Back For More: Salt Lake Ghost Riders’ Cooper White 

The United States Premier Hockey League’s Back For More series highlights returning players who are continuing their development and building on the progress they made during the previous season. Whether they’re stepping into bigger roles, chasing new opportunities or taking another step toward college hockey, these players are back for more in 2026-27.

One of those players is Salt Lake Ghost Riders goaltender Cooper White, who returns to play for Head Coach Jake Tomalak after a challenging 2025-26 season. White appeared in 17 USPHL Premier games, battling through difficult circumstances while continuing to develop both mentally and physically.

Despite the adversity, White never stopped competing. Coach Tomalak believes the experience helped shape him into a stronger player and leader, and expects him to play a major role for the Ghost Riders during the 2026-27 season.

“Cooper is the definition of a leader. He lays everything on the ice,” said Tomalak. “There were times I saw him struggle to stand after games because he gives his everything. He is the definition of ‘We over Me’ in every aspect of his game.”

Tomalak said White’s journey is a great example of the USPHL Premier development pathway. After facing adversity early in his junior career, he continued to grow as both a player and a teammate. Now entering his third junior season, White returns with valuable experience and is ready to lead the Ghost Riders while beginning the college recruiting process.

With a new opportunity in Salt Lake and another year of development behind him, White is looking forward to making the most of a fresh start in 2026-27.