It was an emotional first day of training camp for Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan Suter.
Following Friday’s practice, Suter addressed the media for the first time since his father, Bob Suter, passed away on Sept. 9. Bob Suter was most famously known for being a member of the “Miracle On Ice” team that won the Olympic gold medal in 1980.
The younger Suter detailed how he heard the terrible news, telling media he was in the middle of a pre-training camp skate when he saw his wife, Becky, up against the glass.
“I didn’t know what it would be, then she said, ‘Your dad’s not good,’” Suter said while fighting back tears. “We were really close, just a really good guy. I’m going to miss him.”
The late Bob Suter suffered a heart attack at just 57 years old and died later that day. He was laid to rest Saturday with more than 4,000 people in attendance, a sign of the impact that Bob had on the community and hockey.
Wild owner Craig Leipold flew the entire team to Madison, Wis., for the service to show support for their star.
“For those guys to be there, it was awesome,” Suter said. “Every one of them has reached out to me, and tried to help. I can’t say enough about the guys and the organization. It’s a special group of people here.”
The Bob Suter Memorial Fund has been founded in his honor. Suter’s motto was “It’s all about the kids,” and the fund will serve to help continue his passion for youth hockey in Wisconsin and throughout the United States.
Suter sees getting back on the ice as a cathartic experience and says he is ready to focus on the upcoming season.
Photo via Jerry Lai/USA TODAY Sports Images
