FROM TEXARKANA TO TAMPA BAY, COOPER CONTINUES TO DEFINE SUCCESS Junior coaches can learn a thing or two from Coop’s success

Jon Cooper's coaching career has been marked by steady progression and notable success. Starting in junior hockey, he worked his way up through various leagues, including stints in the North American Hockey League, United States Hockey League, and the American Hockey League, before landing in the National Hockey League with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Throughout his journey, Cooper has demonstrated an ability to adapt and thrive in different environments, ultimately establishing himself as one of the league's top coaches. His unique approach to the game and his players has been a key factor in the Lightning's success during his tenure.

One of the key aspects of Cooper's coaching style is his ability to get the most out of his players by fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. He empowers his players to be creative and take ownership of their roles, which in turn allows them to develop a strong sense of accountability to themselves and their teammates.

This approach seems to be a major factor in the Lightning's success during his tenure. By emphasizing player development and team cohesion, Cooper has been able to create a winning culture that transcends individual talent.

Cooper's communication style is built on mutual respect, which allows him to build strong relationships with his players. He takes the time to understand each player's unique perspective and motivations, tailoring his approach to meet their individual needs.

By doing so, he creates an environment where players feel valued and supported, both on and off the ice. This approach enables him to get the best out of his players, as they're more likely to buy into his system and work together towards a common goal.

The contrast between Cooper's approach and more traditional, authoritarian coaching styles is striking. While old-school coaches might rely on fear and discipline to get results, Cooper's emphasis on player empowerment and teamwork seems to yield more sustainable success.

It's possible that the dictatorial approach might produce short-term gains, but it often fails to foster a positive team culture, leading to stagnation and ultimately, a lack of long-term success. Cooper's approach, on the other hand, allows players to grow and develop, both individually and collectively, which can lead to more consistent and enduring results.

At the youth and junior levels, a coach can start by focusing on building strong relationships with their players, emphasizing teamwork, and creating a positive team culture. They can also prioritize player development, focusing on skill-building and helping players understand their roles within the team.

By doing so, young coaches can lay the foundation for long-term success and create an environment where players can grow and thrive. It's also important for coaches at these levels to be adaptable and willing to learn, seeking out opportunities for professional development and staying up-to-date with the latest coaching techniques and strategies.

While not every coach will reach the NHL level, the principles that Cooper employs can be applied at any level of the sport. By focusing on player development, teamwork, and positive relationships, coaches can have a lasting impact on their players that goes beyond just wins and losses.

They can help shape young athletes into confident, respectful, and responsible individuals, which is arguably just as important as developing their hockey skills. This approach can lead to success both on and off the ice, and that's something that every coach can strive for, regardless of the level they're coaching at.

The game needs to rid itself of coaches that are involved in the game only to inflate their already stretched ego. It was never supposed to be about them. Coaches that refuse to adapt, refuse to respect players or staff, or even refuse to hold players accountable for off-ice behaviors are being left behind.

How many players out there have had anything bad to say about their time playing for Cooper? None that I’ve ever heard from. Folks, that says a lot.