Minnesotans know a hockey family when they see one. The Sutter family, however, is perhaps the most royal of all hockey families – and there’s a Minnesota connection.
Brett Sutter, a forward for the Minnesota Wild’s American Hockey League affiliate in Iowa, displays the name proudly on the back of his jersey. His father, Kings coach Darryl Sutter, and five uncles all played in the NHL, forming arguably the most talented hockey family in NHL history.
Brett’s younger brother, Christopher Sutter, is not an NHL player. He was born with Down syndrome in 1993. But on Sunday at the NHL All-Star Game, his father handed his All-Star coaching reins to Christopher, who took full advantage of the opportunity.
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Christopher is shown congratulating Ducks forward Bobby Ryan on his goal before giving some pointers to Blackhawks star Patrick Kane. Captials superstar Alex Ovechkin is also shown smiling in the NHL.com video.
“You know what? He’s the happiest guy every day,” Brett said of his brother in an interview with the Des Moines Register in October. “Things don’t come real easy, obviously, to kids with Down syndrome. But when you come home and if you’re having a tough day, he can spot it right away and make you smile.
“Just the positive outlook on life is amazing. We should take a page out of that book every once in a while.”
At the end of the day, it was another shining moment in Sutter hockey history.
Once again I'm a proud big brother! Can't wait to talk to him after this one! #BestBuds https://t.co/Yw0aYuwfly
— Brett Sutter (@sutter_brett) January 26, 2015
“I had a great time,” said Christopher, who was interviewed by the the Los Angeles Times. “It was a fun weekend for me. I had a great time with my dad. It was a fun three days here.”
Head coaches Chris and Darryl Sutter lead #TeamFoligno to #NHLAllStarSkillz victory! pic.twitter.com/PzHW8Hcy8C
— LA Kings (@LAKings) January 25, 2015
