Bob Suter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bob Suter |
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| Born | May 16, 1957 Madison, Wisconsin, U.S. |
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| Died | September 9, 2014 (aged 57) Middleton, Wisconsin, U.S. |
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| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) | |||||||||||||||
| Weight | 179 lb (81 kg; 12 st 11 lb) | |||||||||||||||
| Position | Defense | |||||||||||||||
| Shot | Left | |||||||||||||||
| Played for | Tulsa Oilers Nashville South Stars |
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| National team |  United States |
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| NHL Draft | 120th overall, 1977 Los Angeles Kings |
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| WHA Draft | 58th overall, 1977 Birmingham Bulls |
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| Playing career | 1978–1982 | |||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Robert Allen Suter (May 16, 1957 – September 9, 2014) was a famous American ice hockey player. He was a defenseman, which is a player who helps protect the goal. Bob Suter was a key part of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team. This team famously won the gold medal in what is known as the "Miracle on Ice".
Bob came from a family of hockey players. His brother, Gary Suter, also played in the National Hockey League (NHL). His son, Ryan Suter, is a current NHL player for the Dallas Stars. Another son, Garrett, played college hockey. His nephew, Jeremy Dehner, also played professional hockey.
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Bob Suter's Early Hockey Days
Bob Suter was born in Madison, Wisconsin. He went to Madison East High School and played hockey there. After high school, he played college hockey at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
College Hockey Success
While at the University of Wisconsin, Bob was part of the 1977 NCAA hockey champion team. They were known as the Wisconsin Badgers. Bob was known for his tough play on the ice. He set several records for penalty minutes during his time with the Badgers.
Joining the Olympic Team
In 1979, Bob briefly played for the Tulsa Oilers. Soon after, he joined the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team. This team went on to win the gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics. It was a huge moment in sports history.
Bob Suter's Professional Career
After the Olympics, Bob Suter had a chance to play in the NHL. The Los Angeles Kings picked him in the 1977 NHL Draft. The Birmingham Bulls also drafted him for the World Hockey Association.
Choosing His Path
Bob decided not to sign with the Los Angeles Kings after the Olympics. He wanted to become a free agent, meaning he could choose which team to play for. He took a break from hockey in the 1980–81 season.
Playing for Team USA Again
In 1981, Bob returned to play for the United States team. He competed in the 1981 Ice Hockey World Championship in Stockholm. Later, he signed with the Minnesota North Stars in the NHL. However, he spent the entire 1981–82 season playing for their farm team, the Nashville South Stars, in the Central Hockey League. Bob retired from playing hockey in 1982 without playing a game in the NHL.
Life After Playing Hockey
After retiring from playing, Bob Suter returned to Madison, Wisconsin. He opened his own sporting goods store called Gold Medal Sports.
Coaching and Arena Ownership
Bob also became a youth hockey coach in Madison. He loved helping young players learn the game. He also became a part-owner and director of the Capitol Ice Arena in Middleton, Wisconsin. This arena was a big part of his life.
A Lasting Legacy
Bob Suter passed away on September 9, 2014. He was the first player from the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to die. Ten months after his death, the Capitol Ice Arena was renamed in his honor. It is now known as "Bob Suter's Capitol Ice Arena." This was a way to remember his contributions to hockey and his community.
Awards and Achievements
- 1980 Olympics Gold Medal
