It’s hard not to root for a player like Cole Koepke.
From the moment he joined the Boston Bruins’ training camp, the 6-foot-1, 204-pound forward has faced the challenge of standing out on a team full of giants.
Despite the difficulties, the Two Harbors, Minnesota native has embraced the opportunity. His relentless work ethic, hustle, and never-give-up attitude propelled him from an underdog to earning a spot on the Bruins’ opening night roster. Koepke skated on the fourth line alongside Johnny Beecher and Mark Kastelic during their game against the Florida Panthers.
Though the Bruins suffered a tough 6-4 loss, Koepke and his linemates were one of the few bright spots in an otherwise difficult night.
“I think it’s been good,” Koepke said last week at Warrior Arena. “I’ve learned a lot. The team has been really welcoming, and the coaching staff has helped me adjust to the systems. I’m pretty happy with how I’ve been playing. They’re doing a great job of keeping me up to speed and pushing me to perform at my best.”
In five preseason games, Cole Koepke has proven his value, recording a goal, an assist, and firing eight shots on net.
Competing for a place among the Bruins’ bottom six forwards has been a tough battle, with Koepke squaring off against towering players like Justin Brazeau (6’6″), Johnny Beecher (6’3″), Max Jones (6’3″), Mark Kastelic (6’4″), and Riley Tufte (6’6″). Despite giving up some size to his competition, Koepke has compensated with speed and hustle, complementing the Bruins’ physicality.
His smart, tenacious play has caught the attention of Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery.
“I like the way he manages the puck,” said Montgomery. “His speed and tenacity are impressive. He’s forcing turnovers, which lead to odd-man rushes and more offensive zone time. He’s been doing that a lot, and I like that aspect of his game.”
A standout at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he was a three-year letterman and Hobey Baker nominee, Koepke was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the sixth round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut on October 11, 2022, at Madison Square Garden, playing 17 games with Tampa and recording one goal. Last season, he contributed two assists in a nine-game stint. Seeking a fresh opportunity, Koepke signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Bruins on July 1, 2024.
“All you can ask for is an opportunity,” said Koepke. “I knew there would be chances here. For me, it’s about playing my game and showing how I can help the team win. That’s the main goal. I just want to put my best foot forward every time I’m on the ice.”
Bruins fans can expect relentless effort from Koepke.
“They can expect a lot of speed, energy on the forecheck, and a dogged determination,” Koepke added. “If I don’t win the puck on the first try, I’ll keep going for it, putting in that second, third, and fourth effort. I just want to be a good team player and help this team win.”
“Playing in the NHL is the dream,” he said. “Doing it for an organization like this would be an incredible honor. I’m pushing myself to make that happen.”
Mission accomplished.
