Is Brett Sutter a rising star in the coaching ranks? The Calgary Flames believe so
Kerins, who was the Wranglers' leading scorer in 2024-25, has also talked about the value of having 'one of probably the biggest AHL legends' to lean on through the early stages of his pro career.
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'It's all about communication and trust,' Brett said, detailing his approach. 'You know, hockey players are simple guys. They want to hear the truth. They want to know exactly where they stand. They want to know the things they're doing well, the things they need to improve on. And I think just having that no-games, open-and-honest relationship, it makes your team better, but it also makes the individuals better.
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'These are really single-track-mind guys. When they decide they want to make it to the NHL, they're all-in on that goal. Those are the kinds of kids that you want to work really hard for, and that's part of the reason this job is so great. It is rewarding when you see their dreams do come true.'
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Who could possibly be more proud than the coach when one of those kids — at any age — achieves a career goal?
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Well, the dad would be one.
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'Brett is a really good fit for 'em, I think,' Darryl said. 'I think he's ready for it. He'll do a really good job.'
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While Brett has now filled that assistant-coaching vacancy, plucking another former AHL captain in David Liffiton from the Calgary Hitmen, he knows that a former Jack Adams Trophy winner and two-time Stanley Cup champion is always just a phone call away.
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'When you grow up in the locker room, you kind of understand how things work, how people work, things you like, things you don't like,' Brett said. 'For me, it's just nice having that support system. I know my dad is always there if I have any questions. He doesn't interfere too much. He's more stay-in-the-background unless I ask him something.
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'The more time you spend in the locker room, you see things and you decide, 'Yeah, that's how I want my locker room to be,' or, 'That's not how I want my locker room to be.' After 19 years in the American League, I've seen a lot of different locker rooms and have a pretty clear picture in my mind of how I'd like ours to look. I look forward to starting to build that now.'
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