The Newfoundland Growlers of the ECHL have announced that former Ontario Junior Hockey League forward Matt Cooke has been named the fourth head coach in team history ahead of the upcoming 2023-24 season.
Cooke, 45, brings over a 1,000 games of NHL experience to Newfoundland having suited up for four different teams in the league (Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild) across his 16-year professional playing career.
He played for the OJHL’s Wellington Dukes during the 1994-95 season.
A Stanley Cup winner in 2008-09 with Pittsburgh, Cooke played in over 100 NHL playoff games with his team making the postseason 12 times during his 16 seasons in the league.
The Belleville native played three seasons with the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL prior to turning pro and was also a member of the 1998 Team Canada World Junior team.
The Growlers open the 2023-24 ECHL season on Friday, October 20 as they host the Reading Royals.
