Who is Vern Cooper?
January 4, 2007

A growing phenomenon has been sweeping through our mailbox here at Nativehockey.com.  There seems to be quite a stir taking place, many a message coming in, with by far the highest volume regarding one individual. 

It all started back on September 16, 2006, when we first received word of a young Native player bursting onto the scene.  Within a week we received another email from one of our website visitors regarding the same young man.  Since October we have been receiving at least one message a week about the same player, a player named Vern Cooper.

So, who is Vern Cooper?  According to some of the correspondences we have received, we can tell you this about Vern Cooper.

Vern is from the Cree Nation of Waswanipi in Quebec, living in Sudbury, Ontario where he excelled at the minor hockey level.
Vern Cooper was only 15 years old when he was the thirteenth player chosen in the first round of the OHL draft in May of 2006.  The Plymouth Whalers saw something they really liked about this kid.  Vern was a dominant player at the AAA midget level in Sudbury, often skating with, or around players who were a year or two older than he was.

As of January 4th, 2007, Vern has played in 31 games for the first place, Plymouth Whalers.  Vern has seven points, including five goals, and is +3 so far this season. 

Vern Cooper has arrived in the OHL, and is having a fine rookie season.  We will check in on Vern’s progress as the season continues, and encourage everyone who is able, to go out and support this young man if you have the opportunity to do so. 

Thanks to all of you out there, for sharing your information regarding Vern Cooper.  We think he deserves the recognition too.