Brynäs won after overtime, narrowing the series to 2-1 in matches, according to multiple reports. The final score of the match has not been confirmed, and it remains unclear how many matches are in the quarterfinal series. During the game, Brian Cooper faced persistent booing from spectators, an experience he described as uncommon.
According to Hockeysverige, Brian Cooper said this was probably the first time he had been booed in this way, noting that crowds usually focus on supporting their own team. He added that the initial reaction caught him off guard, but he eventually tuned it out as background noise. The specific incident in match two on Thursday that led to the booing has not been detailed, and the nature of crosschecking and slewfoot incidents mentioned in the context is unknown.
It was probably the first time. Usually the crowd focuses on other things – like their own team, he says.
Cooper, whose team affiliation is not specified in the reports, acknowledged that he is not popular in many cities but views such physical, emotional play as good for the sport. According to Hockeysverige, he emphasized that he blocks out the crowd's focus and sees it as acceptable if they direct attention at him.
The first puck touch I was a bit: 'Oh, okay'. And then they continued the whole match. But then it just becomes 'noise' in the end, says Cooper after the match.
I'm not that popular in most cities and that's okay for me. They have players who play hard on their team too, so it goes both ways. And I like that hockey, when it's physical and a lot of emotions. That's why the crowd pays money to come and watch. It's good for the sport.
No, you block it out. If they want to focus on me, that's completely okay.
Yes, probably. Usually the crowd focuses on other things. Like trying to give energy to their own team, for example. So it was a different experience for me.