Athlete Spotlight: Cooper Anderson

MANDAN –  Hockey goalies will tell you, ‘you can’t save ’em all.’ The puck will eventually find its way in the net.
However, how a netminder responds after a goal is scored, often determines the 
remaining course of a game. 
Mandan senior goalie Cooper Anderson understands this well.
“Dwelling on it doesn’t help anyone,’’ said Anderson. “All that matters is the next save. I focus on staying present and always trusting my preparation because the game moves fast and you don’t have time to look back.”
That approach has served him well, although, not too many times does the puck get past Anderson.
His goals against average is under two per game and his save percentage is 93 percent. Numbers that put him in the top tier of the WDA and state. He has been on the varsity the past two seasons and Mandan co-head coach Matt Winkle says he’s certainly taken strides in his approach and his on-ice performance. 
“His game didn’t change overnight,” Winkle said. “It was built through countless hours of preparation, repetition, and commitment to improvement. That work is incredibly evident now. Night in and night out, he is a difference-maker for us and has kept us in more games than we can count.”
Anderson shares the Braves’ goaltending duties with junior Jacob Walch, who is also quite capable of stopping pucks. Together they provide two viable options between the pipes for the varsity program. 
Anderson’s start in hockey, like all players, began by learning to skate and eventually moving into organized hockey. It wasn’t until his peewee-level days that he found his way between the pipes on a regular basis.
His father played the position, backstopping Minot High to state tournaments in his day. Although Cooper said that fact didn’t necessarily push him toward the position. “I guess I just enjoyed the challenge (of being goalie),’’ he said. 
And goaltending is a challenge. Cooper knows a great deal of responsibility is on his shoulders. But he’s grateful for the team in front of him. They enable him to track the puck by clearing forwards away from the goal mouth and loose pucks.
“Honestly it’s a privilege to have those guys in front of me,’’ he said. “They do a great job in the defensive zone, blocking shots and aren’t afraid to get physical (in front of the net). That trust goes both ways and makes my job a lot easier.”
Giving a good defensive effort each game has been a pillar for the program; a standard that started before Cooper, and has continued on.
“Over the past several years our program has been know for strong goaltending and solid defensive play,’’ said Winkle, who shares the head coaching duties with Marshall Tschida. “Cooper embrace that identity and has thrived within it.”
Practice is the time players improve their skills and it’s no different for Cooper.
“I treat every practice like it’s a game,’’ he said. “That means warming up properly, bringing intensity to every rep, and focusing on the small details. I try to stay curious, test new things, and push myself out of my comfort zone. Those habits make game situations feel more natural.”
Winkle agrees his work ethic and attention to detail are big factors in his overall character. 
“Most people only see the game itself, but his teammates and coaches see the daily commitment,’’ Winkle said. “How he prepares, recovers, and pushes himself to improve. That behind-the-scenes work is a huge reason for his success.”
During the summer, Anderson stayed sharp by working with specialized training programs including, Goalrobbers and Lamoureux Hockey. In the fall, he trades his goalie mask for a football helmet. “(Football) has been a great experience and lets me compete in a complete different way.”
There are just a few more weeks remaining in this season. And just a few more times for the senior to put on the Mandan jersey.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Cooper’s growth and development,’’ Winkle said. “His commitment, drive, and love for the game have taken him a long way, and we truly believe the sky is the limit for him as he continues his hockey career.”

Photo courtesy of Taylor Schmitt Photography