Matthew David Cooke is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He is currently playing for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League. Cooke won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2008?09 NHL season. Cooke was member of the Team Canada at the 2004 World Championships which won the gold medal. He has also played in the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks and Washington Capitals. Cooke was born in Belleville, Ontario, but grew up in Stirling, Ontario. Cooke's playing style of intentionally attempting to aggravate opponents has earned him the reputation of one of the NHL's "pests". During his NHL career Cooke has been criticized and often suspended for hits, some involving head-shots, that have injured opposing players. Most notable was a hit to the head on Marc Savard which was an important factor influencing NHL rule changes intended to deter such conduct. After his longest suspension in 2011, Cooke has pledged to change his style of play, though had another lengthy suspension in the 2014 playoffs for a knee-on-knee hit delivered to Tyson Barrie of the Colorado Avalanche. 

September 7th, 1978 in Belleville (Age 46)