Jon Cooper disappointed to miss out on opportunity to coach at the Olympics

With the NHL not participating at the 2022 Winter Olympics, players aren't the only ones disappointed that they'll miss out on another opportunity to represent their country.

Tampa Bay Lightning bench boss Jon Cooper was named head coach for Team Canada and he expressed his disappointment to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

"To be honest, it was devastating," Cooper said.

He added, "I look at the sport of hockey, the country of Canada and the marriage the two have and the passion the country has for it - the thrill of being named to that position. It didn't sit lightly with me. I was genuinely humbled and honoured to have that opportunity. And then to have it swept out from under you, it it just leaves you empty."

Cooper was named Canada's head coach for the Beijing Olympics back in August 2021. The Prince George, British Columbia native has coached his country once before, that came at the 2017 IIHF World Hockey Championship.

"You just don't know when these opportunities are going to come around. Cooper said. When you're going through your career, and you put yourself in the position for this to happen, again, I don't know any other way to put it than it's a real empty feeling."

Source: TSN.

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