Suter to Leave School Early
September 08, 2004 | Men's Hockey
Ryan Suter, a sophomore defenseman for the University of Wisconsin hockey program, will forego his final three years of eligibility to sign with the NHL's Nashville Predators. Suter announced his decision at a Kohl Center news conference on Wednesday. Suter was drafted by Nashville in the first round, seventh overall, in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
A 2004 Third-Team All-WCHA skater and All-WCHA Rookie Team member, Suter collected three goals, 16 assists and 19 points in 39 games during his rookie season last year with the Badgers. The preseason WCHA Rookie of the Year led Wisconsin with a plus-17 in WCHA contests and tied for third on the team with 16 points in league games.
This past December and January, Suter missed four games of the 2003 '04 season for the Badgers while in Finland helping the U.S. junior national team to its first gold medal at the 2004 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championships, held Dec. 26-Jan. 5. He had previously helped the U.S. win gold at the 2002 IIHF World Under-18 Championship in Slovakia.
The son of former Badger Bob Suter (1975'79), a 1980 Olympic gold medalist, Suter is also the nephew of former Badgers Gary (1983'85), a 17-year veteran of the NHL, and John (1973'78). He becomes the first Badger to leave school early to sign an NHL contract since Dany Heatley did so following a two-year Wisconsin career that ended with the 2000'01 campaign.
'We're excited for Ryan,' said Wisconsin hockey coach Mike Eaves. 'It has been a life dream of his to get to the next level. We 're disappointed he won't be with us to help get us to the next level, but we wish him the best of luck and health.'
Wisconsin opens the 2004'05 campaign on Friday, Oct. 15 when Mercyhurst visits the Kohl Center for a 7:05 p.m. tilt.
