KEARNEY, NE. – Tri-City Storm forward Cooper Simpson has announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future for the University of North Dakota. Simpson is currently in his rookie season with Tri-City after signing a tender agreement to play for the organization on April 24^th, 2023.
 
Cooper Simpson, 16, Forward, of Shakopee, Minnesota, appeared in three games with the Storm during the 2023-2024 preseason. He made his USHL debut with the team on Wednesday, September 20^th, in Tri-City's 2-1 victory over the Youngstown Phantoms in the opening game of the 2023-2024 regular season. Simpson has appeared in each of the Storm's two regular season games ahead of tomorrow's Home Opener at the Viaero Center. Prior to joining the Storm, he skated in twenty-seven games for the Shakopee High School Sabers during the 2022-2023 season. Simpson led the team with thirty-seven goals, and sixty-three points. He also notched twenty-six assists for the Sabers' offense. He netted the most goals of any player in Minnesota's 2AA Section of High School hockey last year. Simpson's thirty-seven goals ranked in the Top 20 in the state for the 2022-2023 season. He also scored twenty-four goals, and notched fifteen assists, for thirty-nine total points for the Sabers during the 2021-2022 season year. Simpson skated in twenty games for the Minnesota Blades 15U AAA program last season. He led the team in scoring with twenty goals, and thirty-six points. He also notched sixteen assists for the Blades' offense. Simpson skated in the prestigious USA Under 15-Selects Development Camp prior to the beginning of the 2022-2023 season.
 
"I'm extremely thankful and proud to announce my commitment to play division 1 hockey and further my education at the University of North Dakota. I'd like to thank God, my family, friends, coaches, and advisors for everything they have done for me."- Forward Cooper Simpson
 
"We are very proud of Cooper and happy for him and his family. North Dakota has a great history of developing young men as people and hockey players, and we look forward to Cooper continuing the tradition."- President of Hockey Operations/Head Coach Anthony Noreen