Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper is facing a tough time following the recent overtime loss in the Olympic gold-medal game. Beyond the rink, Cooper is dealing with personal heartbreak as he mourns the passing of his father, Robert Cooper, who was a native of Prince George, B.C., and ran a construction business.
The Tampa Bay Lightning, Cooper's NHL team, announced that he would not be coaching in their upcoming games against the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Carolina Hurricanes. The details surrounding Robert's passing remain private.
Cooper's life was steeped in hockey from an early age, growing up in a household with a spirited hockey rivalry. His late mother, Marlene, hailed from San Francisco and retained her American citizenship, often cheering for Team USA, while Robert was a die-hard Maple Leafs fan.
Cooper fondly recalls a memorable Christmas gift he gave his mother-a prop featuring the 1980 American Miracle On Ice team. Pressing a button triggered Al Michaels' famous call, "Do you believe in miracles?
Yes!" It became a playful source of tension with his dad, who wasn't thrilled about the constant reminder of that iconic U.S. victory.
Jon Cooper has built an impressive coaching career, leading the Tampa Bay Lightning to back-to-back Stanley Cup victories and making two other finals appearances. As the NHL's longest-tenured coach, he recently celebrated his 1,000th regular-season game, boasting a career record that reflects his expertise and leadership.
Our thoughts are with Cooper and his family during this difficult time.