The Growlers have a new man in charge behind the bench and it’s none other than Matt Cooke.

Cooke has been hired by the Growlers to become their fourth coach in franchise history. He takes over the role left by Eric Wellwood, who got promoted to the role of assistant coach of the Marlies back in July.

Cooke is a 16-year veteran of the NHL having played over 1000 games with the Canucks, Capitals, Penguins, and Wild. He was an unpopular player throughout his career because of his tendency to lay dangerous hits (sometimes knee-on-knee or head-shots) that resulted in numerous injuries and countless suspensions. The most infamous one was a blindsided hit to the head on Marc Savard back in 2010 that resulted in the NHL adding a new rule that prohibited such hits from occurring.

This role will mark Cooke’s first coaching gig at the professional level, which is something he has sought after throughout the eight years since his retirement according to Penguins writer Rob Rossi.

Joining the Stirling native is another former NHLer in Adam Pardy, who was hired by the Growlers as a development coach.

The Bonavista native’s 14-year career saw him play over 300 games in the league and suit up for the Flames, Stars, Sabres, Jets, Oilers, and Predators. His last professional season was as a member of the very same Growlers who would win the Kelly Cup in the franchise’s inaugural season.

The Growlers will kick off their 2023-24 season on October 20th when they host the Reading Royals for the first of a three-game tilt in consecutive nights. The puck drop for the opener is at 8:30 p.m. EST.