Cooper Black returns to skate with local athletes
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ALPENA – Cooper Black laced up his skates at the Northern Lights Arena last Saturday and returned to the ice where his hockey journey began.
Black joined former teammates and local athletes for a scrimmage that has become an annual reunion rooted in tribute and hometown connection.
The 6-foot-8 goaltender for the Charlotte Checkers, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Florida Panthers, took part in the second edition of a gathering organized by his youth coach, Dave Matash. The event brought together past players from the Thunder Bay Wrecks Travel Hockey Program for a casual game that drew young players and parents to the rink to watch Alpena's hometown product.
Matash explained how the gathering began.
"We started these hockey games last summer," he said. "The father of a player I coached passed away in March of last year. His dad had such passion and loved watching his son play youth hockey. His dad loved the camaraderie of being part of the team and traveling from town to town."
As a tribute, a game was scheduled later that summer as part of the celebration of life. Matash reached out to many of the past players from the Thunder Bay Wrecks program, including Black.
"The players had such a great time and commented that they would love to do this again. That's how it all started."
This year the interest remained strong. "This year, Cooper Black contacted me inquiring if we're having a scrimmage game this year. So, we did it again this year. Planning on doing this next year as long as there is an interest."
Black, a 2019 Alpena High School graduate and former Michigan Hockey Goalie of the Year, said the gathering holds special meaning.
"This was the second year we've done it and I think it's something really special," Black said. "He was an amazing youth coach who genuinely cared about all of us, and he still does."
Matash continues to stay in touch with his former players, Black said.
"Even now, he keeps tabs on us, and I still get phone calls from him from time to time. I always look forward to them because he's just such a fun guy to talk to," he said.
According to Black, the coach's vision centers on connection.
"I think his idea was simply to get all of us together in one place once a year so we could stay connected," Black said. "As people get older, it becomes harder to keep in touch, and this gives everyone a chance to catch up."
For Black the afternoon carried personal weight, he said.
"For me, it means a lot because I grew up playing hockey with most of these guys. Whether we were teammates or just saw each other around the rink, Alpena is a small town, and everyone knows everyone, especially at the rink," Black said. "So, for me being able to take some time off and come back to see the people I grew up playing with is really important to me and a no brainer."
Matash spoke with clear pride about the young man who once played for him.
"I am incredibly proud of Cooper Black--not only for his hockey accomplishments, but also for the fine young man he has become," Matash said. "He is caring and compassionate, and he shows integrity, respect, and empathy for others."
Black's path required persistence and his ascension toward playing in the NHL has required self sacrifice and dedication to his craft.
"Cooper pursued his dream of playing hockey, and his success did not come easily," Matash said. "It took hard work, commitment, dedication, accountability, and a true love of the game. Great job Cooper. You proved that dreams can come true. Don't stop believing."
The coach also described the atmosphere inside Northern Lights Arena, the dual-rink facility that serves as the hub of local hockey.
"It was heartwarming and amazing to see how exciting it was for younger players and parents at the rink who were watching the game and Cooper Black," he said. "I could hear some of the young players saying, 'Wow, that's Cooper Black.' They were in awe and amazed. Our hometown hero."
Saturday's scrimmage offered a full-circle moment. Former Wrecks players skated together again while a new generation of Alpena youth watched a professional goalie who once stood in the same crease and dreamed the same dreams. Matash said the group intends to continue the tradition. Black made clear he plans to keep answering the call to come home.
For one afternoon at Northern Lights Arena, the 25-year-old Checkers netminder was simply Cooper from Alpena, back on the ice with the people who knew him first.