IHL Saddened By Loss of Gary Cook
Published on January 8, 2008 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2) News Release
ROCHESTER, MI--- The International Hockey League (IHL) lost a friend this past weekend when Gary "Cookie" Cook passed away at the Thunder Bay Health Science Center at the age of 66. Cook was one of the founding members of the Thunder Bay Hawks in the Colonial League.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Gary Cook," stated Paul L. Pickard, IHL President/CEO. "He was an important part of the history of hockey at this level, a friend to all leagues, and he will be missed. On behalf of the IHL, our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children."
Cook started his career in hockey with the Port Arthur North Stars Junior Hockey team in 1967 and had been affiliated with the Thunder Bay Junior Hockey program ever since.
Cook became involved in the Colonial/United Hockey League (UHL) and held front office positions on many championship teams, which include the Thunder Bay Twins (five Allan Cups), Senators and Thunder Hawks (three Colonial/UHL titles), Fort William North Stars (one Dudley-Hewitt Cup) and three Superior International Junior Hockey League titles. The respect he earned throughout all the leagues is tremendous and well deserved.
"Cookie (Cook) put his heart and soul into the UHL and all the respective teams," said Dave Shultz, former Philadelphia Flyers. "There will be a big void in all the organizations he represented and a big void in Thunder Bay. I have lost a great friend in Cookie. My prayers go out to his family."
Throughout his tenure with the Colonial/UHL, Cook was an instrumental part of the league, performing several services that were above and beyond the call of duty including many years as the schedule maker for the league. All of his work was purely for the love of the sport of hockey.
"Gary was a good friend for over 20 years," said Bruce Ramsay, Head Coach of the Muskegon Fury. "He got me started in the professional game and well as my first coaching job at this level. He knew how to put championship teams on the ice at all levels throughout his career. He will be solely missed throughout the hockey world. I send my deepest condolences to his family."
Funeral arrangements are pending.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from January 8, 2008
- Southwest Michigan High School Hockey League To Host Armed Forces Night - Kalamazoo Wings
- McCarty's contract approved - Flint Generals
- McCarty in Muskegon Wednesday - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- IHL Saddened By Loss of Gary Cook - IHL 2
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