Cooper Thrives During Monumental Month: Stadium Series and Olympic Triumphs

Jon Cooper, the head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, recently experienced a spectacular month, highlighted by participating in the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series. Held at Raymond James Stadium, this outdoor hockey event drew an impressive crowd of 64,617. This attendance represented around 84% of the population of his hometown, Prince George, British Columbia.

Stadium Series: A Unique Experience

On a chilly day in Tampa, where temperatures dipped to the low 40s Fahrenheit, Cooper led the Lightning to a thrilling 6-5 shootout victory against the Boston Bruins. For Cooper, this event was a significant milestone, given that he hails from a small city surrounded by vast forests in northern British Columbia.

To celebrate the occasion, Cooper donned a striking outfit that paid tribute to Tampa’s Cuban culture, complete with a white suit and a gold necklace reminiscent of the classic film “Scarface.” Cooper remarked, “This event doesn’t come around often, and dressing like this probably doesn’t come around very often either.” His playful embrace of the Stadium Series atmosphere was clear.

Transitioning to the Olympics

As Cooper reveled in the celebrations, he prepared for another exciting role: coaching Team Canada at the Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina in 2026. Canada’s opening match against Czechia is set for February 12, at 10:30 a.m. ET. This opportunity adds to Cooper’s remarkable experiences, as he juggles two once-in-a-lifetime assignments within weeks of each other.

Cooper reflected on the hectic nature of this time, stating, “You talk about distractions… I was just thinking about that, about all the things that are going on that are so special.” He acknowledged the challenge of managing multiple significant events in such a short period while emphasizing the importance of savoring each moment.

A Nod to His Roots

In preparation for the Stadium Series, the Lightning practiced in an enclosed structure at Raymond James Stadium. Cooper likened the experience to playing in a rural youth hockey rink, evoking memories from his childhood in Prince George. This reflective moment allowed him to connect with his past, particularly in a community with a rich hockey heritage.

• Prince George Spruce Kings debuted in 1971.
• Cougars of the WHL have been in Prince George since 1994.
• Notable NHL players from Prince George include Zdeno Chara and Dustin Byfuglien.

For Cooper, balancing the Stadium Series and Olympic duties represents a culmination of his journey in hockey, illustrating how far he has come since his early days in Canada. As the excitement builds for the Olympics, fans are eager to see how Cooper will lead Team Canada.