SECRETARIAT ON SKATES (via Glenn Dryfoos)

Sutter dies at 73 after lengthy illness (Associated Press, February 10, 2005)

Louis John Sutter, who watched six of his sons play in the NHL, died Thursday after a lengthy illness. He was 73.

"All of Alberta and the hockey world understand the impact that Mr. Sutter and his family have had on our game and in our communities," said Ken King, the president of the Calgary Flames, who are managed and coached by Darryl Sutter. "Mr. Sutter instilled strong values, strong character and strong work ethic in his sons."

Louis and Grace Sutter raised seven sons -- the oldest, Gary, was the only one not to play in the NHL -- in an 800-square-foot, four-bedroom house on a 1,400-acre farm near Edmonton.

All six Sutter brothers who made it to the NHL remained involved in hockey after their playing days. For five seasons in the 1980s, they all played in the league.

As Dryfoos says: "If this guy had been a racehorse, he would have commanded a great stud fee."

Posted by Orrin Judd at February 11, 2005 9:59 AM