Cooke named Growlers head coach

ST. JOHN’S, Newfoundland - The Newfoundland Growlers announced that Matt Cooke has been named the fourth head coach in team history.

Cooke, 45, brings over 1,000 games of National Hockey League experience to Newfoundland having suited up for four different teams (Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild) across his 16-year professional playing career.

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, Ontario native played three seasons with the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League prior to turning pro and was also a member of the 1998 Team Canada World Junior team.