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 thoughts on “A Tribute to the ol’ Cooper SK-100 Helmet”
OK, who’s gonna say it first?
I know who I have my money on.
I’ve got some fiberglass cloth and resin.
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.
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.
You can make your own hockey equipment out of duct tape and magazines.
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.
I’ve been looking to get one of these. Any help?
You can always make me an offer. My sentimental value does have a price point.
How much would you ask for that Cooper?
I’d ask for $42,000 — but I’d take less.
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.
They’re classic. I really want an sk100.
Paul Lundgren, do you still have that helmet? I would love to buy it off you.
You better believe I still have it. It’s amazing what a little hockey tape can do.
Hi guys, I am from Ireland and I really really want to buy an original Cooper SK100. Could any of you sell me one?
Well, the $42,000 offer is still hanging out there.
I have one of these as well as SK100 Jr…how much will anyone pay for these?
So is someone willing to sell me a cooper helmet? Or if you have some lyin around I will buy them, please reply!
Cillian, what are you willing to pay for a SK100 jr (blue with original stitching…fits adult) and SK100 (white)? I live in Canada.
I will buy them, Greg. E-mail me jayfitzy1234 @ hotmail.com