Cole Koepke Bio
Cole Tyler Koepke is an American professional ice hockey left winger for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born in Two Harbors, Minnesota, he began playing ice hockey at a young age, inspired by his older brother. He played college hockey for the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs, leading to his selection by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2018 NHL draft. Koepke has shown significant growth during his career, recently signing with the Winnipeg Jets after successful stints with the Lightning and Bruins.
Early Life and Background
Cole Koepke was born on May 17, 1998, in Two Harbors, Minnesota, to parents Jim and Julie Koepke. He began playing ice hockey after watching his older brother, Travis, play the sport. As a student at Hermantown High School, Koepke played defense on their varsity soccer team and served as a senior assistant team captain as the hockey team captured the 2015–16 Minnesota State High School Class A title. During the tournament, he scored four goals and two assists in their 11–3 quarterfinals win and finished their state championship run with 11 total points. Following high school, Koepke joined the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) for two seasons and served as an assistant captain for one. He played 22 games as a rookie, recording five points before being sidelined due to a knee injury.
Path to Hockey
Early in the 2017–18 season, Koepke signed a letter of intent with the University of Minnesota Duluth. Leading up to the 2018 NHL entry draft, Koepke was ranked 215th among North American skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau. He concluded the season with 28 goals and 39 points in 60 games and was eventually drafted in the sixth round, 183rd overall, by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Following the draft, Koepke was invited to participate in their Development Camp. Koepke joined the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs men’s ice hockey team as a rookie for their 2018–19 NCAA season. During the season, he often skated on the left wing on a line with Parker Mackay and Justin Richards, helping him record 19 points. At the conclusion of the season, Koepke helped the Bulldogs capture their second-consecutive national championship. The following season, Koepke reigned as the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) leader in goals and completed his sophomore season riding a 10-game scoring streak. He ended his sophomore campaign with 33 points in 34 games and earned first-team all-NCHC and second-team All-American honors.
Cole Koepke Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Koepke returned to the Bulldogs for the 2020–21 NCAA season and served as an assistant captain. During his junior season, he led the team in shots and finished second on the team in goals. He helped the Bulldogs return to the NCAA Frozen Four, recording one goal, as the team lost in the semi-finals to the eventual champions, the University of Massachusetts Minutemen. At the conclusion of the season, Koepke was again named to the first-team all-NCHC and a Hobey Baker Award nominee. Koepke officially concluded his collegiate career by signing a two-year entry-level contract with the Lightning on April 13, 2021. Following the signing, he joined their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, for the remainder of the season. In his second game with the Crunch, Koepke scored his first professional goal in a 7–1 win over the Utica Comets.
Breakthrough (2022–2024)
On October 11, 2022, Koepke made his NHL debut with the Lightning. He skated on the Lightning’s third line in a loss to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Koepke continued to play fourth-line minutes after his call-up, eventually scoring his first career goal on November 13 against the Washington Capitals. It would be the only point he would score in his first NHL stint before being sent back to the Crunch for the rest of the season. Koepke started the 2023–24 season in the AHL but was called up shortly into the season. Following the on-ice death of his friend Adam Johnson on October 28, 2023, Koepke opted to wear a neck guard. He spent most of the season in the AHL, totaling two assists in nine games at the NHL level. Following four seasons within the Lightning organization, Koepke left as a free agent and was signed to a one-year, two-way contract with the Boston Bruins on July 1, 2024. After an impressive pre-season, Koepke made the opening night NHL roster for the Bruins to start the 2024–25 season. In the second game of the season, he had his first career multi-point game, scoring a goal and two assists against the Montreal Canadiens. After three goals and four assists in the first 11 games of the season, it was clear that Koepke had earned a permanent spot on the NHL roster and played his first full NHL season. On March 8, 2025, Koepke had his first multi-goal game, scoring two goals against his former team, the Lightning. Overall, Koepke scored ten goals and seven assists in 73 games for the Bruins, however, they missed the playoffs.
Notable Works and Milestones
As a free agent at the conclusion of his contract with the Bruins, Koepke agreed to terms on a one-year, $1 million contract with the Winnipeg Jets for the 2025–26 season on July 1, 2025.
Cole Koepke Award Nominations
Cole Koepke has not received any notable award nominations during his career thus far.
Cole Koepke Awards Won
Cole Koepke has not won any significant awards during his career thus far.
Cole Koepke Family
Cole Koepke is the son of Jim and Julie Koepke. He has an older brother, Travis, who inspired him to pursue ice hockey.
Personal Life
There are no publicly available details regarding Cole Koepke’s personal life, including marital status or children.
