Wausau West’s all-time leader in points

On January 27, 2026, Cooper DePuydt transcended into a new realm when he became the all-time leader in points for Wausau West. The Warriors have been an elite WIAA program for multiple decades and have produced many top-notch players. DePuydt sits atop the Wausau West scoring summit with a whopping 194 points, and he has more games remaining this season!

As an 11th grader last season, Cooper DePuydt was named 1st Team All State by the Wisconsin Hockey Coaches Association. DePuydt played for Team Wisconsin this past fall in the Elite League, which is considered the best league below juniors. The senior captain has Wausau West firing on all cylinders as they enter the final stretch before playoffs.

“Congratulations to Cooper DePuydt for becoming the all-time points leader for Wausau West. The Warriors alums are proud of you. Wishing you continued success.” Steve Strunk, Wausau West Class of 1986, former Milwaukee Admirals player and captain of Colorado College. strunkhockey.com

“Cooper is the kind of player every coach dreams of having in their lineup. What he’s doing on the ice this year is nothing short of remarkable. Breaking the all-time scoring record at Wausau West, a mark that has stood since 1989, is a testament to his consistency and work ethic. To surpass a legendary total that remained untouched for over 35 years speaks volumes about his talent and his place in the history of this program. He has an incredible ability to find the scoresheet, but he’s also a selfless teammate who creates opportunities for everyone around him. He is a great player for young hockey players to model their game after”. Travis Brown, Wausau West Head Coach

Let’s hear from Cooper DePuydt!

When did you start playing hockey? I started playing when I was 3.

Where did you play youth hockey? Eagle River Youth Hockey.

Did anyone in your family play hockey? My dad and all his siblings. My dad played for UW-Superior and he won a national championship. My grandpa is a goalie and he still plays. My sister is a junior in college at University of Dubuque and she plays hockey there.

What other sports do you play? I play football and I used to run track. In football I play running back and linebacker.

How does playing other sports help you in hockey? Making connections with teammates is great for both sports. The team aspect of football translates to hockey. Experiencing different sports gives me a break and I am more refreshed for hockey.

What was it like playing in the Elite League with Team Wisconsin? It was a struggle to balance with football. It was a lot. It was very competitive. It improved my game for this hockey season.

Pregame ritual? Tape my stick, stretch by myself and then get with my teammates.

What attributes make you a successful scorer? My teammates make me look good. My speed allows me to separate from the other team’s D. My puck protection.

What NHL player do you model your game after? Nathan MacKinnon.

Who is the most influential person in your life? My parents and my older sister. My parents because they do everything for me. They buy my hockey sticks, and I break a lot of sticks! My older sister has been very supportive of me and someone I look up to.

Do you want to play hockey after high school? Yes.

Where do you want to play? I am looking into some junior teams in the NAHL for next year.

If you don’t go to juniors, where will you go to school? University of Wisconsin.

What do plan to major in? Anesthesiology or Radiology. I want to work in the medical field.

What do you enjoy doing in addition to hockey? I like hanging out with my buddies. Being outside. Going fishing.

What type of fish? Pike, Crappie, really just anything!

Where’s your dream vacation? Punta Cana. Snorkeling and chilling on the beach.

Favorite food? Mexican.

Favorite restaurant for Mexican? La Taqueria in Wausau.

Favorite music group or type of music? Country. Sam Barber and Treaty Oak Revival.

Chocolate cake, brownie, or apple pie? Chocolate cake.

Pickup truck or sports car? Sports car. Corvette.

If you could meet anyone, who would you want to meet? Pavel Datysuk

What would do with Pavel? Talk with him to learn about him and go golfing.

Final thoughts? I want to thank my mom and dad, and my teammates for all the support. And my coaches for all they’ve done for me and pushed me to improve my game.

Best wishes to Cooper DePuydt and the Wausau West Warriors!

Yours for hockey, Matt Carey