Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper Misses Games After Father's Passing

Cooper led Team Canada to Olympic silver medal before returning home

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper will miss the team's next two games following the passing of his father, Bob Cooper. Cooper had just finished coaching Team Canada to a silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy before returning home to be with his family.

Why it matters

Cooper is a highly respected coach in the NHL, leading the Lightning to multiple Stanley Cup championships. His absence will be felt as the team returns from the Olympic break and faces tough divisional opponents in the Maple Leafs and Hurricanes.

The details

The Lightning announced on Wednesday morning that Cooper would not be behind the bench for the team's next two games against the Maple Leafs and Hurricanes due to the passing of his father, Bob Cooper. Bob Cooper ran a construction company and raised Jon along with his wife Christine.

  • On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the Lightning announced Cooper would miss the game against the Maple Leafs.
  • On Thursday, February 26, 2026, the Lightning will play the Hurricanes without Cooper.

The players

Jon Cooper

Head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning who just finished coaching Team Canada to a silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Bob Cooper

Jon Cooper's father who passed away, prompting Jon's absence from the Lightning's next two games.

Christine Cooper

Jon Cooper's mother who raised him along with his father Bob.

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What they’re saying

“Thoughts go out to Coop and his family.”

— Benjamin Pierce (Twitter)

“He coached the Canada team with the utmost professionalism halfway across the world without even letting on, but probably knowing what was happening back home. I'll always have nothing but respect for Coop.”

— Josh Bradshaw (Twitter)

What’s next

The Lightning will return home on Saturday, February 28, 2026 to host the Buffalo Sabres, with the hope that Cooper will be back behind the bench for that game.

The takeaway

Cooper's absence is a reminder that even the most successful coaches face personal challenges, and that the hockey community rallies around its own in times of need. The Lightning will look to honor Cooper's father by playing inspired hockey in his absence.