The Gorilla’s silverback

AMARILLO, Texas – As his third season begins with the Amarillo Gorillas, 23-year-old forward Austin Sutter suddenly finds himself the silverback of a totally revamped Gorilla team. Parked halfway between the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers, Red Deer, Alberta just has to be a hockey town. Okay, what town in Canada is not a hockey town, you say. Right, but Red Deer just seems to grow some good ones… Ron Anderson, former NHL/WHA winger; Glen Wesley, defenseman who raised the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes, Mark Trinordi, former

Stars and Capitals defenseman, and Austin Sutter, third year pro with the CHL Amarillo Gorillas. Austin Sutter is one of the few survivors of the Gorillas current makeover. Sutter, a 5 ft. 9 in., 180 lb forward, began his pro career in the CHL with the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs during the 2006-2007 season. “I remember being pretty nervous,” Sutter said. “New city, new teammates, new fans, but most of all, a whole new level of hockey. Coming out of college and turning pro is a big jump, not only on the ice, but off too.” “I wanted to just play that game simple,” Sutter added, remembering his pro debut. “We ended up winning the game… after a line brawl… against Laredo. Overall it was a great experience.” After 3 games, Sutter was obtained by the Gorillas and quickly became a fan favorite. Sutter seems to be a fan of Amarillo as well.  “Amarillo has some of the nicest people of any place I have ever been,” Sutter said. “It is very similar to home. I have had some of my best times living and playing here.” This past season, Sutter had a stellar season with the Gorillas, collecting 65 ponts on 24 goals and 41 assists over the course of 64 games. “Some of the best moments last season were playing with David Nimmo and Bill Vandermeer,” Sutter said. “Last season was my favorite year of hockey in my life.” When asked about his influences in Alberta, Sutter said;
“Growing up in Canada you really had no choice but to play hockey. It is a passion I discovered when I was very young. I was obsessed with it. Teachers at school were concerned I was too into the sport. I played it year round, summer travel teams, organized winter leagues, and in my spare time, spending countless amounts of hours at the outdoor rink that we could see from my families kitchen window.” “Without my parents sacrificing almost everything for me to be able to do those things,” Sutter said, “there is no way I would be playing pro hockey today. From the age I could understand pro hockey, until now, it has all I ever wanted to do.” “Playing pro hockey in Amarillo isn’t the NHL,” Sutter added, “but it is a dream come true. It is something that doesn’t last forever, and it needs to be cherished while it lasts.” His passion for hockey is evident. When questioned as to what he we would like to do after his playing days, Sutter says he would like coach, and then added that “he would not like to be a zamboni driver or referee.” Without the skates strapped on, you’ve a good chance to catch Sutter playing one of his guitars, a passion he expresses along with a love of family, friendsand God… and a stated distaste for politics, war and rap music. When asked how he would like to be remembered, he answered, “That I was an honest, kind-hearted person who cares about others. Someone who gave their best regardless of their occupation… who showed up everyday.” That’s the impression one gets when talking with Austin Sutter. And here’s to looking at his best days in hockey yet to be experienced by Amarillo fans.
Contact the author at: rhudson@prohockeynews.com