(Amherst, NY) – The Buffalo Junior Sabres organization was saddened to learn of the August 9th, 2012 passing of David Cooper, an owner of one of the junior franchise’s major sponsor’s, Santora’s Pizza Pub & Grill.
In a statement posted on the greeting page of the Jr. Sabres’ website, the team called Cooper, through his role with the team sponsor, “among our club’s most passionate supporters.”
Cooper was born in 1969 and grew up in Western New York. A graduate of Williamsville East High School, Cooper was on the national champion Amherst Knights Junior B team in 1987, then later played college hockey at his alma mater, Cortland State College.
In 1991, he signed a free agent contract with the Hampton Roads Admirals of the East Coast Hockey League where he played a very brief pro career.
He became owner and manager of Santora’s Pizza Pub & Grill in 1994.
Cooper contributed to the local sports scene as a youth hockey coach and was also the organizer and chairman of the Pastor-Cooper Memorial Basketball Tournament. He also enjoyed hockey playing in local adult leagues.
Mourners have been asked that, in lieu of flowers, to make a donation to the charity of their choice in his memory. The Jr. Sabres will honor Cooper’s memory during pre-game ceremonies at their home opener on September 12 at 7:30pm at the Northtown Center at Amherst.
