Although he’s only a few days into the job, former NHLer Matt Cooke is excited for the opportunity and challenge ahead as the newest Head Coach of the Newfoundland Growlers.
It’s the first professional coaching gig of his career, but Matt Cooke knew his path forward was coaching since retiring from the NHL in 2015.
Since then, he’s been coaching high school hockey in Minnesota and started his own off-ice training business in the Minneapolis area, focusing on the development of athletes.
Photo via Newfoundland Growlers
Cooke feels that experience will transition directly to his new role as a Head Coach in the ECHL and notes that he coaches very differently than he once played.
It’s only been a few days, but Cooke says the Growlers organization has made him feel at home.
The fourth coach in Growlers history says he wants to win in three ways: in the community, in development and in games.
Now, Cooke and new Player Development Coach, Adam Pardy (who is a former NHLer, Growler and Bonavista native himself), will focus on getting the team on the ice and ready ahead of opening night at Mary Brown’s Centre on Friday, October 20.
