Family, friends, and former teammates describe former Bonnyville Junior A Pontiac Matt Cook as courageous, always positive and just a great human being. And after playing only part of one season with the Pontiacs, then fighting a lengthy battle with cancer, Matt left a legacy and an impression on the Pontiacs organization and the community, that will now be cherished forever as his number 23 jersey was raised to the rafters Dec. 15, during the first intermission of the Pontiacs game.
Matt played for the Pontiacs during the 2005-06 season, but was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare type of cancer found most often in young people. Matt faced a long hard battle ahead, and to show their support, the Pontiacs kept Matt on the roster for the entire season.
Matt's father, Don Cook, said that act of keeping him on the roster was something special for his family and something you do not often see from a business, which a junior hockey team is.
“That's what this community and organization are about. They have always been meaningful to us. It's a wonderful thing they did for Matt.”
After having his leg amputated as part of the treatment, Matt turned his attention to sledge hockey, which he excelled at. In fact, he became the youngest player to be named to the Canadian national team. Cook won gold at the World Cup and at the Four Nations Cup with the team during the 2008-09 season.
Unfortunately after a courageous fight, Matt Cook passed away April 4 in Edmonton.
The Pontiacs bestowed upon him the highest honour they could by retiring his jersey and leaving a legacy that will continue long into the future. Matt is only the second player in Pontiacs' history to have his jersey retired.
Several former teammates and friends attended the Wednesday night game, despite the severe winter weather, including over 50 of the Cooks' supporters that arrived at the game by bus from Edmonton.
Former teammate and 2010 Olympic gold medalist Shannon Szabados was one of those that attended the game and ceremony in support of her friend.
“The ceremony was heart-wrenching…but it was a celebration of Matt's life and something (Matt's family) will remember forever and as a teammate of Matt's, something I will remember forever,” said Szabados.
Szabados also talked about Matt as a teammate and a person. “I feel like he was the same on the ice as he was off. He was a teammate that would always go to battle for you and always had your back. He was just a great team player and a great guy to be around.”
Matt's mother, Lynn Cook, was touched by the show of respect from the team and the community for her son.
“This was especially touching, the greatest honour of all is to know that Matthew leaves a legacy.”
Lynn described her son, the same way many others saw him.
“Matthew was so courageous, and absolutely a pillar of strength throughout his whole battle. It didn't matter what kind of hurdles were put in front of him, he just fought through them…and he faced it with the bravest of faces.”
