Bob Suter

Bob Suter

Bob Suter was born on May 16th, 1957

Full Name: Robert Allen Suter
Born: May 16, 1957
Place of Birth: Madison, Wisconsin
Nationality: American
Profession: Ice Hockey Player
Height: 5 ft 9 in
Weight: 180 lb
Played For: USA National Team

American ice hockey player and coach who won a gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics as part of the "Miracle on Ice" team and later coached in the NHL. He's an iconic figure in American hockey history.

Written by: David Williams David Williams

Bob Suter: The Unsung Hero of the Miracle on Ice

Known for his rugged defense and unwavering dedication to his team, Bob Suter is an American ice hockey defenseman who etched his name in history as a member of the legendary 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that pulled off the miraculous "Miracle on Ice" gold medal win.

A talented and tenacious player, Suter's determination and rough play earned him a spot on the Olympic team, where he played a crucial role in the team's unforgettable victory over the Soviet Union.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Born on May 16, 1957, in Madison, Wisconsin, Suter grew up with a passion for hockey. He attended Madison East High School, where he honed his skills before moving on to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

At the University of Wisconsin, Suter became a key player for the Badgers, setting several records for penalty minutes before leaving in 1979. His impressive performance earned him a spot on the 1977 NCAA hockey champion Wisconsin Badgers.

Professional Career

Suter was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the 1977 NHL Entry Draft, but he rejected their contract offer following the 1980 Olympics. Instead, he decided to sit out the 1980-81 season to become an unrestricted free agent.

In 1981, Suter signed with the Minnesota North Stars, but spent the entire 1981-82 season in the Central Hockey League with the Nashville South Stars farm team. Eventually, he retired in 1982 without playing a single game in the NHL.

Post-Playing Career

After hanging up his skates, Suter returned to Madison and opened a sporting goods store called Gold Medal Sports. He remained involved in the hockey community, often attending events and participating in charity games.

Personal Life and Legacy

Suter came from a family of hockey enthusiasts. His brother, Gary Suter, is a former NHL player, and his son, Ryan Suter, currently plays for the Dallas Stars. Another son, Garrett, played for the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association.

Beyond his impressive hockey career, Suter's legacy lies in his contributions to the sport. His rough play and tenacious defense inspired a generation of hockey players, and his involvement in charity events has made a lasting impact on his community.

Though his playing career was cut short, Bob Suter's contributions to the Miracle on Ice team and his dedication to the sport have cemented his place in the annals of hockey history.

Trivia and Fun Facts

Timeline
1957
Born in Wisconsin
Bob Suter was born on May 16, 1957, in Madison, Wisconsin.
1980
Olympic Gold Medal
Suter won an Olympic gold medal with the US hockey team at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.
1982
NHL Debut
He made his NHL debut in 1982 with the Minnesota North Stars.
1990
Coaching Career
Suter began his coaching career in 1990.
2014
Passed Away
He passed away on February 9, 2014.
Bob Suter

Bob Suter Quiz

What was Bob Suter's most notable achievement in his playing career?

Score: 0/5
FAQ
What was Bob Suters most notable achievement in ice hockey?
Bob Suter was a member of the 1980 US Olympic ice hockey team, known as the Miracle on Ice, which won the gold medal against the Soviet Union.
How did Bob Suters experience on the 1980 Olympic team shape his coaching career?
Bob Suters experience on the 1980 Olympic team had a profound impact on his coaching career, as he drew on the lessons he learned from Herb Brooks and other coaches.
What was Bob Suters coaching philosophy?
Bob Suters coaching philosophy emphasized the importance of teamwork, discipline, and hard work. He was known for being a players coach, who was able to get the most out of his players.
How did Bob Suters playing experience inform his coaching style?
Bob Suters playing experience informed his coaching style, as he was able to draw on his own experiences as a player to understand what his players were going through.
What is Bob Suters legacy in American ice hockey?
Bob Suters legacy in American ice hockey is one of a true pioneer, who helped to shape the sport and inspire future generations of players and coaches.

Related People:

Mike Eruzione

71 Years Old

Captain of the 1980 US Olympic hockey team that defeated the Soviet Union in the "Miracle on Ice" game, leading the team to a gold medal.

Jim Craig

68 Years Old

Goalie who backstopped the 1980 US Olympic hockey team to a miraculous gold medal, earning the "Miracle on Ice" nickname.

Dave Silk

67 Years Old

American ice hockey player who won a gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics as a member of the "Miracle on Ice" team, scoring a goal in the decisive game against the Soviet Union. He played professionally in the NHL and AHL.

Mark Johnston

46 Years Old

Canadian swimmer who won three Olympic medals, including a gold in the 4x100m medley relay at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Known for his impressive butterfly stroke and contributions to Canada's swimming team.

Rob McClanahan

67 Years Old

Olympic gold medalist and professional hockey player, known for his speed and scoring ability on the ice. He was a member of the legendary 1980 "Miracle on Ice" team that defeated the Soviet Union.