Mr. Cooper was born in Barrie, Ontario and grew up in the Northwest Territories and Ontario before attending private school in New Hampshire. He was recruited to play hockey for Middlebury College in Vermont, where he earned a BA in Psychology. He was named First-Team All-Conference three straight seasons and NESCAC Player of the Year twice. After graduating in 2004, Mr. Cooper spent several years playing professional hockey in North America, Sweden, Finland and Germany. In 2011-12, he was named to the Federal Hockey League All-Star team and helped the New Jersey Outlaws win the FHL championship. While playing, he also volunteered and coached at various levels. After his playing career ended, Mr. Cooper worked at Brighton Academy in Maine, filling several roles, including Director of Hockey Operations and Associate Head Hockey Coach, as well as admissions counsellor, associate teacher, student advisor and dorm head.