A Tribute to the ol’ Cooper SK-100 Helmet

CooperHockeyHelmet

As the outdoor ice melts on another hockey season, I’d like to take a moment to honor my Cooper SK-100 helmet. We’ve been through a lot together.

I remember when I was first given this helmet, in the 1970s. It’s a hand-me-down from my cousin, Brad Atol, whose name is almost visible on the front, written in black marker probably 40 years ago.

By the time I started playing youth hockey, face masks were required equipment, so I had to use a different helmet. But when I started playing Sunday morning pickup games about eight years ago, the ol’ Cooper returned to the ice.

It’s been slowly falling apart, and by last week there was only one screw holding it together. I had to take it off because the front part kept falling into my face. Of course, within 10 minutes of playing without a helmet, I butted heads with a guy along the boards. Ouch.

The ol’ Cooper will never be the same, but I refuse to retire it. This photo is just to help me remember it the way it was before I taped it back together for next year.

Thank you, Cooper, for your four decades of service.

21 Comments

Barrett Chase

about 15 years ago

OK, who's gonna say it first?

Paul Lundgren

about 15 years ago

I know who I have my money on.

rnarum

about 15 years ago

I've got some fiberglass cloth and resin.

pH

about 15 years ago

If I found this in my yard, not sure I'd want to pick it up with my bare hands. Probably go get a stick.

jj

about 15 years ago

I remember having one of these brain buckets.  You remind me of Butch Goring playing for the NY Islanders in his old PeeWee helmet.  Totally retro classic.

Barrett Chase

about 15 years ago

You can make your own hockey equipment out of duct tape and magazines.

Jon

about 15 years ago

I definitely prefer a helmet that may actually protect my head in the event of a collision. I've never found nostalgia particularly effective at absorbing the energy of an impact, or as a good excuse to get stupid drunk.

oshea94

about 14 years ago

I've been looking to get one of these. Any help?

Paul Lundgren

about 14 years ago

You can always make me an offer. My sentimental value does have a price point.

kevin

about 14 years ago

How much would you ask for that Cooper?

Paul Lundgren

about 14 years ago

I'd ask for $42,000 -- but I'd take less.

W.T.F

about 14 years ago

The rink I play at has some "helmet Nazis" on staff. They are pretty intense about having a brain bucket on at all times. I think you might get bounced pretty quick wearing those helmet pieces. On the other hand it looks like it "breathes" well and does not obstruct your vision.

oshea94

about 14 years ago

They're classic. I really want an sk100.

james

about 13 years ago

Paul Lundgren, do you still have that helmet? I would love to buy it off you.

Paul Lundgren

about 13 years ago

You better believe I still have it. It's amazing what a little hockey tape can do.

Cillian O Mahony

about 13 years ago

Hi guys, I am from Ireland and I really really want to buy an original Cooper SK100. Could any of you sell me one?

Paul Lundgren

about 13 years ago

Well, the $42,000 offer is still hanging out there.

Greg

about 13 years ago

I have one of these as well as SK100 Jr...how much will anyone pay for these?

Cillian O mahony

about 13 years ago

So is someone willing to sell me a cooper helmet? Or if you have some lyin around I will buy them, please reply!

Greg

about 13 years ago

Cillian, what are you willing to pay for a SK100 jr (blue with original stitching...fits adult) and SK100 (white)? I live in Canada.

james

about 13 years ago

I will buy them, Greg. E-mail me jayfitzy1234 @ hotmail.com

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