In the high-octane world of professional hockey, where the pressure is intense and the stakes are high, Calgary Flames goalie Devin Cooley has found solace in a simple mantra: “Nothing matters. Nobody cares.”
The 27-year-old native of Los Gatos, California, burst onto the scene last season with the San Jose Sharks, despite going undrafted. While his performance was somewhat shaky, with an average of five goals allowed per game in six starts, Cooley managed to secure two wins.
Speaking after a recent practice session, Cooley elaborated on his mindset, stating, “If you make a mistake, it’s not the end of the world. You can go out there and be more relaxed and not so afraid to fail…for the first part of my career, I was so afraid to fail. So stressed out before games. Anxious. Just so tense…now it’s like, ‘Who cares? Just keep going.’ I’m having so much fun. I’m laughing after making saves in the middle of the game. I’m cracking jokes…it’s taken a lot of stress off, and I think it’s helping my game a lot.”
The Flames took notice of Cooley’s potential and signed him to a two-year contract over the summer, a move that raised eyebrows in the hockey community. Despite his rough start in the NHL, the Flames believe Cooley is a worthwhile investment, especially given his newfound confidence and relaxed approach to the game.
Goalie coach Jason LaBarbera praised Cooley, stating, “Teams haven’t spent a lot of time working with him because he’s always been fourth or fifth on teams’ depth charts, so you get pushed to the side…you see that raw ability and you get excited about it.”
Cooley has made a strong impression at training camp, leading the team in shots faced and maintaining an impressive .917 save percentage in the preseason. His debut against the Edmonton Oilers, where he stopped 44 shots in a 6-3 victory, showcased his potential against top-tier opponents.
As the Flames goaltending situation takes shape, with Cooley vying for starts alongside rookie Dustin Wolf and veteran backup Dan Vladar, the team is confident in the abilities of their trio. With 99 combined NHL starts between them, the three goalies are ready to step up and deliver when called upon.
The organization has placed a special emphasis on Wolf, a young talent with immense potential despite his relative lack of experience. At just 23 years old, Wolf is seen as a key component of the Flames’ future success in goal.
In a league where every save counts and every mistake is magnified, Devin Cooley’s carefree attitude and newfound confidence could be the key to unlocking his full potential and solidifying his place in the NHL spotlight.
