The story of David Rutherford, who is currently playing for the Ontario Reign of the ECHL is based on a miracle.  It encompasses a burning passion for hockey and immense love of the game, while overcoming adversity from injuries as well as the sorrow of losing his father, who was his biggest supporter, to cancer.  Rutherford’s resolve, determination, and unquenchable thirst for winning has made him a champion at various levels of the sport, and his story serves as an inspiration for what it takes to be a winner and champion.

Rutherford was born in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada but lived there only six months before his family moved back to Ladner, British Columbia.  “My family actually came from BC, but my mom moved out to the Toronto area when she was pregnant with me so that no one would see her because she was battling a bad case of anorexia,” explained Rutherford.  “My mom was told she would never have kids, let alone get pregnant when she got down to 56 pounds.  So it was kind of like a miracle that I even came along.  Even then, when she was pregnant doctors were never sure I would develop properly; which some people would probably say I didn’t, but that would just be my teammates joking around.  Now when I think about making it to the pro level and leading a healthy lifestyle, I feel pretty fortunate considering all the stuff my mom went through.” 

Rutherford fondly remembers growing up and playing hockey in Ladner, BC, encouraged by his father who provided him with the tools to develop his game at a young age. “My dad was the referee in chief in British Columbia. So it was him that got me into hockey at a very young age and he also coached me. That translated to me always being around the rink. My father built me a sports court in our back yard, and that’s where everything started.  It also didn’t hurt that my grandparents who live in Ladner as well had a blue line in-ice arena at their house.  I pretty much never left the ice growing up.”

Rutherford played his first Junior B game at the age of 14 with the Grandview Steelers which aided in his development toward achieving a roster spot with a Junior A team, although an emotional chapter in his hockey career. “Hockey got a lot more serious for me when I turned 16.  At the time, my dad was battling cancer and I knew he was at the end of his life.  My father ended up signing my Junior A contract for me to play for the Penticton Panthers.  He passed away three days before I left.  So, I ended up going out there. I still remember the inter-squad scrimmage we had and I ended up scoring like ten goals in one game as a 16-year old. It was baffling to people there because they weren’t even too sure I would be able to play at the Junior A level.”  

Mike Thompson, who is now a Strength and Conditioning coach for the Calgary Flames played an active role in David’s life at the time after his father passed away.  Thompson said, “it is kind of crazy to see how certain things happen and how sometimes people are watching out for us from above.”  

“Half way through that season in Penticton, I hadn’t played much and my mom wasn’t doing too well after losing my dad, so I decided to come home and play in Abbottsford,” said Rutherford. The next year I signed with the Surrey Eagles Junior A team, and I was fortunate to start my parade of winning championships.”

During his time with the Eagles, Rutherford’s strong play and offensive production caught the attention of scouts from the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League (WHL), who courted him for some time that year.  “About three quarters of the way through the year I agreed to play for the Giants on the condition that I could finish my season with the Eagles before joining the Giants.  But we kept winning and ended up going the distance to capture the Fred Page Cup Championship.  By the time my season with the Eagles was over, the Giants’ season had already ended.  I knew the next year I would join the Giants. I think winning that championship prepared me well for the transition to the WHL level.”

The following year, Rutherford indeed played for the Vancouver Giants, but not without first facing some adversity before achieving another prominent championship.  “I never really fit into (Head Coach) Don Hay’s system of hockey in Vancouver but I still look back to everything that has made me successful as a pro and it’s because of all the things he had taught me.”

The Giants would trade Rutherford to the Spokane Chiefs who went on to have a memorable run at the Memorial Cup  “I went from having 4 goals in one year in Vancouver to having 31 the next year in Spokane. I was always sour about being traded from Vancouver especially since they would be hosting the Memorial Cup and that was one of the reasons, if not the main reason I decided to play there. However, things have a way panning out the right way in the end.  We knocked the Giants out of the playoffs and went on to win the Memorial Cup the same year they were hosting the Championship. I hate to say it was revenge or karma but it sure felt like it at the time.  It was all just ironic to me but a fitting end to my junior career.”

Although Rutherford has scored many clutch, dramatic, and heroic goals throughout his career, one goal that still flashes vividly in his mind was a “a huge goal in the Western Conference Championship against Tri-Cities. That was the year Carey Price was in net for Tri-Cities. I was taken down on a half break away and ended up on both my knees. I managed to get one knee up and put the puck in the net past Price coming across forehand then shooting on my backhand. It was an incredible goal!”

On the heels of concluding his Junior career, Rutherford made his transition to pro hockey in 2008-09 in the ECHL, first with the Charlotte Checkers and later that season for the Phoenix Road Runners.  He noted some differences when comparing the junior level to professional.  “For starters you are actually getting paid so that is really nice. You don’t have to live with billets so you learn everything on your own.  You don’t have curfews and can do whatever you want. I don’t think at first that the hockey itself was a big transition, but as the grind of the year went along you learn that the older guys do little tricks like subtle things in faceoffs.  Also you are playing against men at the pro level who are stronger, bigger, and faster who might have a wife and three kids.  It’s a lot different.  Hockey is personal to them.” 

In only his third season of pro, Rutherford won the Central Hockey League’s Ray Miron President’s Cup championship while with the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs.  “I think I was one of leading scorers in the playoffs that year. We had a solid team with strong leadership. I have played a lot of playoff hockey, and know that it’s not one guy that leads the way especially at the pro level.  That championship was a complete team effort.”

The following 2011-12 season, Rutherford continued his legacy of racking up championships when his Florida Everblades won the ECHL Kelly Cup.  “I managed to have a good season and scored 30 goals. But when it came to the playoffs, I ended up separating my AC joint so as a result I was more of a role player than goal scorer at that time. I went through so many different things en route to that championship. I ended up also shattering my jaw and losing seven teeth but it was all worth it just for the chance to win the championship.  If there is anything I have learned about the pro level is that there is no way you are getting out of winning something without injuries. Every single guy is hurting by the end of the playoffs.”

During the 2012-13 season Rutherford earned an opportunity to play in the American Hockey League (AHL) and was called up by the Charlotte Checkers, who were now an AHL franchise.  “In the AHL everything is just that much faster, crisper, and better positioning. It was such a great experience being in Charlotte and playing for a first class organization. I was originally only supposed to be called up for a week, but was fortunate enough thanks to my strong play to stay there for the rest of the season. I remember playing against Oklahoma City for my first game. I had so much adrenaline and excitement that I missed three great chances to score.  It was still a tremendous experience for me in that first game and amazing to play with such great players like Zach Boychuk, the Nash’s, Justin Peters, and so many great players and leaders who were on that team.  It was great to be a part of it and learn from the experience.”

As for his first AHL goal, Rutherford recalled, “we were playing a home game in Charlotte, and I got a pass in front of the net and went forehand backhand and ended up sliding it in. I remember celebrating pretty hard and there are some awesome pictures of me coming up to the bench to celebrate with the team and all you can see is my fangs since I didn’t have any teeth in.”

Although he gained a number of hockey experiences throughout his career, attending an NHL training camp was unfortunately not one of them.  “It was something when I was in Junior I had a chance to do, but I got injured and couldn’t go right before training camp. I learned that at the pro level half the battle is just staying healthy. I’ve battled a few injuries in my career. Ultimately, the NHL was something that never really happened.  It was depressing at first because that was always my dream.  However, I’ve made this my dream, and I love hockey so much and there is nothing else I’d rather be doing. I love being around the guys, I love continuing to play, I feel like I can play until I am 37.”

Rutherford’s game has also evolved over the years.  “In my first year I was more of a pest, now I am more of a sound player, simplifying and making the right plays.  It’s not as easy to run everyone every night as it was when I was 20.  Your career evolves depending on the team you are with and the role the coach needs you to play. With Jason Christie here in Ontario, I have been able to find a role as a center on one of the better lines.  My role is to help produce on this team and I am hoping to continue that into the playoffs.”

Drawing on his pedigree for winning championships, Rutherford feels confident about this year’s Ontario Reign team heading into the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs. “I’ve been lucky to have been on some really good teams and play with great teammates and I think as we are marching towards the playoffs, we’re getting all the right pieces in place.  I’ve always had the mindset that I can do something to help the team excel especially in the post season.  It’s one of those things where a lot of things have to go right and the whole team has to be on the same page. It is a game of details when you get to the post season and a lot of times less is more. I try to explain that to the young guys here.  I feel like we have the right players and talent and definitely the goaltending.”

This season marks the final year the Ontario Reign will play in the ECHL as the franchise will become the AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings beginning next season, leaving all the more reason win this year. “I was so excited to come play here in Ontario with Judd Blackwater and be a part of something special.  However, the off-ice stuff is out of my control. All I can control is being part of this team and pushing for a championship.”

Rutherford has become accustomed to the ever changing minor hockey landscape.  Just prior to the start of this season, the Central Hockey League consolidated with the ECHL, creating a domino effect felt by some former CHL players. “I had already signed with Missouri of the CHL before the League consolidated with the ECHL, although I had idea it might happen. After it did there was a dramatic impact because teams went from having six veterans in the CHL to four in the ECHL.  Two of my friends got released, one of which I won a championship with. It is another one of those things that is out of my control.  You have to deal with it, accept it, and move forward.”

Much of the off-ice business involves the Professional Hockey Players Association (PHPA); the collective bargaining representative for AHL and ECHL players.  “Every time we need something, the PHPA has been hands on and willing to help,” explained Rutherford.  “Playing in good organizations you normally don’t have to rely on the PHPA too much. I always stay in contact and follow them on twitter, read their newsletters, articles, and emails.  It’s fascinating stuff for those interested in the business side of the sport.”

As Rutherford and his Ontario Reign battle for the 2015 Kelly Cup, there is a lot more than just hockey that can be taken away from his story.  His passion for doing what he loves serves as an inspiration to anyone aspiring to follow their dreams and do what makes them happy.  His prevalence to overcome injuries teaches lessons about staying strong and battling setbacks.  Most importantly, was his ability to demonstrate resolve after his father passed away.

Rutherford sensed his dad was watching from above and channeled those emotions to help pursue his dream.  His story also touched on the importance of compassionate people like Mike Thompson who came to David’s aid during a difficult time.  Rutherford’s whole life and hockey journey has been a miracle unto itself.

Our lives too have many variables and moments of excellence and hardship. We too, have to have that desire to win and be champions and that mindset applies to not just hockey but in any endeavor and action we undertake to get through this thing we call life (Prince Reference).