Cooking up a career
A.J. Cook didn’t care where he was selected, so long as someone gave him a chance.
Two years ago, the Niagara IceDogs selected the St. Catharines native with their final pick of the 2017 Ontario Hockey League draft. Cook was taken with the 296th overall pick out of 300 players selected.
Instead of being disappointed, Cook saw it as an opportunity and went to camp with the Niagara IceDogs where he quickly impressed with his work ethic and ability to play both forward and defence.
While he wasn’t ready for the OHL at 16, he knew he needed to make the right choice to continue to develop as a player while also keeping his education options open.
Enter Ridley College, where Cook continued his development under former IceDogs coach Mike McCourt.
“Coming out of minor midget, my parents and I looked at major midget, junior B and Mike contacted us,” Cook said. “He saw me at one of my games and wanted me to practice with the team and come and tour and so I came out and realized it was a high pace.
“It’s not like what everyone thinks it is. Ridley is more known for academics than a hockey program. We looked at the hockey program and the other programs overall and when we made the decision, for academics and for hockey, it was the best decision for me.”
Cook had a solid rookie campaign and went back to IceDogs camp this season and was so impressive he was signed to a contract and is in line for a call-up should the need arise.
“They wanted me to come back here and maybe play a few games with them. I’m going to develop my game and then head back up next year,” he said.
Cook knew he had to do something to catch the attention of the IceDogs’ brass and had a stellar showing at camp.
“Being a 15th round guy, I just wanted to go in and work my hardest,” he said. “I didn’t want to leave anything on the ice or have any regrets. I went there and played my game and I worked out.”
He came out of camp feeling he could play in the OHL.
“Obviously, I worked hard in the summer but I’ve never measured myself against guys in the OHL. When I got out there and realized I could play with these guys, it was a good feeling.”
McCourt has seen steady progression from Cook since he arrived at Ridley last season.
“He moved to defence in bantam which is pretty late for a position switch. He had played forward his whole life up until then,” McCourt said. “He has the ability to skate and has that offensive flair just from playing forward for so long.
“It was putting a focus on game decisions, being a quarterback on the ice in terms of managing the game and not trying to do too much. His decision making was probably the biggest thing that came. He’s a versatile player who can play both defence and up front and he brings physicality and energy.”
McCourt also appreciate’s Cook’s work ethic.
“He’s a kid that shows up every Tuesday morning for the goalie skate to be a shooter. He’s looking to get better and improve his game. What you put into it is what you’re going to get out.
“He is a focused kid and wants to make that jump to the next level.”
Cook is also working hard off the ice.
“Obviously the work load is harder and it really works your time management skills,” he said. “That was a big thing last year. It was a lot of work at once trying to balance hockey and school. It was obviously tough, but being a second-year guy, but I’m used to it now. You develop patterns and routines.”
The Tigers are 15-8-1 overall this season.
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