Milestones …
Milestones are items people achieve along the way during a career. They don’t always define your it, but they should be celebrated. For one, Wheeling Nailers forward Matt Koopman, a milestone was reached not too long ago.
Matt Koopman started his hockey career by playing junior hockey in the United States Hockey League (USHL). The choice of going to the USHL is a path for some players to keep their options open to play college hockey. The Waterloo Black Hawks was the one that Koopman played for during his time in the USHL.
During his first season in Waterloo, Koopman got off to a slow start, only recording six points in 55 games. He also left off the scoresheet in five playoff games that season. Then, the next season, Koopman would find his stride in his last junior season. He would more than double his point total as it rose to 25 points, with eight being goals.
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Slap Shots
Name: Matt Coopman Position: Forward Career games: 105
Years in Wheeling: 3 Points: 47 Favorite Christmas Movie: “Home Alone”
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While playing in Waterloo, Matt got to play with his twin brother, Kyle. Together, they both decided to go to the same college, too.
The Koopmans decided to play collegiately at Providence College, closer to the New England region and home, Marblehead, Mass. Little did Koopman know but one of his future Nailers teammates was at Providence, too, Davis Bunz. During Matt’s first season in Rhode Island, he finished with a goal and three assists. The Friars’ season ended that season as the fourth seed in the NCAA tournament. They ultimately fell to the University of Minnesota-Duluth in the Frozen Four semi-finals.
The next season, Koopman had a much-improved campaign. In 35 games in his second year, he finished with five goals and five assists along with his plus-11 rating. Unfortunately, for every team that season, the postseason was canceled due to the COVID-19 virus. Koopman’s third college hockey season was just as steady as he netted four goals. The Friars that year were bounced in the Hockey East tournament. Koopman’s fourth season in college was his best to date. He finished with five goals and seven assists in that season.
Providence also had a great season as well, finishing with a record of 22-14-2, including a home record of 14-4-1.
In the age of the transfer portal, Koopman decided to get a free look for one season as he committed to the University of Massachusetts. In his short time as a Minuteman, Koopman made the most of the experience with five goals and four assists. Koopman’s college numbers don’t exactly scream “Pro Player!” but what he brings is speed and solid effort. That’s what led Wheeling Nailers head coach Derek Army to sign Koopman at the end of the 2022-2023 season.
Koopman made the most of it in a small sample size of 14 games in Wheeling. He scored his first pro goal in the last home game of the season against Fort Wayne. He would finish with seven points, with six being assists. That eventually led to the Nailers bringing back Koopman for the next year’s schedule.
Derek Army said, “He can really skate, gets in on the forecheck, and is a great penalty killer. He also contributed offensively and did a nice job of adjusting to the pro game.”
And boy, did Koopman live up to the hype during his first full pro season. Koopman tallied 34 points with 16 goals and 18 assists. Three of forward’s goals last season came while shorthanded, too. The most impressive feat for the second-year pro was that he was the only ‘Ironman’ for Wheeling last season, playing in all 71 games (game 72 was canceled due to flooding).
“The best ability is readability. When you can be in the lineup and be able to be plugged into different situations,” said Koopman when asked about being the only Ironman last season.
Koopman’s success carried over to the playoffs, as well. He finished with eight points in nine games during the postseason, splitting with four goals and four assists. Koopman also earned a plus-four rating.
Now Koopman is back in Wheeling for his third season, and he is now one of the Alternate Captains for the team.
“It’s huge. To be able to have the respect of the guys is huge. We already have a lot of leadership in the room whether you wear a letter or not,” said Koopman when asked about being named an “A”.
On November 29th of this year, Matt Koopman reached his biggest hockey milestone yet, as he played in his 100th career game. To make it even more impressive, he did it without missing a single game in that stretch.
“I was kind of keeping track of it. It’s cool to think about all that went into getting this far,” said Koopman.
The Nailers are back on home ice against the Toledo Walleye for the last home game before the Christmas holiday. It’s a “Frosty Friday” with $2 select beers. After the holiday on Saturday and Sunday, December 28th and 29th, the Nailers take on the Iowa Heartlanders.
The Sunday is a postgame skate with the odd-numbered players. For information, call 304-234-GOAL or visit wheelingnailers.com.
The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Upper Ohio Valley.
