OHL Helping Hands: Meet the Ottawa 67’s Locker Room Assistant

For most people walking through the halls of TD Place on game day, there’s one familiar face they’re almost guaranteed to see.

Whether he’s helping prepare the dressing room, lending a hand with equipment, or simply stopping to chat with anyone who crosses his path, Cooper Gage, better known around the rink as “Coop”, has become a huge part of the Ottawa 67’s organization.

Serving as the club’s Locker Room Assistant since 2017, Gage works alongside Head Equipment Manager Chris Hamilton, helping with everything from game-day setup to whatever needs to be done behind the scenes. It’s work he takes immense pride in, knowing every small task contributes to the team’s success.

But years before he was part of the staff, Gage was simply another loyal fan in the stands.

He rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on the 67’s, dreaming about one day working for the club. While the idea always appealed to him, it never seemed like something that could become reality. But that changed when Hamilton and members of the organization opened the door, giving him an opportunity that has grown into one of the most meaningful relationships of his life.

Today, Hamilton considers Gage much more than a co-worker.

“Coop is so much more than a member of our equipment staff; he’s part of the family,” Hamilton said. “From the moment he walks into the rink, you can feel his energy. He genuinely loves being here, and that passion spreads to everyone around him.”

“His work ethic is incredible. No matter the task, he wants to help and always takes pride in making sure the players and staff have everything they need. He’s always looking for ways to go the extra mile.”

Hamilton has worked with the 67’s since 2009 and has served as Head Equipment Manager since 2012. Over the years, he has helped teach Gage every aspect of the job, but he says it’s Gage who has left the biggest impression on everyone around the organization.

“What really makes Coop special is the way he connects with people,” Hamilton continued. “He’ll stop and talk to anyone, whether it’s our players, coaches, security, media staff, parking attendants, food services, or people from the visiting team. He’s built relationships with so many people over the years that he’s become a familiar face around the entire league.

“Everyone knows Coop, and everyone is happy to see him. People call him a legend, and it’s easy to understand why. He makes the rink a better place just by being himself, and we’re incredibly lucky to have him. He’ll always have a home with the Ottawa 67’s.”

That sense of belonging is something Gage treasures every day he walks into the arena.

“Being part of the Ottawa 67’s means so much to me,” Gage said. “When Hammy [Hamilton] gave me the opportunity to join the team, everyone welcomed me right away. From the equipment staff to the coaches, players and everyone else in the organization, they’ve always treated me like I belong. That support has given me so much confidence over the years.”

Gage says his favourite part of every game day isn’t being in the spotlight – it’s simply helping others.

“My favourite part of every game day is helping wherever I can,” he said. “I like making sure everyone has what they need before the game and doing the little things that make someone’s game day easier. It makes me feel proud to know I’m contributing to the team, even if it’s behind the scenes.”

Over the years, he’s formed lasting friendships with countless players, including former 67’s Kevin Bahl, Merrick Rippon and Nikita Okhotiuk, whose kindness left a lasting impression.

“I’ve made so many great memories over the years that it’s hard to pick just one,” Gage said. “Getting to know the players has been really special. I miss being at the rink during the summer because I love seeing everyone every day. I’m always excited when a new season starts, and I can’t wait to be back soon. The 67’s are like a second family to me, and I feel lucky to be part of it.”

Seven years after first joining the organization, “Coop” has become far more than a Locker Room Assistant. He’s a trusted teammate, a familiar face across the league, and someone whose enthusiasm reminds everyone around him why the game is about more than what happens on the ice. And for the Ottawa 67’s, game day simply wouldn’t feel the same without him.

Coop firing up the troops 🔥

Cooper Gage with the most ELECTRIC starting lineup intros you'll ever see ⚡ pic.twitter.com/6h19qm22Mu

— Ottawa 67’s (@Ottawa67sHockey) November 12, 2023