Matt Cooke, a former NHL forward known for his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, has been named head coach and general manager of the Vernon Vipers. The Vipers play in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), a junior “A” league considered the second-highest level of junior hockey in Canada.
The team officially announced Cooke’s hiring on Friday. At 46 years old, he brings years of hockey knowledge and experience to his new role. Cooke has been active in coaching since ending his professional playing career in 2015.
He first took charge behind the bench as head coach at Chaska High School in Minnesota, where he served from 2021 to 2023. After that, he stepped into the professional ranks during the 2023–24 season. Cooke was hired as the head coach of the Newfoundland Growlers, the ECHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
His time with the Growlers was cut short when the team suddenly shut down. The Growlers ceased operations in April 2024, and their ECHL membership was officially terminated. Despite that setback, Cooke’s coaching journey continues as he takes on this new challenge in British Columbia.
Cooke enjoyed a long and eventful NHL career that lasted 14 seasons. He played as a left winger and was known for his aggressive style and strong defensive play. Cooke spent five seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins and played a key role in their 2009 Stanley Cup championship run.
Before joining the Penguins, Cooke started his NHL career with the Vancouver Canucks. He later spent time with the Washington Capitals and the Minnesota Wild. Throughout his career, he was both praised and criticized for his hard-hitting approach, but his commitment and on-ice leadership made him a respected player.
The Vernon Vipers are getting a coach with a deep understanding of the game. Cooke’s NHL experience, along with his recent coaching roles, makes him a valuable addition to the Vipers’ leadership. The team is expected to benefit from his knowledge, especially in mentoring young players hoping to reach higher levels of the sport.
The British Columbia Hockey League is well-known for developing future college and professional players. As both coach and general manager, Cooke will have a big impact on the team’s direction. His dual role means he’ll be responsible for leading the players on the ice and managing the team’s overall strategy off it.
Cooke’s hiring marks a new chapter for the Vipers as they look to grow and compete in the BCHL. His track record suggests he’s ready to take on this leadership role and help the team reach new heights.
Fans in Vernon will be eager to see how Cooke shapes the team. His NHL background, paired with his recent coaching experience, brings fresh energy to the club. The move also highlights the growing trend of former NHL players taking on coaching positions at the junior level to share their insights with the next generation.
With the season ahead, all eyes will be on the Vipers and their new leader behind the bench. Matt Cooke’s journey in hockey continues, this time from behind the bench, where he’ll aim to build both a competitive team and a strong future for his players.
