Sutter family

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The Sutter family, originally from Viking, Alberta, Canada, is one of the most famous families in the National Hockey League as six brothers: Brian, Darryl, Duane, Brent, Rich and Ron, reached the NHL in the 1970s and 80s. Four brothers: Brian, Duane, Darryl and Brent have gone on to become coaches and general managers as well.

Collectively, the six Sutter brothers played over 5000 games and captured six Stanley Cups. The second generation of Sutters are coming up through the Western Hockey League, with two having been drafted by the Calgary Flames.

Contents 1 First generation 1.1 Brent 1.2 Brian 1.3 Darryl 1.4 Duane 1.5 Rich 1.6 Ron 1.7 Playing careers 2 Second generation 3 See also 4 References

[edit] First generation

All six brothers took the same path to the NHL. Each player began their junior careers with the Red Deer Rustlers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League before moving onto the WHL's Lethbridge Broncos. A seventh brother, Gary, was offered a tryout with the Rustlers at the same time Brian was, however he declined, choosing not to pursue the dream of playing in the NHL. Gary's brothers have suggested that he may have been the best player of all of them.^[1]

[edit] Brent

Drafted in the first round, 17th overall by the New York Islanders in 1980 NHL Entry Draft, Brent Sutter had the most success in the NHL, playing 1111 games and recording 829 points. He won the Stanley Cup twice with the Islanders in 1982 and 1983 along with this brother Duane. After finishing his NHL career, he bought the WHL's Red Deer Rebels where he also currently acts as their Head Coach and General Manager. Brent led the Rebels to the Memorial Cup in 2001. He also became the first coach to lead Canada to consecutive gold medals at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, which he did in 2005 and 2006.

[edit] Brian

The elder brother, Brian Sutter, was drafted by the St. Louis Blues 20th overall in the 1976 NHL Entry Draft and by the Edmonton Oilers 36th overall in the 1976 WHA Entry Draft. He played 12 seasons, all with the St. Louis Blues, appearing in three All-Star Games before becoming a head coach with the Blues, Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames and Chicago Blackhawks. Brian won the Jack Adams Award as best coach in 1991. His #11 is retired by the Blues.

[edit] Darryl

Darryl Sutter was the lowest draft pick of the family, waiting until the 11th round, 179th overall before being selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft. Darryl's playing career was cut short by injuries in 1987 after which he turned to coaching. Darryl spent 11 seasons coaching the Blackhawks, San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames - leading the latter to a surprising run to the 7th game of the Stanley Cup Finals as both the coach and General Manager in 2003-04. Darryl resigned as coach of the Flames to focus on his General Manager's duties in 2006.

[edit] Duane

Duane Sutter was selected by the Islanders, 17th overall in the 1979 draft. He won the Stanley Cup in his first four seasons with the Islanders. Duane also briefly coached the Florida Panthers from 2000-02.

[edit] Rich

Rich Sutter, twin brother of Ron, was drafted 10th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft. He led the Lethbridge Broncos to a WHL championship in 1983 and a Memorial Cup appearance. Rich played 874 games with seven teams during his 13 year career.

[edit] Ron

Ron Sutter was the highest draft pick of the family, taken 4th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1982 - six spots ahead of his twin brother Rich. He was also a leader of the 1983 WHL champion Broncos. Ron also played for seven team during his NHL career. Ron is also the only Sutter brother to play professionally for an Alberta team, having finished his career with the Calgary Flames in 2000-01. Rich and Ron spent three seasons together with the Flyers in the early 1980s, and three more with the Blues later in their careers.

[edit] Playing careers

			Regular Season						Playoffs
Player	Years		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
Brian Sutter	1976-88		779	303	333	636	1786		65	21	21	42	249
Darryl Sutter	1979-87		406	161	118	279	288		51	24	19	43	26
Duane Sutter	1979-90		731	139	203	342	1333		161	26	32	58	405
Brent Sutter	1980-98		1111	363	466	829	1054		144	30	44	74	164
Rich Sutter	1982-95		874	149	166	315	1411		78	13	5	18	133
Ron Sutter	1982-01		1093	205	328	533	1352		104	8	32	40	193
Combined	1976-01		4994	1320	1614	2934	7224		603	122	153	275	1170

[edit] Second generation

Thus far, three second generation Sutters have played in the WHL with another in the Alberta Junior Hockey League, and several others playing in minor hockey^[2]

Shaun Sutter, Brian's son, was drafted by the Flames in the 4th round, 102nd overall in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft but never made it to the NHL. He spent much of his career in the ECHL, before heading to Europe to play in the English Elite Ice Hockey League in 2005. He played the second half of the 05/06 season for Nottingham Panthers, then moved to their rivals, the Sheffield Steelers for the 06/07 season.

Brett Sutter, Darryl's son, was also drafted by the Flames as the 179th overall pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He currently the captain of his uncle Brent's Red Deer Rebels, playing with his cousin Brandon.

Brandon Sutter, Brent's son, is an assistant captain with the Rebels. He is eligible to be drafted in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

[edit] See also

• Notable families in the NHL

[edit] References