Fashion Lighting Player Spotlight – Cooper Walker
Born in Cambridge, Ont., nine-teen-year-old Cooper Walker was drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. Cooper has been with the Storm since the 2019-2020 season. The 6’0ft, 178lbs. forward has had an impressive season so far, appearing in 59-games, notching 10-goals and 17-assists.
HOW IT STARTED
Q: When and how did you become involved in hockey?
A: “I have always been involved in hockey. When I was young, I went to all of my dad’s games and that’s when I fell in love with hockey.”
Q: Are there any players you style your game after, and if so, who?
A: “Jonathan Toews, he’s a good two-way centre, he’s good on face-offs and contributes offensively and has had a really good career.”
Q: Who would you say is your biggest support system?
A: “My family, they support me with everything I do.”
HOW IT’S GOING
Q: How has your experience in Guelph been so far?
A: “Guelph’s a great city, it’s hard to do too much right now because of COVID-19 but things are slowly starting to open up. It’s good to have the chance to get out as a team and do some more team-building activities within the community. I love it, it’s close to home, so I get to see my family a lot.”
Q: How would you describe the energy of this year’s team?
A: “We have a lot of young guys and it’s their first year in the league, so they bring a lot of energy every day. It keeps the room upbeat and it has been really fun so far.”
Q: What motivates you to work hard?
A: “My teammates. Trying to be the best I can be every day. We push each other, and that’s the way I can help make myself better and them better.”
LOOKING FORWARD
Q: What are you personally working on the most this season?
A: “Trying to stay consistent. Come in every day and do what I can to help the team win and contribute both offensively and defensively to do anything the coaches ask.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: “Hopefully still playing hockey. I want to play professional hockey and of course, my main goal is the NHL. Just doing whatever I can to continue this and have fun doing it.”
Q: What’s a piece of advice you’d give to someone pursuing an OHL career?
A: “Work hard every day, because not everything is going to come easy. Continue to work and make sure you do the little things right. Be a good teammate.”
RANDOM RAPID FIRE
Q: Spotify or Apple music?
A: Spotify
Q: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: Florida
Q: Jeans or sweatpants?
A: Sweatpants
Q: Tacos or wings?
A: Tacos
Q: What is your go-to cheat meal?
A: Burgers
Q: What is your favourite holiday?
A: Christmas
Q: What song would you sing at karaoke night?
A: Chicken Fried by Zac Brown Band
