One of the most outstanding competitors in Clark men's ice hockey history, Steve Cooperman was a four-year player who helped the program in its beginning stages as a varsity program.
As a freshman, he had a significant impact on the ice hockey team, which was then at the club level. One year later, the team was elevated to varsity status for the 1977-78 season. As a four-year player, Cooperman was selected by his teammates to serve as assistant captain in his senior season.
Statistically, he led the team in scoring each season and notched 105 career goals. Cooperman ended his career as Clark's all-time leading scorer, a record that is intact today. In addition, he was the squad's leader in assists in his sophomore (20) and senior (26) seasons.
After graduating in 1980 with a degree in geography and environmental, technology and society , Cooperman returned to Clark and earned a master's degree in environmental affairs in 1984. He began his professional career as a lab analyst at the Waste Water Treatment Facility in Worcester. In 1987, he went to work for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup. He worked for the DEP for 10 years in several divisions, earning distinction on the Commonwealth's behalf. Cooperman actively volunteered at the Jacob Hiatt Magnet School, where his children attended. He received recognition by the Worcester Public School Department for his contributions to the school. To honor his dedication, the school has established a parent volunteer award, given annually in Cooperman's name.
Cooperman continued playing ice hockey after Clark. He competed in an organized league in Framingham from 1986-90, while splitting time as a player and coach in 1987.
Steve passed away in 1997 after a long illness.
