Senior goaltender Cooper Olson (Maple Grove, Minn./) of Purdue University Northwest ACHA Division 1 Hockey has signed a professional contract with the Indiana Sentinels of the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL), becoming the first player in program history to sign a professional deal.
The FPHL is a Single-A Minor Professional hockey league operating in its 16th season during 2025-26. The Indiana Sentinels became the newest expansion team last season and are located on Columbus, Indiana and currently play their home games out of the Hamilton Community Center and Ice Arena.
Olson's signing marks a historic milestone for Purdue Northwest hockey and caps off one of the most accomplished goaltending careers the program has ever seen. Over four seasons in net, Olson established himself as one of the premier goalies in ACHA Division 1, setting multiple program records including career wins, saves, save percentage, and goals-against average.
During the 2025–2026 season, Olson appeared in 16 games and posted a 5–7–1 record with three shutouts. He recorded a 2.16 goals-against average and an outstanding .942 save percentage while stopping 507 of the 538 shots he faced.
His junior campaign in 2024–2025 was equally impressive, finishing with an 11–8–1 record across 22 appearances. Olson posted a 1.95 goals-against average, a .938 save percentage, and five shutouts while making 632 saves on 674 shots.
Olson's breakout season came in 2023–2024 when he went 23–5–1 in 29 games, helping anchor Purdue Northwest between the pipes. That year he recorded six shutouts, a 2.20 goals-against average, and a .936 save percentage while making 939 saves. His performance that season earned him Honorable Mention All-American recognition, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top netminders in the ACHA.
As a freshman in 2022–2023, Olson quickly made an impact, finishing with a 20–4–1 record in 27 games. He posted a 2.75 goals-against average with five shutouts and a .920 save percentage while making 812 saves.
Across his four-year regular season collegiate career, Olson appeared in 94 games and compiled a 59–24–5 record. He finished with 19 shutouts, a 2.29 career goals-against average, and a .933 save percentage while making 2,890 saves on 3,098 shots faced.
Olson also made appearances on the national stage during the ACHA postseason. At the 2024 Men's Division 1 Nationals, he started three games and posted a 2–1 record with a 2.34 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage while making 89 saves on 96 shots. In the 2025 Men's Division 1 Nationals, Olson appeared in two games, finishing 1–1 with 58 saves on 66 shots. He also started Purdue Northwest's game at the 2026 Men's Division 1 Nationals, stopping 29 of 31 shots.
In total, Olson played six national tournament games, compiling a 3–3 record while recording 176 saves on 193 shots for a .912 save percentage and a 2.83 goals-against average.
In addition to his collegiate success, Olson represented Team USA at the 2025 World University Games in Torino, Italy, competing against top university players from around the world.
Olson's consistency, athleticism, and ability to perform in high-pressure moments helped define an era for Purdue Northwest hockey. His career leaves a lasting legacy within the program as one of the best goaltenders to ever wear the Purdue Northwest jersey.
With his professional signing, Olson now takes the next step in his hockey career with the Indiana Sentinels in the FPHL. His path from record-setting collegiate goaltender to professional athlete marks a historic landmark moment for the Purdue Northwest program and sets a new standard for future players.
