Allan and Clare Cooper are probably one of the most famous Cree couples, well-known for being parents of hockey players: natural-talented, good hockey players. Every hockey fan in the region knows or has heard of Chris Cooper, Johnny Cooper and Naaman Cooper. Now their youngest brother is keeping up with their reputations. Little Vern Cooper lived a dream season last year with his team going all the way to win the Ontario Provincial Championship in Atom category (equivalent of the Chrysler Cup in Quebec). Read the article below.
They’re #1! Atom Wolves win All-Ontario by Keith Lacey (Northern Life) When the players on the Paul Lizotte Fuels Wolves have children, they’ll likely be telling them stories from the 2001-2002 hockey season. The Wolves finished a season for the ages last week-end in Sault Ste. Marie, winning the All-Ontario Atom AA Championship.
They won four close games: 3-2 against a tough Mississauga Braves club; 3-2 over Chatham Cobras; 2-1 over the host Sault Ste. Marie club; and a 3-1 win over Chatham once again in the semifinal. The Wolves captured the championship in convincing style, whipping the Mississauga Braves 5-2 to claim the provincial championship.
Deven Stillar led the way for the Wolves scoring six goals in the tournament, including a hat-trick in the game that mattered most. Tha All-Ontario title finished off a truly remarkable season for the Wolves. The team compiled a brillant record of 76-4-2 in regular season, playoff and tournament action.
Manager Gil Labelle said he and the coaching staff, led by head coach Bryan Verrault, recognized they had a strong club during training camp. “We knew we had a bunch of awesome kids both on and off the ice, but to win it all is something you can never plan for or count on,” said Labelle. “The kids just played so well all year.” Besides winning the local league and Northern Ontario Hockey Association championship, the Wolves captured tournaments in Timmins, North Bay and Sault Ste-Marie as well as the Silver Stick regional title in Sudbury. A lot of the credit has to go to Verrault and assistant coach Willy Montpellier, trainers Peter Draper and Dan Draper, said Labelle.
The Paul Lizotte Fuels Wolves roster includes Stillar, T.J. Pugliese, Serge Brouillette, Al Valiquette, Matty Lecours, Kent Valliant, Brendan Roy, Calin Beaudette, Jeff Verrault, Jordan Mills, Kyle Tarini, Brandan Labelle and Vern Cooper.
Cree Nation Falcons Midget CC Hockey Club.
So far the Falcons are 3 wins 1 loss no ties.
Saturday October 26,2002 Lost 4-3 vs Barraute in Barraute Sunday October 27, 2002 Won 6-1 vs Malartic in Malartic Saturday November 2, 2002 Won 6-4 vs La Sarre in Home Opener (Neoskweskau Arena in >Mistissini) Sunday November 3,2002 Won 6-2 vs La Sarre in Mistissini Cree Nation Falcons and coaches
