Player Profile – Feb. 12

Player: Cliff Cook, age 42

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Involvement with Glacier Ice Rink: Head Coach and General Manager of the Missoula Jr. Bruins

 

How long have you played hockey?

I started playing at age three. I’ve been around it all my life – my parents have owned a hockey/figure skating shop for 32 years. I’ve coached for 20 years, the last 10 of which have been full-time.

 

What got you into hockey?

My older brother, who was playing when I was born.

 

Who was better?

Talent-wise, he was better. I had the size. He didn’t like it when I got bigger.

 

What do you like most about hockey?

That’s tough to pinpoint, as there’s nothing I don’t enjoy about it. I like the team practices and the locker room atmosphere. It’s a rare area only we get to be a part of.

 

What’s your favorite on-ice memory?

Coaching-wise, it was when I was coaching a Peewee team in Texas. The team couldn’t win a league game to save their lives, but they won every tournament even though they shouldn’t have. It was the most fun I’ve had alongside winning junior championships. As a player, it was the first time I stepped foot on the Lake Placid ice in high school.

 

What does Glacier Ice Rink mean to you?

It’s got character. It’s not the prettiest, but it’s our home. The new guys visit other rinks and get it. On game nights with a good crowd, the atmosphere is awesome.

 

What do you do outside of hockey?

I haven’t had a lot of time to explore since I’ve been here. I like to play golf and fish, although I suck at both.