Cooper Knott has lived away from home to play AAA hockey in Colorado for the last few years.

This year, the 2002-born Glenwood Springs native took a bigger leap of faith and joined the USPHL’s Minnesota Moose.

“The Moose staff was at most of the camps I did over summer,” explained Knott. “I saw them at places like Janesville’s camps because the Moose are a sister team for Janesville (NAHL). As I learned more, I wanted to come play for them. 

“The Moose are a winning program. They have quite a good record all-time in the league and I just knew it would be a great place to play. I also have family here in Minnesota and I’ve always wanted to go ice fishing, so win-win.”

Growing up, Knott played for the Colorado Thunderbirds and Colorado Rampage, so being away from family is not a new adjustment.

“Yes, nothing really changes,” Knott said. “First time living in a different state, though. I’ve loved it thus far. We have a strong community of hockey here in Blaine, and it’s a pretty big hockey town with the NSC Super Rink here.

“We are a really good team. Just need to find the net more. That’s pretty much the only struggle we have. Personally, I think I am doing my job, but need to work harder, though.”

Through 16 games this season, Knott has collected three goals and four assists for seven points.

With one more year of junior hockey eligibility left after this season, Knott said he is getting his goals in order to chase down over that time.

“I am really hoping to move up and up in juniors and make it to as high of a league as I can,” said Knott. “Over the next two years, I hope to play NCAA hockey and get a scholarship.

“That is my goal for now.”

— Matt Mackinder

(November 17, 2021)