Matt Cook

Classroom

An economics major with a math minor, Matt Cook carries a 3.833 grade-point average through three years at Union College. He was selected to the ECAC Hockey All-Academic squad his sophomore and junior seasons and has made Dean’s List every term. Matt has ambitions to go to earn his MBA after his hockey career.

Character

Cook was given the captain’s “C” during his junior year over five seniors on the team. That season he led the Dutchmen to its first ever first round bye in the ECAC Hockey tournament and its highest finish (fourth) in program history. Cook remained the captain for his senior season and as led Union to its first tournament championship since 1993 by winning the 2008 Governor’s Cup. Head coach Nate Leaman had this to say about Cook: “Matt is one of the hardest working players I’ve ever been around. He has a very good skill level and can finish. He is relied upon in all situations and his leadership is going to play a big role into the success of the team.”

Community

Cook is very involved in the Schenectady, NY community where he volunteers with a SAIL program at local area grade schools. He has also participated in Habitat for Humanity and has volunteered his time at the YMCA soup kitchen. An instructor in the Minerva Games for local area grade schoolers, Cook also coached a skills clinic for local youth hockey players.

Competition

During his time at Union, Cook has posted 69 points, placing him 16th on the school’s all-time scoring list. He has tallied 32 goals and 37 assists, in 128 career games - only one other Union student-athlete has played more games. As of January 5, he had produced seven goals and eight assists and is tied for the team lead with four power-play goals. He was named to the all-tournament team at the 2008 Governor’s Cup. In 2007-08, Cook was Union’s leading goal scorer with 10 tallies and finished fourth on the team with 19 points. In 2006-07, he was named to the Vermont Tournament all-tournament team.