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Matt Cooke
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Matt Cooke
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Matthew David Cooke (born September 7, 1978) is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player who played sixteen seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). Cooke won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009 and was a member of the Team Canada team that won the gold medal at the 2004 World Championships. He also played for the Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals, and Minnesota Wild. Cooke was born in Belleville, Ontario, but grew up in Stirling, Ontario. He served as head coach of the Newfoundland Growlers for the 2023/24 season.

Key Information

Cooke's playing style earned him the reputation as one of the NHL's "pests".[2][3] During his NHL career, Cooke was criticized and often suspended for hits, some involving head-shots, or knee-on-knee collisions that have injured opposing players. Most notable was a hit to the head of Marc Savard of the Boston Bruins in March 2010, which was an important factor influencing NHL rule changes intended to deter such conduct. After his longest suspension in March 2011 for a hit to the head of Ryan McDonagh of the New York Rangers, Cooke pledged to change his style of play, although he had another lengthy suspension in April 2014 during the first round of the 2014 playoffs for a knee-on-knee hit delivered to Tyson Barrie of the Colorado Avalanche.

Playing career

[edit]

As a youth, Cooke played in the 1992 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Quinte minor ice hockey team from Belleville, Ontario.[4]

Cooke played junior ice hockey in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for three seasons, predominantly with the Windsor Spitfires, prior to playing professionally. Recording an impressive 95-point (tenth overall in the league), 146-penalty-minute campaign in his second OHL season, he was drafted 144th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1997 NHL entry draft.[1] Returning to the OHL for a third season after being drafted, he was traded from Windsor to the Kingston Frontenacs on December 17, 1997, in exchange for Brent L'Heureux. Cooke would finish the season and his OHL career with Kingston.[citation needed]

Vancouver Canucks

[edit]
Matt Cooke in 2006
Cooke with the Vancouver Canucks in 2007.

Splitting the 1998–99 and 1999–2000 seasons between the Canucks and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, Cooke would play for the Canucks full-time in 2000–01.[citation needed]

Typically playing in the role of a checking winger, Cooke recorded a career-high 42 points in 2002–03 and earned the Fred J. Hume Award as the team's unsung hero.[5] Continuing to show offensive capabilities, after returning from an injury in 2003–04, he was promoted to the Canucks' top line towards the end of the season. On account of Todd Bertuzzi's infamous suspension, Cooke joined Markus Näslund and Brendan Morrison on the Canucks' top line for the final 13 games of the season and the playoffs.[6]

Perhaps Cooke's most memorable moment with the Canucks occurred during this stint on the first line as the Canucks entered the 2004 playoffs against the Calgary Flames. With the Canucks down by a goal in the final minute of the series-deciding seventh game, Cooke drove the net on a Markus Näslund rush and dramatically tied the score with five seconds remaining in regulation; it was also Cooke's second goal of the game. As the Canucks were short-handed at the time, however, Calgary began the overtime period on the powerplay and clinched the series.[7]

After a year of inactivity on account of the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Cooke would play two more full seasons with the Canucks, scoring at a similar pace. With Cooke's contract set to expire at the end of the 2007–08 season, he was sent to the Washington Capitals in exchange for Matt Pettinger at the trade deadline. The trade ended Cooke's tenure with the Canucks in his ninth season with the club. At the time of the trade, he was 12th all-time in games played as a Canuck with 556.[8]

Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins

[edit]
Cooke with the Capitals, March 2008.

Finishing the 2007–08 season, Cooke would play 17 games with the Capitals, scoring seven points. In the off-season, on July 5, 2008, Cooke signed a two-year, $2.4-million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.[9] He injured his ribs in his first season with the Penguins in October, missing four games, but was able to return by the end of the month.[10] On December 2, 2008, he was named to the rotating position of alternate captain for the Penguins for the month of December.[citation needed] The next month, Cooke was suspended for two games on January 27, 2009, for a headshot that he delivered to Carolina Hurricanes forward Scott Walker seven days earlier. He was assessed a minor penalty for interference on the play.[11] He earned the Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh in 2009.

Cooke with the Penguins

Cooke set a new career high during the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs by scoring four post-season goals, two of those coming in the decisive Game 6 against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place.[12] On June 22, 2010, Cooke signed a three-year contract to stay with the Penguins, a deal worth $1.8 million per season.[13]

Minnesota Wild

[edit]

Following his contract expiry with the Pittsburgh Penguins, on July 5, 2013, Cooke signed a three-year, $7.5 million contract with the Minnesota Wild. It marked Cooke's return to the Western Conference after leaving the Vancouver Canucks during the 2007–08 season. Playing in all 82 games in the 2013-14 NHL Season, Cooke scored 10 goals along with 18 assists for 28 points in his first season with the Wild.[citation needed]

With Minnesota up against the Salary cap and suffering an injury plagued 2014–15 season, having appeared in just 29 regular season games, Cooke was placed on waivers in order to buy-out the final year of his three-year contract with the Wild on June 19, 2015.[14]

Criticism and suspensions

[edit]

During his career, Cooke has been criticized by the media, league, fans, and team executives, and other players for his hitting in ways more likely to cause injury such as hits to the head or hits to an opponent's knee.[15][16] Of note, former CBC host and head coach Don Cherry has been consistently and effectively critical of Cooke, personally, and has faulted the NHL for not responding appropriately to Cooke's intents to render opposing players unable to play over the years.[17]

In the 2008–09 season, with the Penguins, Cooke was suspended on two different occasions. In November, he received a two-game suspension for a check to the head of the New York Rangers' Artem Anisimov. In January 2009, he received another two-game suspension for a hit to the head of Scott Walker of the Carolina Hurricanes.[18]

On March 7, 2010, in a game against the Boston Bruins, Cooke delivered a blow to the head of Boston's Marc Savard, concussing Savard and forcing him to miss almost two months. Cooke said he was not intending to hurt Savard;[19] Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli, however, characterized the hit as "a very surgical hit to the head."[20] Fellow Penguin teammate Bill Guerin also analyzed Cooke's hit on Savard to Pittsburgh reporters.[20] "If a guy gets hurt like that with a shot to the head, there's got to be something," said Guerin, adding that he expected Cooke to be suspended. "I understand he (Cooke) is on my team but, hey, he's in a tough spot."[21] In a ruling, which has received wide criticism,[20][22] Cooke was not given a suspension for the hit on Savard.[23] On March 24, in response to the outcry over Cooke not being suspended, the league implemented a new rule aimed at prohibiting blindside hits to the head like the one Cooke delivered to Savard. In announcing the rule, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said, "The elimination of these types of hits should significantly reduce the number of injuries, including concussions, without adversely affecting the level of physicality in the game."[16][24] Earlier, Bettman appeared on Leafs Lunch on Mojo 640 in Toronto to discuss the Cooke hit on Savard. "I was very unhappy and upset with that hit," said Bettman. "I was more upset there was nothing (in the League rules) to do to punish it."[15]

Rangers Ryan McDonagh is slow to get up after the elbow delivered by Cooke.

On February 9, 2011, Cooke was given a four-game suspension for a hit from behind on Columbus Blue Jackets' defenceman Fedor Tyutin.[25] On March 21, Cooke was suspended for the final ten games of the Penguins' regular season schedule, as well as the first round of the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs, stemming from an elbow to the head of New York Rangers defenceman Ryan McDonagh. The suspension was the longest of Cooke's career and was supported by the Penguins. Penguins General Manager Ray Shero said in a statement that the hit was "exactly the kind of hit we're trying to get out of the game," and that Penguins officials had told Cooke "in no uncertain terms" that such play was "unacceptable."[26] Speaking to two Pittsburgh newspapers the day after the incident, Cooke apologized for the hit. "I realize and understand, more so now than ever, that I need to change," Cooke said.[27]

"Changing" his game

[edit]

With the suspension and then Pittsburgh's early elimination from the playoffs, Cooke had a considerable amount of free time. He spent much of the time with Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma reviewing each of his hits to learn how to change his game to hit within the rules. Cooke said, "The way I played before was to get the biggest hit possible every time no matter what," and that now in "certain situations, I just approach differently. I try to get the puck more than I did before." Well into the 2011–12 season, teammate Craig Adams said of Cooke's play, "I've noticed over the last month or so, he's been feeling more comfortable being physical again, obviously, within the rules. That was a big part of his game."[28] At season's end, he had scored a career-high 19 goals and posted only 44 penalty minutes, his lowest career total in a full NHL season.[29]

In February 2013, Cooke was involved in an incident with the Ottawa Senators in which Erik Karlsson's achilles tendon was cut by Cooke's skate as the two made contact along the boards. While Senators owner Eugene Melnyk was outraged by the incident, stating, "To have him (Karlsson) taken out by a goon is unconscionable," league officials determined there would be no supplemental discipline for Cooke.[30][31][32]

On April 21, 2014, during Game 3 of the first round of the 2014 playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche, Cooke, playing for the Minnesota Wild, delivered a knee-on-knee check to Avalanche defenceman Tyson Barrie. Barrie did not return to the game and it was announced that he would miss four-to-six weeks as a result of the Cooke check. After an in-person hearing with the Department of Player Safety, Cooke was suspended for seven games for his conduct. As per the stipulations governing suspensions during the playoffs, Cooke did not suffer any loss of income.[33]

Coaching career

[edit]

On October 7, 2023, Cooke was hired as the head coach of the Newfoundland Growlers in the ECHL. He remained in that position until the Growlers organization were forced to cease operations on April 2, 2024.[34].

On July 18 2025 it was announced that Cooke would join the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL as the Head Coach and General Manager.

International play

[edit]
Medal record
Representing  Canada
Ice hockey
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 2004 Czech Republic

Cooke made his first international appearance, playing for the Canadian national junior team at the 1998 World Junior Championships. He scored two points in six games, but could not help Canada win a medal, as Canada lost to Russia in the quarter-finals, then to the US and Kazakhstan, finishing eighth overall behind Kazakhstan. He then competed for Team Canada at the 2004 World Championships. Named to the team with Vancouver Canucks teammate Brendan Morrison, Cooke helped Canada clinch gold, tallying four points in nine games.

Personal life

[edit]

Cooke and his wife Michelle, whom he married in 2001, have three children; a daughter, a son, and a stepdaughter.[35] Cooke and Michelle ran a foundation called The Cooke Family Foundation of Hope,[36] based out of Vancouver. It was dissolved in 2016. The couple separated in 2024 and officially divorced in October 2025.

Awards

[edit]

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]
    Regular season   Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1994–95 Wellington Dukes MetJHL 46 9 23 32 62 — — — — —
1995–96 Windsor Spitfires OHL 61 8 11 19 102 7 1 3 4 6
1996–97 Windsor Spitfires OHL 65 45 50 95 146 5 5 5 10 10
1997–98 Windsor Spitfires OHL 23 14 19 33 50 — — — — —
1997–98 Kingston Frontenacs OHL 25 8 13 21 49 12 8 8 16 20
1998–99 Vancouver Canucks NHL 30 0 2 2 27 — — — — —
1998–99 Syracuse Crunch AHL 37 15 18 33 119 — — — — —
1999–2000 Vancouver Canucks NHL 51 5 7 12 39 — — — — —
1999–2000 Syracuse Crunch AHL 18 5 8 13 27 — — — — —
2000–01 Vancouver Canucks NHL 81 14 13 27 94 4 0 0 0 4
2001–02 Vancouver Canucks NHL 82 13 20 33 111 6 3 2 5 0
2002–03 Vancouver Canucks NHL 82 15 27 42 82 14 2 1 3 12
2003–04 Vancouver Canucks NHL 53 11 12 23 73 7 3 1 4 12
2005–06 Vancouver Canucks NHL 45 8 10 18 71 — — — — —
2006–07 Vancouver Canucks NHL 81 10 20 30 64 1 0 0 0 2
2007–08 Vancouver Canucks NHL 61 7 9 16 64 — — — — —
2007–08 Washington Capitals NHL 17 3 4 7 27 7 0 0 0 4
2008–09 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 76 13 18 31 101 24 1 6 7 22
2009–10 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 79 15 15 30 106 13 4 2 6 22
2010–11 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 67 12 18 30 129 — — — — —
2011–12 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 82 19 19 38 44 6 0 4 4 16
2012–13 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 48 8 13 21 36 15 0 4 4 35
2013–14 Minnesota Wild NHL 82 10 18 28 54 6 0 3 3 8
2014–15 Minnesota Wild NHL 29 4 6 10 13 7 0 2 2 4
NHL totals 1,046 167 231 398 1,135 110 13 25 38 141

International

[edit]
Year Team Event Result   GP G A Pts PIM
1998 Canada WJC 8th 6 1 1 2 6
2004 Canada WC 1st place, gold medalist(s) 9 2 2 4 8
Junior totals 6 1 1 2 6
Senior totals 9 2 2 4 8

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Matt Cooke

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Matt Cooke (born September 7, 1978) is a Canadian former winger and current coach who played 16 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1999 to 2015, appearing in 1,046 games and recording 167 goals, 231 assists, and 398 points while accumulating 1,135 penalty minutes. Drafted 144th overall in the sixth round of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft by the , Cooke won the with the in 2009 and represented at the IIHF World Championship, earning a in 2004. Cooke began his NHL career with the Canucks, debuting in the 1999–2000 season and developing into a reliable checking-line forward known for his physical play, speed, and penalty-killing abilities during his nine seasons there from 1999 to 2008. He was traded to the mid-season in 2007–08, then signed with the Penguins as a in 2008, where he contributed to their victory by posting 7 points in 24 playoff games and providing gritty forechecking support. Cooke remained with Pittsburgh through 2013, helping the team reach multiple Eastern Conference Finals, before joining the for his final two seasons, where he added veteran leadership and 10 points in 29 games during 2014–15 prior to retirement. Throughout his career, Cooke earned a reputation as one of the league's most polarizing enforcers due to his agitating style, which included several controversial hits leading to suspensions totaling over 30 games, such as a 17-game ban in 2011 for elbowing defenseman and a 7-game suspension in 2014 for kneeing defenseman . Other notable penalties included 4 games in 2011 for boarding defenseman Fedor Tyutin and multiple 2-game bans for spearing, elbowing, and head shots between 2004 and 2009. Following these incidents, particularly after the 2011 suspension—the longest non-PPS (Player Personal Services) ban in NHL history at the time—Cooke publicly committed to reforming his game, avoiding further discipline in his later years and focusing on clean, effective contributions. After retiring, Cooke transitioned into coaching, starting with high school teams in , including as of Chaska High School from 2021 to 2023. He then served as of the ECHL's for the 2023–24 season before being named and of the British Columbia Hockey League's Vernon Vipers in July 2025, where he continues to apply his NHL experience to develop young players.

Early life and junior career

Early life

Matthew David Cooke was born on September 7, 1978, in , . He grew up in the nearby rural community of Stirling, Ontario, approximately 20 kilometers north of Belleville, where he developed a passion for hockey from a young age. Cooke's early exposure to the sport came through local minor hockey programs in , including associations in the area, fostering his skills on community rinks and with regional teams. These formative experiences in the Quinte region laid the groundwork for his competitive journey, as he honed his abilities in youth leagues before advancing to more structured play. In recognition of his roots and lasting impact on the local sports scene, Cooke was inducted into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame in 2022 as an athlete in hockey, celebrated for his perseverance and dedication that began in his hometown community.

Junior hockey

Cooke began his major junior career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) after being selected by the Windsor Spitfires in the 10th round, 155th overall, of the 1995 OHL Priority Selection Draft from the Wellington Dukes of the Metro Junior Hockey League. In his rookie OHL season of 1995–96 with Windsor, he recorded 8 goals and 11 assists for 19 points in 61 games, while accumulating 102 penalty minutes, showcasing an emerging physical presence on the ice. His play style often involved agitation and physicality, leading to frequent altercations and high penalty totals that defined his junior tenure. During the 1996–97 season, Cooke broke out offensively with the Spitfires, leading the team with 45 goals and 50 assists for a career-high 95 points in 65 games, alongside 146 penalty minutes that highlighted his combative approach. He added 10 points in five playoff games as Windsor reached the second round. This performance earned him recognition as a promising two-way forward with grit, though his physicality drew scrutiny for on-ice incidents. Midway through the 1997–98 season, Cooke was traded to the , where he contributed 8 goals and 13 assists in 25 regular-season games, followed by 16 points in 12 playoff contests as Kingston advanced deep into the postseason. That June, while still active in junior, he was selected by the in the sixth round, 144th overall, of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, validating his potential despite his late-round status. Following the draft, Cooke attended the Canucks' but returned to complete his junior eligibility with Kingston. His development emphasized refining his physical edge while improving skating and defensive reliability, setting the stage for a professional contract signing with upon finishing junior in 1998.

Professional playing career

Vancouver Canucks

Cooke began his professional career in the (AHL) with the , Vancouver's affiliate, during the 1998–99 season before making his NHL debut with the Canucks on October 14, 1998, against the . In 30 games with Vancouver that year, he recorded no goals and two assists while accumulating 27 penalty minutes, establishing himself as a physical presence early on. Over the following seasons, Cooke transitioned to a full-time NHL role, playing in 51 games during 1999–2000 and becoming a regular by 2000–01, where he suited up for 81 games. His tenure with the Canucks spanned nine seasons through 2007–08, during which he appeared in 566 regular-season games, scoring 83 goals and 120 assists for 203 points while racking up 696 penalty minutes. Throughout his time in Vancouver, Cooke developed into a prototypical agitator and effective penalty killer, often deployed on the third or fourth lines to disrupt opponents and contribute to special teams. He averaged around 10–15 goals per season in his peak years, using his speed and tenacity to create scoring chances in high-pressure situations, while his physical style drew frequent penalties from adversaries. The 2003–04 season saw Cooke post 11 goals and 23 points in 53 games, including a dramatic tying goal with 5.7 seconds left in Game 7 of the Western Conference quarterfinals against the , though Vancouver ultimately lost in overtime. Following the , Cooke returned in 2005–06 with 8 goals and strong defensive play, helping the Canucks secure a Northwest Division title and a first-round playoff win. In the 2006–07 season, Cooke logged 81 games with 10 goals and 20 assists, then provided limited energy and penalty-kill minutes during Vancouver's playoff run to the second round due to , appearing in 1 game with no points and 2 penalty minutes while helping limit opponents' power-play efficiency. His consistent role in shorthanded situations and forechecking was instrumental in the team's defensive structure that year. On February 26, 2008, amid a push for the , Cooke was traded to the in exchange for forward Matt Pettinger, ending his nine-year stint with after 61 games that season.

Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins

On February 26, 2008, Cooke was traded from the to the in exchange for forward Matt Pettinger. He appeared in 17 games for Washington during the remainder of the 2007–08 season, recording 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points, along with a +5 plus-minus rating and 27 penalty minutes. His brief tenure with the Capitals provided depth on the checking lines, but it was limited by the late-season acquisition. As an unrestricted free agent following the expiration of his contract, Cooke signed a two-year, $2.4 million deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 5, 2008. This move positioned him as a versatile energy forward, filling a role similar to the departed Jarkko Ruutu on the penalty kill and third line. In his debut 2008–09 season with Pittsburgh, Cooke skated in 76 regular-season games, contributing 13 goals and 18 assists for 31 points while accumulating 101 penalty minutes. Cooke's impact extended into the playoffs, where he played all 24 games during Pittsburgh's Stanley Cup-winning run, posting 1 and 6 assists for 7 points. His physical presence and forechecking helped neutralize opponents, contributing to the Penguins' championship victory over the in seven games on June 12, 2009. Over the subsequent seasons from 2009–10 to 2012–13, Cooke solidified his role as a key agitator and penalty-killer, reaching a career-high 19 s in 82 games during the 2011–12 campaign. During his five seasons with , Cooke participated in multiple deep playoff runs, including Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 2010 and 2013, where his 58 postseason games underscored his reliability in high-stakes matchups. His tenacious style, emphasizing board battles and third-line production, amassed 67 goals and 83 assists for 150 points in 352 regular-season games overall with . Cooke departed the organization as a , signing a three-year, $7.5 million contract with the on July 5, 2013.

Minnesota Wild

On July 5, 2013, Matt Cooke signed a three-year, $7.5 million contract with the as an unrestricted , marking his return to the Western Conference after stints in the East. In his first season with the team during 2013–14, Cooke appeared in all 82 games, contributing 10 goals and 18 assists for 28 points while accumulating 54 penalty minutes, helping the reach the second round. Cooke established himself as a presence on the checking line, serving as an enforcer who brought physicality, energy, and leadership to the bottom-six forwards. His role emphasized shutting down opponents' top lines alongside linemates like and , often tasked with agitating and protecting Minnesota's skilled players. The following year, injuries including a hip issue and sports limited him to 29 games in 2014–15, where he recorded 4 goals and 6 assists for 10 points. Despite the setbacks, he reached the 1,000-game milestone that season, later reflecting on it as "a huge accomplishment for me and ," crediting support from teammates and coaches for his career endurance. On June 18, 2015, the Wild placed Cooke on unconditional waivers with the intent to buy out the final year of his contract, a $3 million for 2015–16. He cleared waivers and received the , becoming an unrestricted at age 36. Cooke did not sign with another NHL team, effectively retiring after 1,046 regular-season games across 16 seasons. In reflecting on his longevity post-career, Cooke has attributed his 16-year NHL tenure to consistent and the guidance of mentors, noting the transition allowed him to prioritize family while staying involved in hockey.

International career

Junior international play

Cooke represented Canada at the 1998 IIHF World U20 Championship, held in Helsinki and Hämeenlinna, Finland. He appeared in all six games, recording one goal and one assist for two points while accruing six penalty minutes. As a physical forward on the checking line, Cooke brought energy and defensive intensity to the squad, consistent with his agitator style throughout his career. Canada was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Russia in overtime before finishing eighth overall in the 10-team tournament.

Senior international play

Cooke represented at the senior level in the held in and , . Selected for his gritty, physical style as a checking-line forward and agitator, he contributed to 's gold medal victory, their first in the tournament since 1997. In nine games, Cooke recorded two goals and two assists for four points, while accumulating five penalty minutes and posting a plus-8 rating. This appearance marked Cooke's only senior international tournament, as he was not selected for subsequent events like the Olympics or additional World Championships. Over his senior international career with , he appeared in nine games and tallied four points.

Playing style and controversies

Suspensions and criticism

Throughout his NHL career, Matt Cooke faced multiple suspensions for on-ice infractions, accumulating a total of 34 games missed, including playoffs, across six incidents. His aggressive style drew widespread criticism from players, coaches, and media outlets, who frequently labeled him as one of the league's dirtiest players due to a series of controversial hits that targeted opponents' heads and knees. One notable early controversy occurred on March 7, 2010, when Cooke delivered a blindside elbow to the head of center during a game against the . Savard suffered a Grade 2 , missed the remainder of the regular season and playoffs, and the injury contributed to that ultimately forced his retirement in 2011 after just 32 more games. The NHL did not suspend Cooke for the hit, as it did not violate the league's rules at the time, but the incident prompted significant backlash and calls for stricter head-shot regulations. In 2011, Cooke received two suspensions within months. On February 8, he was banned for four games for boarding defenseman Fedor Tyutin from behind, a hit that drove Tyutin face-first into the boards. Later that season, on March 18, Cooke was suspended for the remainder of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs—17 games total—for elbowing defenseman in the head during open ice. These penalties, totaling 21 games, amplified perceptions of Cooke as a repeat offender intent on injuring opponents. Earlier incidents without suspensions also fueled criticism. In May 2009, Cooke delivered a knee-on-knee hit to forward during the playoffs, drawing accusations of targeting knees but resulting only in a minor penalty and no further discipline. Similarly, in February 2011, Cooke kneed captain Alex Ovechkin, yet escaped suspension despite the dangerous nature of the play. Media and players, including former NHL enforcer , condemned Cooke as "chickens--t" for such tactics, arguing they endangered the sport's integrity. Cooke's final suspension came on April 21, 2014, when he kneed defenseman in open ice during the , injuring Barrie's and sidelining him for 4-6 weeks. The NHL levied a seven-game ban, Cooke's longest for a kneeing infraction and his first since 2011. This ruling underscored ongoing scrutiny of his physicality, with players and coaches expressing frustration over repeated violations. Over his 16-year career, Cooke's history of suspensions and unpunished hits led to him being widely regarded as the NHL's most reviled agitator, with outlets like and highlighting his role in prompting league-wide changes to player safety rules. Players such as and coaches like Mike Yeo publicly decried his style, while fans and analysts debated whether his contributions justified the risks he posed to others.

Evolution of playing style

Following his 17-game suspension in March 2011 for elbowing defenseman in the head, Cooke publicly vowed to alter his approach to the game, stating in a that he would "change my game" to eliminate dangerous plays. This promise was influenced by personal reflections on his role as a and the NHL's tightening of rules against head shots, as Cooke acknowledged the need to prioritize skill over aggression to sustain his career. In the seasons after 2011, Cooke demonstrated a marked reduction in penalties and on-ice incidents, transitioning from a notorious agitator known for provocative tactics to a more responsible veteran who emphasized speed, intelligent positioning, and forechecking without resorting to unnecessary risks. During the 2011–12 season with the , his penalty minutes dropped to 44 in 66 games, a significant decrease from previous years, reflecting a focus on contributing positively to team play rather than drawing attention through infractions. In 2012–13, his final season with the Penguins, Cooke continued this evolution, accumulating 47 penalty minutes in 68 games and avoiding any major disciplinary actions, which earned praise from head coach for his maturity and reliability on the third line. Teammates and analysts noted his improved decision-making, such as using his quickness to create turnovers legally, helping in playoff pushes without the baggage of past controversies. After being traded to the in the 2013 offseason, Cooke largely maintained this style in 2013–14 until his 7-game suspension in April 2014 for kneeing , after which he avoided further discipline in his final season. Cooke's transformation has been cited as a in the NHL, illustrating the potential for player accountability and redemption when combined with league oversight and personal motivation, influencing discussions on how enforcers can adapt to a safer, faster era of hockey.

Post-playing career

Coaching roles

Following his retirement from professional play in 2015, Matt Cooke began his coaching career at the amateur level in . He joined the Orono High School boys' hockey team as an assistant coach, serving in that role from 2015 to 2021 alongside head coach , a fellow former NHL player. During this period, the team achieved notable success, including a 16–10–1 record and a berth in the section finals in the 2015–16 season. In 2021, Cooke advanced to a head coaching position with Chaska High School in the , where he emphasized player development and skill-building for young athletes through structured training and competitive play. He led the Hawks for two seasons, guiding the team in the competitive Lake Conference until departing in October 2023. Under his leadership, Chaska focused on fostering discipline and tactical awareness, contributing to the program's growth in a talent-rich region. Cooke then entered professional coaching as head coach of the in the , hired on October 7, 2023, as the affiliate of the . In his lone season, the Growlers compiled a 28–28–8 record (0–2 in shootouts) over 66 games amid organizational challenges, before the ECHL terminated the team's membership and operations ceased on April 2, 2024, due to unresolved ownership issues. On July 18, 2025, Cooke was named and of the Vernon Vipers in the (BCHL), preparing the junior A for the 2025–26 season with a mandate to rebuild competitiveness in the Interior Division.

Other activities

Following his retirement from professional hockey in 2015, Cooke ran a hockey academy in , focusing on skills training and overall development for youth players. Cooke contributed to player development programs through various roles, including joining TPH Academy's Minnesota division in 2021 as Director and Head of Hockey, overseeing the implementation of a comprehensive model that integrated athletic training, academics, and personal growth for student-athletes. In this capacity, he emphasized holistic development, including mentorship and initiatives to prepare young players for higher levels of competition. He was promoted to in 2022 before concluding his role in 2023. Cooke has participated in speaking engagements highlighting and the evolution of physical play in hockey, sharing insights from his career transformation to advocate for cleaner, more ethical competition. After concluding his TPH role in 2023, Cooke took the entire 2024–25 season off from active involvement in hockey development and coaching. Drawing from his extensive playing experience, including high-profile incidents that influenced NHL rule changes on head hits, Cooke has contributed to discussions on player safety and potential rule refinements in interviews and advisory contexts.

Personal life

Family

Cooke married his wife, Michelle, in 2001. They have three children: a stepdaughter, Gabby; a daughter, Reece; and a son, Jackson. In early 2011, Michelle Cooke suffered a severe health scare involving a clogged valve that nearly proved fatal and required multiple surgeries, which profoundly impacted her husband. This ordeal prompted Matt Cooke to reassess his aggressive playing style, as he sought to prioritize family presence and avoid further risks that could leave his wife and children without him during vulnerable times. After joining the Minnesota Wild in 2014 and retiring in 2015, Cooke and his family relocated to Minnesota for stability. Michelle played a key role in this decision, opting against a return to Pittsburgh to minimize disruptions for their children. During his early post-playing coaching roles in Minnesota from 2021 to 2023, Cooke's family provided support, with his children then pursuing soccer and baseball locally as the family adjusted to his new professional life. In July 2025, Cooke relocated to Vernon, British Columbia, for his coaching role, while his family, now with grown children including Jackson attending college on a baseball scholarship, continues to reside in Minnesota.

Community involvement

Following his retirement from professional hockey in 2015, Matt Cooke co-founded the Cooke Family Foundation of Hope in 2005, inspired by the of his niece, which provided resources and inspiration to underprivileged children and families facing hardships until its dissolution in 2016. Cooke has been actively involved in youth hockey development, serving as Director and Head of Hockey at Total Package Hockey's Center of Excellence from 2021 to 2023, where he oversaw programs aimed at holistic athlete growth. He also coached high school teams in , including Chaska High School, emphasizing safe competitive play and drawing from his own career experiences with concussions and suspensions to educate young players on avoiding dangerous hits. In , his hometown roots in have led to ongoing support for local minor hockey, including NHLPA-backed initiatives for Minor Hockey. As an NHL , Cooke regularly participates in charity events, such as the Semiahmoo Pro-Am in 2025, where he joined other former players to raise funds for minor hockey programs. He also played in the Canucks Autism Network's annual Pro-Am tournament in October 2025, contributing to efforts that raised over $1 million for autism support services. In his home communities of Stirling and Belleville, Ontario, Cooke remains engaged through hall of fame activities, including his 2022 induction into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame, where he was honored for his career contributions and participated in related community ceremonies. His involvement extends to local philanthropy, such as bringing the Stanley Cup to Belleville for charity fundraisers during his career, with continued ties post-retirement.

Awards and honors

NHL achievements

Matt Cooke played 1,046 regular-season games in the National Hockey League (NHL) over 16 seasons from 1998 to 2015, a testament to his longevity as a sixth-round draft pick (144th overall by the in 1997). Despite lacking major individual awards, his career highlighted consistent contributions as a checking-line forward, amassing 167 goals, 231 assists, and 398 points while accumulating 1,135 penalty minutes. His durability stood out, particularly after transitioning to a more disciplined role later in his career, where he earned ninth-place votes in the 2003 balloting for defensive forward play. Cooke's offensive peak came in the 2011–12 season with the , when he scored a career-high 19 goals and tallied 38 points in 82 games, showcasing improved scoring touch on the third line. Earlier, in 2002–03 with , he reached career bests of 27 assists and 42 points, contributing to the Canucks' playoff appearance. These highs underscored his evolution from an agitator to a reliable energy player, though he never cracked the NHL's top individual honors lists beyond occasional voting in 2012 (35th place). In the playoffs, Cooke appeared in 110 games, scoring 13 goals and 25 assists for 38 points, with his efforts pivotal in the ' deep postseason runs. He was part of Pittsburgh's championship team, playing all 24 games and recording 1 goal and 6 assists for 7 points while providing physical forechecking on the energy line alongside players like and . Subsequent playoff appearances in (Eastern Conference Final) and (Eastern Conference Final) saw him contribute 6 and 4 points, respectively, emphasizing his role in sustaining momentum during extended series without holding franchise records but earning recognition for gritty, third-line impact.

International and other honors

Cooke represented at the 1998 in , , where he recorded one goal and one assist in six games as part of the team that earned a after losing 3-2 to in the final. He later contributed to 's success at the senior level, winning a at the in Prague and Ostrava, , where the team defeated 5–3 in the gold medal game; Cooke appeared in nine games during the tournament. In recognition of his professional achievements and hometown roots, Cooke was inducted into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame in 2022 as an athlete in hockey, honored for his enduring career, perseverance, and dedication to the sport.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Matt Cooke played 1,046 regular season games in the National Hockey League (NHL) over 17 seasons from 1998–99 to 2014–15, accumulating 167 goals, 231 assists, and 398 points while recording 1,135 penalty minutes. His career-high points total came in the 2002–03 season with the , when he posted 42 points (15 goals and 27 assists) in 82 games. The following table details his year-by-year regular season performance:
SeasonTeamGPGAPtsPIM
1998–993002227
1999–0051571239
2000–018114132794
2001–0282132033111
2002–038215274282
2003–045311122373
2005–06458101871
2006–078110203064
2007–08 / Washington Capitals7810132391
2008–0976131831101
2009–1079151530106
2010–1167121830129
2011–128219193844
2012–13488132136
2013–148210182854
2014–1529461013
Career Total1,0461672313981,135
In the playoffs, Cooke appeared in 110 games across 12 postseasons, recording 13 goals, 25 assists, and 38 points with 141 penalty minutes. His most productive playoff run was in 2008–09 with the , contributing 7 points (1 goal and 6 assists) in 24 games en route to a championship. The following table outlines his playoff statistics:
SeasonTeamGPGAPtsPIM
2000–0140004
2001–0263250
2002–031421312
2003–04731412
2006–0710002
2007–0870004
2008–092416722
2009–101342622
2011–12604416
2012–131504435
2013–1460338
2014–1570224
Career Total110132538141

International

Cooke represented at the 1998 IIHF World Under-20 Championship and the , where captured the gold medal.

1998 IIHF World Under-20 Championship

GPGAPtsPIM
61126

2004 IIHF World Championship

GPGAPtsPIM
92248

International totals

GPGAPtsPIM
1533614

References

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  51. https://www.startribune.com/chart-matt-cooke-at-a-glance/224002551
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  53. https://archive.triblive.com/news/cookes-story-puts-his-season-in-perspective/
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