Grant Cooper’s transfer from the Leeds Knights to the Belfast Giants is the ultimate way to test the difference in quality between the Elite League and National League.
The Canadian lands in the top division in the middle of an immensely successful season, which saw him total 70 points (35 goals, 35 assists) in 30 appearances for Leeds. But will the 26-year-old’s form carry over into the Elite League and what will it say about the state of hockey on these shores if it does?
There are a couple of factors to consider, not least Cooper’s individual quality and the replicability of his point production. So, let’s start with his career history and statistics.
Grant Cooper’s Path: Pro via Junior ‘A’ and the NCAA
The Cornwall-born forward played one tier below the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) as a junior athlete, entrusting his development to the Central Canada Hockey League’s Cornwall Colts.
Cooper started slowly but later blossomed into a point-per-game player for the Colts, captaining the team with 67 points (26 goals, 41 assists) in 55 appearances in his final season of junior eligibility.
He followed the same trajectory with Clarkson University in the NCAA, starting as a bottom-six contributor before vaulting into an offensive role with 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 22 appearances as a college senior.
Cooper’s form at the collegiate level earned him a shot in the ECHL, which he parlayed into a 22-point rookie season (seven goals, 15 assists) for the playoff-bound Reading Royals.
The left-shooter from Ontario has always produced and tends to improve after his first season in a new competition. Hence his move to Belfast.
“Grant has been on our radar throughout this season, since he signed with the Leeds Knights, he’s had a great season there,” explained Giants head coach Adam Keefe.
“He comes with great references about his two-way game, and willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team win, and another Friendship Four alumni coming back to us from Clarkson University.”
Cooper isn’t the first, and won’t be the last, former Friendship Four player to land in Elite League.
As noted by Noel Gillespie, Clarkson University’s fourth goal of the 2017 Final was scored by Cooper, with assists from Marly Quince (now of the Coventry Blaze) and Kelly Summers (now of the Nottingham Panthers).
The 6-foot forward’s familiarity with Belfast – which hosts the annual college tournament – was a factor in his switch to the Giants.
“I’m looking forward to arriving in Belfast and getting started,” he explained.
“I’ve heard great things about the club, the fanbase and the League – so that really influenced my decision to sign with the Giants. I loved my time in Belfast when I played Friendship Four with Clarkson, the city made a lasting impression for sure.”
Cooper ticks virtually every box that matters in the import recruitment process.
Produced at the collegiate level. Tick.
Carved out a niche in a professional league in North America. Tick.
Arrives with solid character references and an understanding of the Elite League. Tick.
When asked about the switch, Cooper added: “My plan when I hit the ice is to get straight to work, compete to the best of my ability, make offensive plays, and hopefully win some games.”
He means businesses.
It’s important to remember that the Elite League often recruits first-time professionals from USports, which is a less competitive circuit than the NCAA or ECHL. There is also more than a handful of players in the top division who were signed from the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL), the fourth tier in the United States.
Thus, there is no doubt that Cooper is well-equipped for the Elite League. So, what happens next?
Grant Cooper’s transfer will test Elite League-National League gap
Grant Cooper’s promotion to the Elite League is less of a shock than his initial move to the Leeds Knights. He was a rockstar addition for the title-contending National League franchise and performed as expected in their colours. However, his time with the Elland Road club was intentionally brief.
“It’s always nice to go up into the top league in whatever country and that was always the goal moving here, to try and get my feet wet somewhere then ultimately moving up,” he told the Yorkshire Evening Post earlier this month.
“It’s hockey and I just want to try and get what is best for my career and I only have so many years left. It’s been nice to get an opportunity here in Leeds, though, and I can’t thank Ryan (Aldridge, head coach) and Steve (Nell, team owner) enough.”
If – and it’s still a substantial if – the Canadian’s success translates in Belfast, it will wink at the fact that the quality difference between the top of the National League and the median player in the Elite League is smaller than expected.
And, shock horror, that would be brilliant news for the sport on these shores because a thriving National League will force the Elite League to improve its product.
It is already commonplace for bottom-six homegrowns to seek more ice time and better opportunities in the second division. Cooper transferring from Leeds to Belfast tests the opposite dynamic at a time when the second division is seeing record attendances and enhanced interest.
There is never a dull day in British Ice Hockey and this transaction is another fascinating plotline to follow. Let’s see how this shakes out.
How will Grant Cooper fare in the Elite League? Join the conversation by tweeting @BritIceHockey.
