Jack Cooper has averaged better than a point per game the past three seasons with the NA3HL’s Texas Brahmas.

And the NCAA has taken notice.

Last week, the Brahmas forward committed to play NCAA Division III hockey at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

“I am very excited for the opportunity to get a great education and play college hockey at King’s College,” said Cooper, a Santa Cruz native. “I would like to thank my coaches Ryan Anderson and CJ Sweigert for all the hard work and countless hours they have dedicated to helping me get to this position. I also would like to thank my current and former teammates and my family.”

One of the remaining 2019 Fraser Cup champions on the Brahmas, Cooper has collected 202 points (78 goals, 124 assists) in 133 games, along with a plus-159 rating and averaging 1.52 points per game.

During the championship run in 2019, Cooper recorded six points (four goals, two assists) in eight games. In the 2020-21 regular season, the forward had 66 points (26 goals, 40 assists), ranking him second on the Brahmas in points and assists, and tying him for first in goals scored.

Cooper is a product of the San Jose Jr. Sharks organization, recording 142 points at the 16 and 18U levels.

“I am extremely proud and happy that ‘Coop’ has earned this fantastic opportunity to continue his hockey career and further his education at King’s College,” said Anderson. “Coach (Tom) Seravalli and King’s College are getting a fantastic person and one heck of a hockey player. Jack has been a part of our Brahma family for three seasons and has left a huge mark on the NYTEX Sports Center. He has developed into a 200-foot player who can be trusted in all situations.

“Coop leaves a legacy of selflessness, hard work, and success that will be very hard to replace in our locker room. We look forward to watching his continued success on and off the ice at King’s College.”

“We were on Cooper early and ecstatic when he announced that he would be coming to play for King’s College next year,” added Seravalli. “What’s most important is that we are getting an unbelievable individual. What we value most about Cooper are his characteristics and core beliefs – humble, respectful, a leader, hard work ethic, strives for perfection and treats every day as a professional. As for the hockey side, Coop’s game immediately jumped off the page: high hockey IQ, excellent stickhandling ability, a strong knack for scoring and his responsible two-way game. On top of that, it never hurts to have a former Fraser Cup champion join the program as he knows what it takes to win at a high level.

“The coaching staff here at King’s has no doubt that Cooper will have a successful transition to the college game.”

Photo/Texas Brahmas

— Texas Brahmas

(April 7, 2021)