Canada coach Jon Cooper will miss two games upon his return to the NHL following the Winter Olympics.
Cooper, the head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, led Canada to a silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Canadians fell to the Americans, 2-1, in overtime on Sunday. Jack Hughes, 24, scored a game-winning goal in overtime.
Tragically, Cooper suffered a tough personal loss upon his return to North America. His father, Robert, passed away. Cooper will miss two games.
"Jon Cooper won’t be behind the Tampa Bay Lightning bench when the team returns from the Olympic break following the death of his father, Robert, the Lightning announced Wednesday," The Athletic reported.
"Cooper will miss Wednesday’s home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Thursday’s visit to Carolina to face the Hurricanes."
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Cooper, 58, was raised in in Prince George, B.C., in a dual-citizenship household. His mother moved to Canada from San Francisco after marrying Robert, a Prince George native. His mother, Christine, died in 2020.
His relationship with USA-Canada hockey is an interesting one, dating back to the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" game. He once gifted his mother an iconic "Miracle on Ice" commemorative photo that played audio.
“Every time you hit a button on it, you’d hear Al Michaels’ voice call out, ‘Do you believe in Miracles? Yes,'” Cooper told NHL.com. “My dad hated me for it. And so I bought it for her for Christmas. And I thought my dad was going to kill me. Because for the rest of time, she would press it any time they had an argument. And it would just drive them nuts.
“So even though it wasn’t against Canada, that’s my U.S. hockey memory that drove my dad nuts.”
Fans sending well wishes to Cooper's family
"My condolences to Jon Cooper and his family," one wrote.
"Condolences to Jon Cooper and his family," another shared.
"My condolences to Jon and his family. Canada 🇨🇦 stands with you today in your time of need," one fan added.
"My sincere condolences to Jon Cooper and his loved ones. The loss of a father leaves a deep void, and I hope they are surrounded by love and support in the days ahead. 🤍🕊️," one fan added.
"Deeply sorry for your loss. Just know how proud your dad would be of you! Stay strong!❤️," one fan added.
Our thoughts are with Cooper and his family following this loss.