We think you're near Los Angeles

Currently in Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles Current temperature: 76°F: Current condition: Clear See Extended Forecast

Cooper set for sophomore campaign

Timothy How's photo
Fargo Hockey Examiner

Cooper (dark) plays defense against Omaha last season.
(photo: Dave Wallis/The Forum)

Brian Cooper has yet to turn 17 years old. However, as a young player in the United States Hockey League, Cooper is already blossoming into an elite player. In his first season with the Fargo Force, the Anchorage, Alaska native scored three times and added 10 assists for 13 total points in 55 regular season games. More than anything, Cooper was a staple on defense all season long.

To date, Cooper is still listed as a forward on the USHL website. Instead, he patrolled the blue line all season long and perfected the art of the bone crushing hit. As the season wore on, Cooper was lining up game changing hits on a near nightly basis.

Cooper took his game to the next level in the postseason. He was arguably the most consistent defenseman throughout the 13 game playoff run. Not only did the smooth skater play great defense, but he also contributed on the offensive end with four assists in the second season.

The 2010-2011 season will be an important one for Cooper in many ways. The Force expects Cooper and teammate Brandon Carlson to lead the way at the point next season. Not only that, Cooper is still seeking a college commitment and the upcoming season will be a great opportunity for him to once again showcase his talents for the collegiate scouts.

Eventually, Cooper will hope to impress professional scouts, but that is still a long ways out. He will not be NHL draft eligible until the summer of 2012. By that time, he will be patrolling the blue line for a Division I club if things go according to plan.

Instead of just fitting in, Steve Johnson and the rest of the Fargo coaching staff are looking for Cooper to play a leadership role in the 2010-2011 campaign. Cooper will join Nick Oliver, Ryan Massa, Garrett Allen, Colten St. Clair, and Carlson as possible choices for Fargo captains next year.

Everything will start to play itself out for Cooper and the Force starting July 25-28. That is when the club will hold its invite only tryouts in West Fargo.

More returning player stories:

You can follow Tim on Twitter @fmhockey!

Advertisement

, Fargo Hockey Examiner

Tim graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in broadcast/journalism. In his time at NDSU, he played three years on the ACHA hockey team. Tim works as a full-time leasing specialist for Goldmark and works part-time as a radio DJ for Today's Froggy 99.9 in Fargo. He has a passion...

Don't miss...