Todd Cooke Biography

[KRZY 415]

Growing up in the small town of Fort McMurray Alberta Rookie Center Todd Cooke always dreamed of playing pro hockey. Now people have to understand Fort McMurray is an Oil town famous for the Oil Sands and it’s Mines . So naturally most kids grow up and go to work in the mines or in the oil field in some capacity or another . While there are some notable hockey players that come from Fort Mac ( Scottie Upshall and Chris Phillips ) most people return to town after they finish playing their highest level of hockey.

 

At a young age Cooke was always drawn to the Mining world as A LOT of his family members worked in the industry , between that and hockey Cooke grew up with 2 passions in life . In high-school Cooke did a work placement program where he got his first real taste of the Mining world as an apprentice heavy duty mechanic working on equipment in the mines . As he progressed he eventually had to choose if he wanted to pursue hockey at a higher level or finish his mechanic apprenticeship. As a result of the work placement program Cooke earned a scholarship to go to Keyano College in Fort McMurray This was the perfect opportunity to try out for the hometown Fort McMurray Oil Barons Junior A hockey club while attending school . Cooke made the hockey team as a walk on but his rookie season was exceptional and he ended up playing a big part in a deep playoff run that would ultimately come up short in the conference finals . Cooke would finish the school portion of his apprenticeship but ultimately for go the technical training portion choosing to follow his dreams of playing Junior Hockey in his hometown . With the option of completing his technical training if things didn’t fully pan out with hockey . Cooke had a successful Junior Career winning the league championship and MVP trophy in his final season. Although he had a successful junior hockey tenure, he didn’t immediately have plan to further his hockey career . So while waiting and attending whatever possible try outs he could Cooke began finishing his technical training ultimately attaining his hours to become a journeyman off road heavy duty mechanic. While on Vacation with his family For Christmas in Banff Alberta Cooke was talked into coming out and playing a shinny hockey Game , little did he know there would be some scouts in the stands .

 

And So it Begins 

After the shinny game a scout for the Ottawa Lynx in the VHLM approached Cooke and offered him a PTO for their upcoming season . Cooke had a lot of time to think about the PTO  as the Training camp for the Season wasn’t until August of that year . Cooke returned to Fort McMurray and worked in the Mines saving as much money as he could to be able to Attend the Training camp . Cooke also spent every waking minute in the gym or on the ice preparing himself to get ready ! The end of July came up quick and Cooke said his goodbyes to his family and hometown and made his way too Ottawa. Ottawa was a culture shock and much different then what Todd was used too a big town with lots of hustle and bustle . Todd Cooke made an impact immediately and was offered a contract by the Lynx and entered into the rookie draft pool for the next season. Cooke enjoyed moderate success in his rookie season and enjoyed life in Ottawa aswell . 
 

Draft Day a dream come true

Todd Cooke went into Season 84 a highly touted late 1st or early 2nd round draft pick . Cooke would have never ever thought this would at all possible growing up in such a small town . With the number 27 pick In VHL draft , the Los Angeles Stars would pick Cooke immediate excitement overtook Cooke and his family . They described it as an emotional happy experience where hardwork paid off . Cooke would later be picked 20th overall in the VHLE draft by the Oslo Storm. and 10th by the Houston Bulls . That summer Cooke went home and enjoyed the time with his family and friends . Knowing he was about to set off on the journey of a lifetime pursuing hockey full time. The draft was over the real work was about to begin !

Over the next 2 seasons Cooke would hone his craft at the center ice position in both the VHLM and VHLE . Winning a championship with the Oslo Storm I’m Season 85 in the VHLE . Recently Todd has made his way to Los Angeles to begin his rookie season and VHL career with the Stars ! 
 

Cooke’s story is about how hardwork and perseverance will help you achieve any dream that you have in life ! And how a kid from a small town with a love for mining and the oil field would grow up chasing the dream to play professional hockey while also pursuing a second career . Anything is possible ! And achieveable if you put your mind to it !

 

Cooke’s story isn’t over in fact it’s only just began !