Pittsburgh Penguins Matt Cooke utilising Extra Time on Family, Training -NHL Update
The Pittsburgh Penguins veteran left winger, Matt Cooke, was looking forward to the 2012-2013 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season as much as any fan or player was, but due to the persisting lockout, to which there is currently no end in sight, he
knew that making most of the extra free time was the best way of going about it.
Extra time on hand is rare for any hockey player due to the extensive travelling and training involved, but now, as there is basically no one to tell him what should be done, or advised on doing something over another, Cooke is setting his own schedule and
has worked it out quiet well so far.
“I’ve been able to be involved in my kids’ sports more than I have in the past. I think that means a lot to them and it means a lot to me to be able to enjoy that,” Cooke said Saturday after taking part in an NHLPA event in Stirling-Rawdon, Ont, according
to thespec.com. “I’ve tried not to think about what could have been or what should have been and instead have enjoyed the moments I’m having with my family.”
Cooke is a 1997 144th overall draft pick by the Vancouver Canucks in the sixth round. Being a native of Belleville, Ontario, Canada, he has always had hockey in his blood and continues playing the game he loves the most.
At the age of 34, wasting time on a lockout is the last thing Cooke wants to do, which is why he continues playing on his own while hoping for the deadlock to come to an end sooner, than later. He also made it clear that foreign leagues were an option for
him, but he decided against it to stay with his family.
“There’s always opportunities and some have arisen since the lockout but I think right now my fear is to go over and play 25 games and then have to come back and play a 75-game schedule, then I’m already at 100 games before playoffs,” Cooke added.
Last season was one of his best as the veteran put up 38 points (19 goals, 19 assists) in 82 games played.
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