Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper is facing a personal tragedy as he mourns the loss of his father, Robert Cooper. The Lightning organization announced on Wednesday that Cooper will not be behind the bench for the team's upcoming games, including a home match against the Toronto Maple Leafs and a road game versus the Carolina Hurricanes.
Family Loss Amidst Professional Success
Robert Cooper, a native of Prince George, British Columbia, who operated a construction company, passed away recently. No details regarding the cause or exact date of death have been disclosed by the family or the team at this time. This news comes shortly after Jon Cooper led Team Canada to a silver medal in the men's hockey event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, adding to his accolades as the coach of last year's 4 Nations Face-Off champions.
Hockey Household Rivalries
In a heartfelt reflection shared during the 4 Nations tournament, Cooper recalled the spirited hockey dynamics within his family. His late mother, Marlene, who hailed from San Francisco and retained her American citizenship after marrying Robert, was a staunch supporter of Team USA. This created a friendly rivalry, as Robert was an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan.
Cooper once gifted his mother a battery-operated prop featuring the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. Olympic team, which played Al Michaels' iconic call, "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!" whenever activated. "My dad hated me for it," Cooper admitted, noting that his mother would use it playfully during arguments, much to his father's chagrin.
Coaching Legacy and Temporary Replacement
Jon Cooper, the longest-tenured coach in the NHL, has an impressive career record, including back-to-back Stanley Cup victories with the Lightning and two additional finals appearances. He recently celebrated his 1,000th regular-season game, boasting a record of 609-320-87 with a points percentage of .642.
In his absence, assistant coach Rob Zettler is expected to take over bench duties for the Lightning. Zettler addressed the media earlier today, expressing support for Cooper and his family during this difficult period.
The hockey community has extended condolences, with fans and colleagues sharing messages of sympathy on social media platforms. As Cooper navigates this personal loss, the focus remains on honoring his father's memory while supporting the team through the upcoming challenges.
