Men's Ice Hockey | 12/29/2025 9:54:49 AM

Youngstown Phantoms forward Cooper Simpson is making headlines this season not only for his on-ice performance but also for his remarkable commitment to the community.

The Shakopee, Minnesota, native, who has tallied 13 goals and 37 points in 30 games thus far, ranking second in league scoring, is leading the “Coop Cares” program, an initiative dedicated to creating meaningful experiences for pediatric palliative care patients and their families.

The idea for Coop Cares came from Simpson's desire to use his position as an elite hockey player to bring joy to families facing difficult medical journeys.

"Coop Cares was created to give families facing tough situations a break and a chance to make special memories and have a good experience coming to the Youngstown Phantoms game,” Simpson said.

Partnering with Akron Children's Hospital in Youngstown, the program allows children and their families to experience a fun and supportive environment outside the hospital setting.

Each Coop Cares night provides families with a memorable experience. Before the game, the Phantoms send each family a personal video with Simpson saying how excited he is for them to attend and where they can find him after the game. 

Upon arrival at a Phantoms game, each family receives complimentary game tickets and a Coop Cares t-shirt. 

From there, Simpson meets personally with the families, signing memorabilia such as pucks or sticks and taking photos with them. For many children, it is their first hockey game, making every goal, fight, or big hit an unforgettable memory.

"It’s just cool to see [the kids] smile, say it was their first hockey game, and that they want to come to more," he recalled.

Through Coop Cares, Simpson demonstrates that being an athlete is about more than performance on the ice.

The program has reminded him that success in hockey is not only measured by goals or points but also by the positive impact he can make in the community. Added, the initiative has shown him that small efforts can have a significant effect both on and off the ice.

The families he meets have left a lasting impression, teaching him the importance of perseverance, gratitude, and appreciating every moment together. Hearing their stories has reinforced his awareness of how fortunate he is for his health and opportunities and has deepened his appreciation for life.

"I’m fortunate to be in a position where taking a little time out of my night can make a big difference in these kids' lives and make them happy," he said. 

Even as Simpson’s career takes him to the University of North Dakota next year and eventually to the Boston Bruins, he hopes that the Coop Cares program will continue to grow and reach more families.

About the USHL

The United States Hockey League (USHL) and its 16 teams are committed to being the world's leading junior hockey league. This season, more than 50% of NCAA Division I men's hockey players and nearly 25% of NHL players have USHL experience. The USHL has developed more than 285 direct NHL Draft picks since 2020, and eight of the last 10 Hobey Baker Award winners, including Macklin Celebrini (Chicago Steel).

Elevated through the recently announced Declaration of Excellence with the NHL and USA Hockey, the league's player-first approach, including a 2:1 practice-to-game ratio and a schedule with 92% of games played on weekends, provides its players with the optimal environment for athletic and personal growth, creating pathways for the next generation of stars like Auston Matthews (NTDP), Kyle Connor (Youngstown Phantoms), Jeremy Swayman (Sioux Falls Stampede), and Johnny Gaudreau (Dubuque Fighting Saints).