The Green Zone: Riders' Jeremy O'Day preparing for 2025
A few minutes ago
Riders GM Jeremy O'Day joined the Green Zone on Wednesday.
While the University season takes a break, December is shaping up to be a busy month for University of Saskatchewan goalie Jordon Cooke.
Fresh off a stint with the U Sports all-star team, Cooke has been selected by Hockey Canada to compete in the Spengler Cup, an opportunity usually only reserved for professionals.
“I really just thought (Scott Salmond of Hockey Canada) was pulling me aside to see how my season was going and generally have a conversation,” said Cooke in a press release. “Then out of the blue he kind of started leading into the Spengler Cup, how there was an open spot and how he wanted me.”
Cooke is the first player to be selected while actively playing for a Canada West team. The reigning CIS (now U Sports) goalie of the year has picked up where he left off so far this season. He leads Canada West with 10 wins and is second among all goalies in goals-against average (1.98) and save percentage (.928).
He will join fellow goaltenders Drew MacIntyre (Medvescak Zagreband, KHL) and Zach Fucale (Brampton, ECHL) ahead of Canada’s tournament opener Dec. 26 against HC Dinamo Minsk in Davos, Switzerland.
“I’m really just excited to be given the opportunity to be on the roster. Whether I play or not, I’ll deal with the moment when that comes, but right now I’m just ecstatic for the opportunity to go over there.”
Canada enters the Spengler Cup as the reigning champions. Notable players on the roster include former NHL’ers Mason Raymond, Shaone Morrisonn, Gregory Campbell and Nick Spaling. Melville’s Shaun Heshka (Kärpät Oulu, Finland) is also on the roster.