David Cook
With over 50 years of hockey experience, Coach Cook brings a wealth of passion and expertise to his coaching. His journey in minor hockey began in Saint John, New Brunswick, where he played for the Saint John Pepsi's, igniting a lifelong dedication to the game.
Coach Cook has a diverse coaching background, including leading a Junior team in Germany, coaching high-level men’s contact leagues, and coaching players of various ages and levels in minor hockey, which has enabled him to understand the game from multiple perspectives.
Deeply committed to player development, Coach Cook emphasizes a detailed season plan focusing on improving skills, teamwork, and a love for the game. For the past five years, he has been coaching the Oakville Rangers, applying his extensive knowledge and experience to nurture young athletes and foster their growth and passion for hockey.
A true advocate for the sport, Coach Cook continues to inspire players with his dedication, expertise, and love for hockey.
What kind of player is Coach Cook looking for?
As a coach, I want players who love and are addicted to hockey as much as I am. I want players who come to the rink every day, work hard, and are eager to learn more skills. I also demand that players be "GREAT" teammates — not good teammates, but GREAT teammates. The intangible qualities that can bring success in hockey are an insatiable work ethic, ultra-competitiveness, and being a GREAT teammate. Everything else you can learn. I try to find players who have those intangibles.
Season Outlook
September will be a busy month. I am a firm believer that September sets the stage for success in the season.
- Expect 4 to 6 weekly practice sessions in September
- You can expect 2 to 3 practice sessions weekly from October through March
- You can expect 2 monthly shooting off/on-ice practice sessions at Top Cheddar Hockey
We will participate in the following tournaments:
- Hespeler Shamrocks Early Bird: September 18th to 20th, 2026
- Milton Halloween Havoc: October 30th to November 1st, 2026
- Pelham Regional International Silver Stick: November 20th to 22nd, 2026
- Oakville Rangers Winter Classic: January 14th to 17th, 2027
My 'Next Level' program is a comprehensive, season-long development initiative structured on a systematic monthly rotation. Each month is dedicated to a specific skill-acquisition theme—rotating among Goalies, Forwards, Defensemen, and Team skills. Every month will have four 'Next Level' skills sessions. This focus is initiated with intensive, specialized training sessions dedicated to 'Next Level' skill acquisition for that month’s designated group. To ensure mastery, the core skills introduced in these specialized sessions are then integrated into our regular practices throughout the entire month and systematically revisited during the season. In this manner, each month of the season will maintain a consistent focus on four specific 'Next Level' skill themes.
Assistant Coach : John Fisher
John grew up playing hockey at the Rep level in Huntsville and at the AAA level in Sault Ste. Marie. He has over 13 years of experience coaching hockey in Oakville and the GTHL. John is a defensive-oriented coach whose focus on player development (particularly skating skills and a customized off-ice shooting/stick-handling program) has helped his teams win championships, and his players advance to higher levels of play. Always encouraging, John demands a lot from his players and, in return, provides an environment where they can maximize their potential while having fun.
Skills Coach: Phil Simeon (Northern Freeze Elite Training Hockey School)
Phil has taught programs across North America. He played hockey at the University of PEI in the competitive AUS division. Before that, he played with the Caledon Canadians of the former Metro Junior A. He also coached three seasons of university hockey at the Royal Military College in Kingston. Phil creates skills sessions (in consultation with Coach Cook) focusing on improving and accelerating individual skill development, on-ice fitness and conditioning, and team concepts. Phil has a BA from UPEI and an MPA degree from Queen's University.
Goalie Coach: Jamie Lambert (Lambert Goaltending Hockey School)
Delivering the highest-quality goaltending instruction in the GTA, Lambert Goaltending strives to help goaltenders of all ages and skill levels reach their potential. Jamie teaches elite training methods used by the best goalies in the world and establishes core values such as diligence, discipline, and self-sacrifice, which is why Lambert Goaltending students see their game elevated so quickly. In many cases, Jamie's students have reached the AA and AAA levels in just 1-2 years.