SUNRISE, Fla. – The Florida Panthers have loaned goaltender Cooper Black to the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League, the organization announced on Monday.
After missing the last five games with an upper-body injury, goaltender Jacob Markstrom will return to action for the Panthers against the Detroit Red Wings at Amerant Bank Arena tonight.
Making his mark as the tallest goaltender in NHL history, Black, who stands a towering 6-foot-9, made his NHL debut for the Panthers against the Pittsburgh Penguins back on Oct. 22.
Standing tall, the 25-year-old netminder stopped 18 of 21 shots.
“It was definitely exciting for me to get out there and play with these guys and look across the way and play [against] some great players,” Black said after his debut. “So, it was a cool experience. Obviously not the not the outcome you want, but it is what it is.”
In three starts with the Checkers this season, Black has gone 2-1-0 with a 2.67 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage. Originally joining the Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2024, he signed a two-year, two-way contract extension in June.
"I know for my parents it was going to be pretty awesome,” Black said after his debut. “They sacrificed a lot for me to get to where I am -- money and time and just effort overall. You know, I wouldn't be here without them. I just really appreciate what they did for me."
To keep up with Black and the Checkers, stay tuned to CharlotteCheckers.com.
