Lethbridge, AB – At 18-years old, he’s considered a “rookie” with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, but Defenceman Connor Sutton arrives in the Western Hockey League with plenty of experience. Before showcasing his talents at the Hurricanes Training Camp in August, Sutton split his time in the AJHL with Spruce Grove and Calgary where in 53 games last year he had 13 points (7G, 6A) and 43 PIM’s.

With a year of Junior under his belt, he realizes the step up from minor hockey is a big leap, but he’s ready and believes he’s learned about practicing every day and working out. He also admits training camp was a great experience saying “I didn’t know what to expect, but the games were fun, high intensity, practices were great, I met a lot of great people that took me under their wing.”

Playing in the WHL was always on his radar, but he was at a crossroads because Sutton also looked at his NCAA options but in the end “the Western League suited me better; Lethbridge was great to bring me in and I’m looking forward to everything in the future.”

The 6’3, 215 lb. blueliner describes himself as a “defensive defenceman” who likes to be physical, move the puck and he’ll jump into the offence when he can. He says his goal this year is just to bring his steady style of play to the team. He’s not necessarily a flashy player but he does the little things right and on a team that goes a long way.

Head Coach and GM Rich Preston likes what he sees from Sutton saying “at 18 he’s an experienced defenceman who gives us size, he had a pretty good camp and made the team.” Sutton is still waiting to make his regular season debut in the WHL as he’s been sidelined with an upper body injury for the past week. He did play four preseason games chipping in with two assists, and once he gets his shot – the sky’s the limit for this 18-year old rookie.