‘IF IT ALL STOPS’: THE STORIES BEHIND THE MASK OF DEVIN COOLEY
Friday's Military Salute celebration is more than just a game for the Amerks goaltender
Feb 13, 2024
By Andrew Mossbrooks | @Mossbrooks48
Devin Cooley wears his sleeve on his mask.
The 26-year-old who grew up in the heart of Silicon Valley said he thought getting a tattoo sleeve up his arm would be cool, but that was at a younger age. The California goaltender didn’t just soak up the sun while growing up out west. He soaked up perspective on life and self-evolution.
“I think everybody changes throughout their entire life,” said Cooley. “I don’t think anybody stays the same. I like to continue to grow and find new hobbies or something new to be interested in. You get a lot of life experience from that.”
So instead of ink on skin, Cooley elected for paint on masks. He can get a new mask whenever he pleases and it’s a lot easier to get a new paint job than it is to remove what’s been marked on one’s skin (and less painful).
The first-year Amerk and fourth-year professional has two masks: one for practice and one for games, or game situations in practice. The latter of the two is decked out in Rochester red, white, and blue, complete with several patriotic references, from a Bald Eagle to the raising of the American Flag on Iwo Jima. Those pieces run deep for Cooley because of his bloodline.
Cooley’s grandfathers both served for the United States of America. On his father’s side of the family, Donald Dean Cooley served in the Korean War with the United States Army and was stationed in Japan. He worked with soldiers that mostly served the front lines of Korea.
On his mother’s side, Jim Loro was a member of the United States Navy and served in Vietnam. While Grandpa Cooley passed away several years ago, Cooley takes comfort in knowing his Grandpa Loro is always a call away. The two talk regularly and have a close relationship.
“In middle school we had to do a report on a veteran, so I did my report on him (Grandpa Loro). I brought him to the school and he spoke to the class. It was really cool.”
The Amerks will host their annual Military Salute game on Friday, Feb. 16 at Blue Cross Arena. For some, it’s game 44 of the season. For Cooley, it holds a much deeper value.
“It means a lot to me. I think a lot of guys have grandparents that have served. There’s a lot of history in my family. I remember growing up whenever we were ever going out to eat and my mom or dad would see someone in uniform, they would go up and pay for their meal. We grew up super appreciative of their sacrifices and that’s how I was raised and taught.”
Cooley’s gratitude towards his loved ones extends to his parents, too.
“I think family is super important. I wouldn’t be here without my mom or my dad and their crazy support. They pushed me when I needed to be pushed.”
His Amerks mask is centered on the back panel by a treehouse built by his dad that Cooley fondly remembers having friends over to hang out with during his youth. To the right of that treehouse sits a piano, one that his mother taught him how to play. Underneath the piano lie the letters ‘I.I.A.S.’
It stands for ‘If It All Stops.’
“I like to live my life by that because it gives you peace. I do everything I possibly can to do my best. Even if I have a bad game and give up five goals and get pulled or something, I just need to know that at the end of the night I gave it my all and did all I can to prepare for that game. There’s nothing that I could’ve done to put myself in a better spot to succeed. It gives you peace of mind going into games.”
That mantra is one Cooley lives by, not just on the ice, but in life. It teaches him the importance of valuing all that is offered, given, and earned.
Every goaltender’s mask tells a story. Cooley’s tells one of youth, music, philosophy, sacrifice, freedoms, and most importantly, family.
If it all stops, Cooley can be proud of where he’s come from and what he’s accomplished.