Here is why Logan Cooley is staying with the Arizona Coyotes as opposed to playing for Team USA at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship.
The 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship is set to start today as seven Arizona Coyotes’ prospects will participate in the tournament.
Many may be wondering why forward Logan Cooley will not play at the world juniors this year.
The answer is simple, which was explained by PHNX Sports’ Craig Morgan.
“There are a few things playing here,” Morgan said. “Logan Cooley made it clear this summer that when he was coming to the Coyotes, it was time for him to focus on his pro game. He was moving past the amateur state of his career, He wanted to become a pro…
“Logan Cooley has played in it twice and has also played in the U18 tournament twice. He has done his time with team USA and I don’t want to make it sound like it is a prison sentence because he absolutely enjoyed it, but he had no interest in playing for team USA.”
Cooley played in the 2023 World Junior Championship where he recorded an impressive seven goals, seven assists and 14 points in seven games, helping lead Team USA to a bronze medal. In 2022, Cooley and Team USA won a silver medal at the World U18 Championship.
It’s clear that Cooley has left his imprint on the U.S. National Development Program as he has represented his country since the 2020-21 season.
Now at 19-years-old, he is ready to turn the page and put that same effort in helping establish himself as an NHL player and propel the Coyotes to places the team has never been before.
In 33 NHL games this season, Cooley has three goals, 14 assists and 17 points while recording 16:23 minutes of ice time per game.
While Cooley may be at home cheering on his country through this tournament, his full focus is with the Coyotes.