Hard-working Cooper added to Giants

Photo: ECHL

The Belfast Giants announced their latest new signing on Wednesday afternoon as Canadian Mark Cooper.

Born in Toronto, the 29-year-old forward has five full seasons in professional hockey under his belt, icing in 253 ECHL regular-season games for a return of 200 points, and 45 in the AHL with 13 points in total.

Prior to turning pro, Cooper spent four seasons at Bowling Green State University, amassing 91 points over 157 games. 

"Mark is a player we have been watching and speaking to for a few summers now about coming to Belfast," explained Head Coach adam Keefe. "He has spent time in the ECHL and AHL throughout his time playing pro in North America and brings valuable experience to the team.

"At 6'2", he’s a big guy and a hard-working power forward who plays the right way and goes to the net hard. Has an offensive touch around the net and fits the bill of the type of player and person we want here in Belfast. He competes hard and is a great teammate.

"If we were to compare him to a past player, Kyle Baun would be a good comparison. We look forward to welcoming Mark to Belfast – the fans are going to love him."