BRYAN WILSON – 07.25.2023
Brett Sutter is excited to be back for another season with the Wranglers.
The Calgary captain was all smiles as he spoke outside the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Tuesday afternoon, where his plan for the day was to casually hit the ice and ‘test out a few new sticks’.
It was announced earlier that morning that Sutter would be suiting up for another year here, after signing a one-year AHL deal.
Already with 1,044 AHL games under his belt, Sutter is excited for the upcoming season and a chance to take another run at the coveted Calder Cup.
“Really excited, obviously it was something that I wanted,” said Sutter. “To keep my family here and (have) another opportunity to play with those guys in that locker-room. (Just) thrilled to be back and excited to get going again.”
CALGARY, AB – DECEMBER 21, 2022: The Calgary Wranglers against the Ontario Reign at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Wednesday night (Angela Burger/Calgary Wranglers).
It was an unforgettable debut for the Wranglers in their inaugural year in 2022-23, as Sutter led his group to a Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy for most points (106) in the regular season.
But a heart wrenching overtime defeat in a deciding Game 5 of the Pacific Division semifinals ended their Cup dream, which still weighs on him.
Having chance at redemption certainly factored into his decision to re-sign in Calgary, however, the 36-year-old explained that the camaraderie of the group and a chance to go to battle once more with the guys in the locker-room, was his main motivation to return.
“I think last year’s team was the entire decision,” he explained. “The main reason I came back was for my teammates and (to have) another chance to get to go to war with those guys. We have an extremely tight group and the majority of us are coming back so we’re excited to get going and have another chance.
“Obviously, last season left a bit of a sour taste in our mouth at the end there, so we’re going to come back into the season with a chip on our shoulder and we’re excited to get going.”
“Really excited… (It’s) another chance to play with those guys in that locker room.”
Brett Sutter chatted with Bryan Wilson about signing his new contract, his summer training and the upcoming season with the Wranglers. pic.twitter.com/MLZnNVKF0M
— Calgary Wranglers (@AHLWranglers) July 25, 2023
Sutter, affectionately given the nickname ‘Dad’ in the Wranglers locker-room last season, beams with pride when talking about his teammates and keeps in touch often during the summer.
“We talk almost daily with the guys in the group, we’ve got a group message going,” he revealed. “It’s a pretty tight knit team.”
Change is inevitable in the offseason and it’s no different for the Wranglers – most notably behind the bench with the addition of Trent Cull as head coach – but Sutter welcomes the opportunity to start fresh and get to know the new group.
“A lot of change, but sometimes change is good, and we’re excited to start with everyone,” he said.
“Obviously excited to get to know Trent and the rest of the crew around the Flames organization.”
