It’s hard not to support a player like Cole Koepke.

Since the day he first walked into Boston Bruins training camp, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound forward has faced this challenge on a team full of giants.

Although it certainly wasn’t easy, the Two Harbors, Minnesota native was happy to accept the challenge. His tireless work ethic, hustle and never-say-die attitude elevated him from the darkest of dark horses to the Bruins’ opening night roster. Kopeke skated on the Bruins’ fourth line against the Florida Panthers on opening night.

Although the Bruins fell disastrously, Koepeke and his linemates Johnny Beecher and Mark Kastelic were one of the few bright spots in the 6-4 defeat.

“I think it was good,” Koepke said last week at Warrior Arena. “I learned a lot. This group was really welcoming. The coaching team helped me get used to the systems. I was pretty happy with how I played. They do a good job keeping me informed and pushing me to do my best.”

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In five preseason games, Koepke earned his keep by scoring a goal and an assist and had eight shots on goal.

Competing for a spot among the Bruins’ final six forwards this year has been a monumental challenge. Koepke had to compete with the likes of Justin Brazeau (6-foot-6), Beecher (6-3), Max Jones (6-3), Kastelic (6-4) and Riley Tufte (6-6). Although he loses some size compared to his larger-than-life teammates, Koepke has more than made up for it by complimenting the Bruins with a little more pizzazz.

Cole Koepke cracked the Bruins’ opening lineup with a tenacious performance in training camp. (Photo by Steve Babineau)

His exhilarating play has definitely caught the attention of Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery.

“I like the way he handles the puck,” Montgomery said. “I like his speed, his tenacity. He causes a lot of turnovers, and turnovers lead to rushes from strange players. They result in more O-zone time no matter where you create them. He often created them. I like those aspects of his game.”

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Koepke, a three-year letterman and Hobey Baker prospect for the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs, was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the sixth round (183rd overall) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Bolts on October 11, 2022 at Madison Square Garden. In his first season for Tampa, he played sparingly in 17 games, scoring one goal. He added two helpers in nine games last season.

Looking for a new challenge, Koepke signed a two-year contract with the Bruins on July 1, 2024.

“You can only wish for one chance,” said Koepke. “I knew some would come in here. For me it’s just about playing my game and showing what I can bring to the table to help them win hockey games because that’s ultimately the goal here. I just want to show what I can do and do my best every time I’m on the ice.”

So what exactly can Bruins fans expect from the former Bulldog? With stubborn determination, of course.

“You can expect a lot of speed,” Koepke said. “I bring a lot of energy to the forecheck and a tireless effort to hit pucks. If I don’t succeed on the first try, I will never give up. I will continue to try to make the second, third and fourth attempts. I just want to be a good team player and do everything I can to help this team win.”

“Playing in the NHL is what you strive for,” he added. “To do this, especially for an organization like this, would be a great honor. I’m just doing everything I can to push myself and make the team.”

Mission accomplished.

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