earning a seven-game ban in 2014.
It seems that Cooke has certainly mellowed out in his older age, and will be able to use his years of experience to help the Vipers fight for the Fred Page Cup.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 19 | 1243 ANSWERS Former NHLer, Leafs Organization Coach Lands Head Job Out West: 'I'm Incredibly Honoured' Do you think Matt Cooke is going to be a good head coach in BC? | ||
| Yes | 663 | 53.3 % |
| No | 580 | 46.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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