Devin Cooley’s unexpected algebra hobby: Why the Calgary Flames goalie spends his free time solving equations instead of switching off from hockey

Calgary Flames goaltender Devin Cooley has once again shown a personality that goes beyond the rink. The 29-year-old netminder has been working on linear math problems and studying from a textbook, rather than just relaxing his free time between hockey commitments.His unusual hobby drew greater attention when his fiancee, Natalie Weyers, posted a video of Cooley focusing on his studies. The clip quickly generated reactions, as academic mathematics is hardly the typical pastime of a professional hockey player during his off time.Devin Cooley brings an unexpected hobby to Calgary Flames downtimeHis interest in mathematics was sparked by a chapter Cooley read in college, but never completed. He took up finance and computer science before dedicating himself to hockey, and linear maths was the last stop on his academic journey.Instead of letting the subject drop for good, Cooley decided to return to it for the challenge. He wants to see how far I can go before it gets too hard, making something that used to be part of my education into something recreational, said the Calgary Flames netminder.CategoryDetailsPlayerDevin CooleyTeamCalgary FlamesPositionGoaltenderAge29Unexpected hobbyStudying linear algebraAcademic backgroundFinance and computer scienceReason for returning to mathsLinear algebra was where his college studies stoppedApproachSelf-directed learning and problem-solvingAdditional motivationMaintaining learning and creativity amid advances in AIHobby revealed byfiancee Natalie WeyersMain focusChallenging himself mentally away from hockeyThe real thing that separates the hobby is that it uses linear algebra as its basis. The subject involves ongoing attention and problem-solving and covers topics like vectors, matrices and systems of equations. For Cooley, that mental challenge appears to be part of the appeal, not a chore.Calgary Flames goalie explains his unusual hobbyThe hobby was exposed by a video of Cooley working at his desk posted by Natalie Weyers. Her playful reply highlighted the gap between what a professional athlete’s downtime is supposed to be and what was actually occupying the Flames goaltender’s time.In the comments on social media, Cooley later elaborated on his decision. He didn’t turn the hobby into a formal academic plan but called it an experiment to see how much mathematics he could keep on learning.His explanation also linked the decision to wider shifts in technology. Cooley said, the rapid development of artificial intelligence has made me particularly interested in keeping the human side of learning and creativity. For him, studying mathematics is a means of continuing to challenge his own thinking.The reaction from fans showed the novelty of seeing an NHL player voluntarily return to a rigorous academic subject. The responses ranged from focusing on the discipline involved to seeing the situation as just another manifestation of the quirky personality often associated with hockey goalies.Devin Cooley connects mathematics with lifelong learningCooley’s method provides a glimpse into ways that professional athletes can pursue passions outside of their day jobs. Hockey, of course, requires physical conditioning, tactical understanding and a lot of practice, but his algebra classes are a different form of mental workout.The timing is also what makes the hobby notable. Cooley’s maths sessions come as the Calgary Flames prepare for another NHL season, and in the midst of the usual rigours of professional hockey. The pursuit is thus an expression of personal intellectual curiosity, not a substitute career path.It appears that for Cooley the charm lies in the process itself. His return to an unfinished subject from college gives him the chance to learn without the pressure of grades, exams or a formal qualification. The challenge becomes something he can take at his own pace.His take on artificial intelligence is another layer to the story. As AI tools become better at doing complex things, Cooley’s choice to work through hard problems himself feels like a nod to his stated desire to keep learning and creating on his own.The quirky pastime has therefore become another memorable chapter in Cooley's growing profile around Calgary. While stopping pucks for the Flames remains his day job, the goaltender has found an unexpected way to spend his time away from the ice thanks to linear math.Calgary Flames goalie Devin Cooley has taken up an unlikely hobby away from the rink: linear maths. The 29-year-old netminder has been working out of a textbook and revisiting maths that he learned back in college.Cooley had studied finance and computer science before dropping out of college to play hockey. He is said to have stopped studying linear algebra at the beginning, so it was a natural place to begin his return to formal education.Rather than viewing it as formal coursework, Cooley is looking at mathematics as a personal challenge. His goal is to see how far he can get before the subject becomes too difficult, and it gives a different type of mental workout away from hockey.Calgary Flames goalie explains his unusual hobbyThe hobby caught wider attention when Cooley’s fiancee, Natalie Weyers, posted a video of him studying at his desk. Her playful reaction to the surprise activity quickly caught the eye of hockey fans.Later, Cooley explained the motive behind his decision in the comments. He said he wasn't sure why he chose mathematics, but that it was a fun challenge.Cooley also linked his interest in studying to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. He said it’s important to him to continue learning and creating on his own as AI improves and improves.So for the Calgary Flames goalie, linear algebra is more than a reminder of unfinished college studies. It’s a way to stretch his mind, to get into a hard subject, to keep a learning habit beyond his professional hockey career.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.