Matt Cooke is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over 15 years. He was known for his physical play and aggressive style on the ice, which often led to controversy and disciplinary action.
Cooke began his professional career in the NHL in 1998, playing for the Vancouver Canucks. He quickly established himself as a tough and physical player, known for his ability to deliver hard hits and agitate opponents. He played for the Canucks for five seasons before being traded to the Washington Capitals in 2002.
During his time with the Capitals, Cooke continued to play a physical style of hockey, but also developed his offensive skills. He scored a career-high 15 goals in the 2002-2003 season, and helped the Capitals reach the playoffs in 2003 and 2008.
In 2008, Cooke signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he would spend the majority of his career. He quickly became a fan favorite in Pittsburgh for his hard-nosed play and willingness to stand up for his teammates. He was a key member of the Penguins' Stanley Cup championship team in 2009, and played a crucial role in their playoff runs in 2010 and 2013.
Despite his success on the ice, Cooke was also known for his controversial hits and disciplinary issues. He was suspended multiple times throughout his career for hits to the head and other dangerous plays. In 2011, he was suspended for 17 games for a hit on New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh.
Cooke retired from the NHL in 2015, finishing his career with 169 goals and 216 assists in 1,046 games. He was known as one of the toughest and most physical players of his era, but also drew criticism for his dangerous hits and disciplinary issues.
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