Sam Cooper Returns For A Second Year With The Knights

The Morley Glass Leeds Knights are delighted to welcome Sam Cooper back to The Castle ahead of the 2026/27 Planet Ice NIHL National season.

The 6.3ft, 21-year-old defenceman returns to Leeds following an impressive 2025/26 campaign in blue and yellow where he recorded 14 league points with two goals and 12 assists.

He added a further seven points across the National Cup and play-offs during a memorable season for the club that saw them reach the Cup Final and secure the silverware becoming play-off champions in Coventry.

Cooper made the move up the M1 last season after two years with the Sheffield Steeldogs whilst on a two-way contract with the Sheffield Steelers. Speaking on the move prior to the start of the season, he said: “I’m coming to Leeds to win” – and that is exactly what he did.

The defenceman played a key role in the Knights’ play-off success providing the second assist on Matt Bissonnette’s decisive goal in the play-of semi-final victory over Cooper’s former side, the Sheffield Steeldogs, securing Leeds’ place in the final that they then went on to win.

Speaking on his return to LS11, Cooper said: “I’m really looking forward to being back with the Leeds Knights again for the upcoming season. I’m excited to build off the success we had in the play-offs last year and continue to grow both as a team and as an individual as we push for more silverware. I can’t wait to be back in the Castle playing in front of the best fans in the league and I’m already counting down to September!”

Head Coach Ryan Aldridge added: “It’s great to have Coops back for another year. He is a wonderful young man that has really fitted in with the group. I feel he came a long way last year both on and off the ice and I think we will see another leap in his game this year when he comes in with more confidence knowing the situation, expectations and already having strong bonds with his teammates. Coops played some huge games for us and was great in our playoff run.”

Having already become a valued part of the squad both on and off the ice, Cooper’s return provides another boost for the Knights as preparations continue for the upcoming campaign. Sam Cooper is the eighth addition to Aldridge’s Knights roster for the 2026/27 season.

Everyone at the Leeds Knights would like to welcome Sam back to the club and we look forward to seeing him in action at The Castle when the new season gets underway in September. Sam heads into the new campaign once again proudly sponsored by KB Decorating.