Brent Sutter Named Devils Head Coach

[HordiBrusk29]

The New Jersey Devils today named Brent Sutter to the position of head coach. The announcement was made by Devils’ CEO/President/GM Lou Lamoriello.

“We are fortunate to have someone with Brent Sutter’s character, knowledge, energy, enthusiasm, and experience join our organization,” said Lamoriello. “He has been successful at every level and we look forward to him continuing that success in the National Hockey League.”

As WHL Champions, he led Red Deer to the 2001 Memorial Cup Championship at Regina, Saskatchewan. Sutter has also coached internationally, guiding the Canadian National Junior team to consecutive 6-0-0 marks and Gold Medals in 2005 and 2006, becoming the only individual to ever accomplish the feat. As a player, the Viking, Alberta native helped his country to first-place finishes at the 1984, 1987, and 1991 Canada Cup Championships. Sutter was also a member of Canada’s 1986 Bronze Medal-winning World Championship team.

Sutter, 45, joins the Devils after spending the past eight seasons as owner, president, general manager, and coach of Red Deer (WHL). During that time, he led the Rebels to a 314-194-68 (.604) mark in 576 regular-season games behind the team’s bench. Sutter guided Red Deer to its first-ever league championship in 2001, and three consecutive WHL Eastern Conference Championships from 2001-03. He was the recipient of the 2001 Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy as the league’s top coach.

Sutter’s NHL playing career spanned 18 seasons with the New York Islanders and Chicago Blackhawks. A center, he recorded 363 goals and 466 assists for 829 points and 1,054 penalty minutes in 1,111 career regular-season games. Sutter added 30 goals and 44 assists for 74 points and 164 penalty minutes in 144 career playoff games.

Along with his brother Duane, he was a member of New York’s 1982 and 1983 Stanley Cup Championship teams, and served as captain from 1987 through 1991.

Sutter was was traded to Chicago on October 25, 1991 and played seven more seasons, including three years for his brother Darryl. Sutter retired as an active player on April 18, 1998. He was originally New York’s first choice and the 17th overall selection in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft.

Brent Sutter is the third youngest of seven Sutter brothers, six of whom played in the NHL. He and his wife, Connie, have two sons, Merrick and Brandon, and one daughter, Brooke. Brandon currently plays for the Rebels, and was Carolina’s first choice, 11th overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

[hazard5]

that makes me really happy.

[DaveBrown69]

I don't know if he'd be good or bad for NJ, but I'd guess good!

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by DaveBrown69

I don't know if he'd be good or bad for NJ, but I'd guess good!

Of course it is. He's a Sutter after all.

[DaveBrown69]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

Of course it is. He's a Sutter after all.

I'd say.

[Elf]

I hope it is true.

Let the Rebels suffer a few losing seasons for awhile.

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by Elf

I hope it is true.

Let the Rebels suffer a few losing seasons for awhile.

Well, remember another Sutter, Brian, is rumored to be taking over coaching duties for the Rebels. So they will be fine, IMO. It's nice to see Brian coaching again.

[Isles4life]

This would be an interesting move if it turns out to be true. Sutter could put some potential stability in a recently unstable coaching position.

[bengino]

Well, i'd be kinda surprised to see this happen, but not entirely caught off guard... but the question is, is he really the kind of guy for Lou Lamoriello?

[Elf]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

Well, remember another Sutter, Brian, is rumored to be taking over coaching duties for the Rebels. So they will be fine, IMO. It's nice to see Brian coaching again.

Hordi, I hope it makes you happy to take away any glory I might have felt over Sutter leaving, and then learning he is being replaced by his brother.

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by Elf

Hordi, I hope it makes you happy to take away any glory I might have felt over Sutter leaving, and then learning he is being replaced by his brother.

Sorry to burst your bubble. On the bright side maybe another Sutter in the central division will make Lethbridge toughen up a bit. Then again maybe pigs will fly...

[PuckHogs29]

This would be a pretty good move I think. Sutter definitely brings alot to the table and is the kind of guy this team could use. Hopefully he develops a good relationship with Lou and sticks around for awhile. This is another rumor I'd like to see come true.

[HordiBrusk29]

It seems like this is becoming more of a fact than just a rumor at this point.

Brent Sutter Steps Down As Governor/Head Coach/GM Of Rebels

[Elf]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

Sorry to burst your bubble. On the bright side maybe another Sutter in the central division will make Lethbridge toughen up a bit. Then again maybe pigs will fly...

I am not sure why I even bother cheering for them.

From the board of directors on down, problems. Even the community ownership...failure.

And to think that the Sutters put in an offer to buy the team...

My only hope is that Brian does a bad job.

[canuckfan]

Anyone see Sutter's press conference this evening? He was trying to holdback tears - I think thats the closest I've ever seen a Sutter come to crying - kind of weird, like seeing a mortician try to laugh.

Anyhow, looks pretty definite that Brian will be taking over coaching duties in Red Deer.