Brett Sutter is the PHPA Player Representative for the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League (AHL) and was elected to the PHPA Executive Committee in 2018. Sutter played four seasons of Junior in the Western Hockey League (WHL) for Kootenay and Red Deer. Sutter was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 6th round in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, made his professional debut in 2007 with the Quad City Flames, and has since played over 800 AHL games and 60 NHL games. The Viking, AB native has been with Ontario since 2016 and was named captain in 2017.
How did you become a PHPA Representative and what are some of your roles and responsibilities?
As you become an older player on a team, you become more knowledgeable about what the PHPA is and the importance of utilizing what it does for you. I think it’s a responsibility of older players to learn and teach the younger generation it’s importance.
How did you enjoy attending the PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives? What was your favourite part(s)?
The meetings are great. You get brought up to speed on all the current news and actually share what players want on the meeting agenda. Always great getting a chance to know some of the players you go to war with all season on a more personal level.
How has growing up in a family with so many influential hockey figures helped you grow as a professional hockey player?
Well it’s a special family that remains extremely close even though we are usually 1000’s of miles apart. I think starting with my Dad it’s always good to have somebody to lean on who has been through all the highs and lows of the sport and to have the support cast. Him and my uncles always have stories for just about everything so there really isn’t much they haven’t been through themselves, so it always makes for some great conversations and great people to talk shop with.
This is your third full season playing in Ontario. How have you enjoyed living in California? How does it compare to living in Alberta?
Well it’s a hell of a lot warmer right now so I can’t complain there. But it’s different for sure. A lot of people and traffic, lots of hustle and bustle at all times compared to back home. We have great fans and a great building so that part of living here has been outstanding.
You recently surpassed 800 games played in the AHL (Congratulations!). Is there a favourite memory that stands out from your career thus far?
Not a single memory over the rest. More so than any big goal or big game I would probably just say you remember all the friends you’ve made. So many great teammates over the years, guys you go to war with all season become family. Still keep in touch with a lot of them and teammates will always be the reason it’s worth playing this game.
This is your second season serving as team captain for Ontario. How would you describe your leadership style and what are some things you do to help mentor some of the younger guys on the team?
I just think every day at the rink is a good day. We are very luck to play this game for a living so why not show up, work your ass off and enjoy the process. That’s what it’s all about.
Do you have any hockey superstitions? If so, what are they?
Not really, just a warmup routine.
Over the course of your professional career, who has been the funniest teammate you have played with and why?
I’ll go with a current teammate even though there are lots. Jamie Devane. He always keeps things light and he has a one liner in his pocket for just about everything.
How do you spend your offseason and what do you do to unwind after a busy season?
Spend as much time with family as I can in Alberta. My two daughters take up most of my time now… if they’re happy, I’m happy so lots of stuff with them. Usually outside exploring and enjoying all the fun things that come with that.
Who is your favourite non-hockey professional athlete and why?
Tiger Woods and every Toronto Blue Jay. Mostly because I’m a super fan.
Favourite movie(s) of all time?
Bull Durham. I think Crash Davis is me.
Top vacation spot you’ve been to?
We love Banff. Nothing exotic… just down the road but we love our outdoor stuff.
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