Calgary Flames Goaltender Devin Cooley Earns Prestigious Bill Masterton Trophy Nomination
Calgary Flames goaltender Devin Cooley has been nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, an annual NHL award honoring the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. The nomination comes after a season where Cooley overcame significant obstacles to establish himself as a reliable NHL backup.
A Journey Marked by Doubt and Determination
By his own admission, Cooley faced numerous moments where he considered quitting hockey entirely. During his time in the USHL, he was statistically the league's worst goaltender, living far from family and struggling to fit in. "There were lots of times when I thought about quitting," Cooley acknowledged. "I've been pretty miserable most of the years."
Despite these challenges, Cooley's love for the game repeatedly pulled him back. "I just love the game," he explained. "That's what it comes down to—I have so much fun playing. I love coming to the rink every day."
Overcoming Professional Hurdles
Cooley's path to the NHL was anything but straightforward. Never considered a top prospect, he struggled through junior hockey before walking on as a third-string goaltender at the University of Denver. After his NCAA career, he spent nearly five years refining his game in the AHL, earning just six NHL appearances with the San Jose Sharks before joining the Flames organization.
This season presented its own challenges. Coming into training camp at age 28 with only six NHL games to his name, Cooley was recovering from a concussion suffered during his time with the Calgary Wranglers and had everything to prove at hockey's highest level.
Breakthrough Performance and Recognition
Cooley's perseverance paid off dramatically during the 2025-26 season. In 30 games (25 starts), he compiled a 10-9-6 record with a .911 save percentage and 2.68 goals against average, establishing himself as a dependable backup to starter Dustin Wolf. His infectious personality and reliable performances made him a fan favorite in Calgary.
The Calgary chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association recognized Cooley's journey by selecting him as their Masterton Trophy nominee. The award specifically honors players who demonstrate exceptional perseverance and dedication to hockey, qualities Cooley has displayed throughout his career.
Securing His Future
Cooley's breakthrough season earned him a two-year contract extension worth $1.35 million per season, providing financial security he had never previously experienced in his professional career. The deal will keep him in Calgary through the 2027-28 season.
"When you realize that it's all in your control and how you perceive it, you can really just let the passion come back out again," Cooley reflected on his mindset shift. "I've always loved the game. I just didn't really like everything else that came with it, like the stress and the not having any security and moving around all the time."
Cooley's nomination serves as testament to his resilience and serves as inspiration for athletes facing similar challenges in their professional journeys.
