Over the last 24 hours, reports have confirmed that former Vancouver Canucks forward Matt Cooke has taken on a General Manager and head coaching role in the BCHL. Throughout the hockey offseason organizations all around the world are restructuring their rosters and staffs. Of course, the change that happens in the NHL tends to get the most excitement and conversation but change is happening at all levels including in junior hockey. With the <a href='https://www.nhl.com/news/chl-players-to-be-eligible-to-play-ncaa-hockey-beginning-in-2025-26' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>recent NCAA ruling</a> allowing players to play Canadian Major Junior hockey and still head to the NCAA the landscape is changing drastically. The changes have forced the Jr. A level to step up their game to compete with the OHL, QMJHL, and WHL. The Vernon Vipers of the BCHL have seen this massive shift and decided to take action. <h3>Former Vancouver Canucks Forward Matt Cooke Hired In An Exciting Role With Junior Hockey Team</h3> Yesterday the Vipers announced the hiring of former Vancouver Canucks forward and 16 year NHL veteran Matt Cooke as their head coach and General Manager. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/gamenotesbud/status/1946598817979420979'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/vernonvipers/status/1946389535883141580'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> Cooke brings a level of experience and pedigree not often seen in these Jr. A level leagues as teams begin to try and separate themselves as attractive options for up and coming hockey stars. He began his coaching journey as the head coach of Chaska High School before transitioning to the ECHL as the bench boss for the Newfoundland Growlers. During his NHL career, Cooke played 9 seasons with the Canucks becoming a leader and respected member of the community off the ice as well. After leaving Vancouver Cooke was sent to Washington before signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins as a free agent and winning a Stanley Cup in 2009. Eventually, Cooke would head to Minnesota where he would finish out his successful career and transition to a coaching and front office role. As Cooke transitions into this new role we wish him all the best.