Former Johnson & Wales University hockey goalie Matt
Cooper (Perrysburg, Ohio) has signed a professional
contract with the Stockton Thunder of the East Coast Hockey
League. The Stockton Thunder is one of the top affiliates for
the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League. He becomes the
fourth former Wildcat player this year to sign professionally after
the completion of their senior season.
“Cooper is heading to one of the top feeder systems for
the National Hockey League,” said JWU head coach Erik
Noack. “ He'll be playing for
Matt Thomas, one of the top young coaches in the
ECHL, and I'm positive he'll make an impact on the
success of the team.”
One of the top netminders in school history, he posted a
remarkable 3.32 goals against average with a .905 save percentage
while recording 39 victories between the pipes. An ECAC
Northeast All-Rookie team selection in 2010, he was tabbed as the
ECAC Northeast Goalie of the Year in 2011. He also earned
honorable mention accolades in 2012.
Cooper will make his professional debut on Friday, March
8th when the Thunder host the Las Vegas Ranglers for a
game at 7:30 p.m.
