Cooper Smyl '20 Recruiting Profile

Dear Coaches,

I have had my sights set on playing college hockey since I began playing with the Soo Thunder as a U13 centerman. I remember looking up to my billet brother, Darnell Nurse, while he was playing with the Soo Greyhounds OHL team. Seeing him achieve his goals by working hard on and off the ice, and at school, has helped inspire me to strive for the same end goal. My love for hockey is something I want to continue as I pursue a degree.

I have been playing travel hockey since I was 7.  Since then, the time and travel commitments have increased substantially.  Thankfully I have been able to balance my commitments to include AP classes for the last three years. I feel that playing AAA hockey has prepared me to balance the workload of academics with practice, games, and travel. 

Since 4 years of age I’ve been playing competitive hockey.  I am an American citizen with Canadian citizenship that has played most of my hockey in Canada.  While playing hockey I believe I have progressed tremendously as a very well-rounded athlete.  I attribute this to also excelling in lacrosse.  My talent for both games has increased as I have matured and I would not be at this level of play without my parent’s support.  Both of my parents are such substantial influences on me, I would never have acquired any interest for hockey or many other sports if it was not for their constant push to strive and be the best that I can be.

A few accomplishments that I am very proud of are being named MVP for the Silverstick tournament as well as MVP of my Pee Wee Team.  For both of my Bantam years I was chosen to participate in the MAHA Bantam Fest at LLSU.  For my Midget year I was selected for the 2nd round of MAHA tryouts for Team Michigan.  I was unable attend that camp due to an injury I sustained at the Bauer Invitational spring hockey tournament where my team went on to win the championship! I attended the University of Colorado camp and was coached by some amazing NCAA coaches.  I was able to take away their knowledge of the game and have implemented with the Soo Indians U18 AAA hockey team.  

All of these experiences have confirmed that I am right where I want to be. As I continue to pursue my academic and athletic goals I am committed to being a strong contributor and leader to my team and my coaches. 

I have played 2 years with the Soo Thunderbirds Junior A in the NOJHL.  I  played in the AJHL for the Whitecourt Wolverines for 2 seasons.  I am now committed to play NCAA for St Mary's University - Winona.

Cooper Smyl

[email protected]

4234 I 75 Business Spur #202

Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783

(c)419-494-4814