The Professional Hockey Players Association announced the recipients of the 2022-23 Veteran’s Presence award on June 26. On that list included Calgary Wranglers captain Brett Sutter. The PHPA recognizes two members from the AHL and the ECHL for this award. One from the Eastern Conference and one from the Western Conference. Sutter received the honour for the AHL Western Conference.
This is a player-voted award that professional players are eligible for if they, “qualify as a league veteran and continuously demonstrates the ability to motivate and lead their fellow teammates. They use their experience to provide leadership for their teammates, both on and off the ice,” per the PHPA.
The Wranglers Captain fit this definition perfectly not only with his many years of NHL and AHL experience at the age of 36 but by also creating a professional, respectful and successful dynamic around his team. He mentored many players in their first professional year and lead by example with his play and in the way he carried himself off the ice.
His teammates shared how much fun it was to come to the rink every day and that was a common narrative throughout the season. While many things contribute to that, the Captain does have a lot to do with team chemistry. He even earned himself the title of team Dad. If that’s not a top-tier veteran, I’m not sure what is.
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Sutter adds this award to the other accomplishments of the 2022-23 season including his 1000th AHL game played, the Pacific Division Title and the League title at the completion of the regular season. It wouldn’t have been the year to win it all and win the cup, but even without that ultimate award, Sutter lead an incredible inaugural year for his team.
He commented on this award to the PHPA saying,
“I’m honoured to be presented with an award voted on by my peers. I’m proud to be a veteran in this league and thankful for the opportunity to be in consideration with the many leaders I got to play with and against this season.”
Brett Sutter’s future is currently unknown with the Calgary Wranglers, but having him around to lead this team again next season will be a very welcome outcome from his peers and fans alike.
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