Cooper 'surprised' after learning of GM of the Year honours

The Frontenacs general manager was named the Jim Gregory Award winner for the 2024-2025 OHL season.

Perhaps the one person who didn't think Kory Cooper would win the Jim Gregory award is Cooper himself.

Cooper was named as the 2024-2025 General Manager of the Year in the Ontario Hockey League on Friday.

He tells KingstonDaily.ca that the news of him winning the honour was a bit of a surprise.

Cooper has been the Fronts' GM since 2021. 

This past season, the team had a 40-20-5-3 record (88 points) finishing second in the East Division and third in the Eastern Conference.

During the '24-'25 season, Kingston had 25 wins at home including a stretch where they won 16 straight at Slush Puppie Place.

While he appreciates being recognized, Cooper says he couldn't have done it without the contributions of his staff and coaches.

The Frontenacs fell short in their quest to compete for the J Ross Robertson Cup as OHL champions.

They were eliminated in 7 games by the Barrie Colts in the conference quarterfinal round.

Cooper says despite the disappointing finish, he believes the team has what it takes to get to the next level.

The news of the award happened on the same weekend where the Frontenacs were holding development camp for players they had drafted this past April and walk-ons.

Cooper says he liked what he saw from the players who took part.

Story by Ken Hashizume