Riley Sutter makes AHL debut with Hershey

Riley Sutter made his Hershey Bears debut Friday night after being sidelined by an injury. 

The 20-year-old forward joined Liam O’Brien and Garrett Pilon on the third line Friday night, getting in some good ice time, as well as a chance at both the powerplay and a penalty kill. He showed consistent puck-moving skills and provided help with the PK team. 

“I was excited,” Sutter commented postgame. “It was a long time coming. Some things are different from juniors, like the speed. But the leadership guys and the coaching staff prepared me.”

“He came into a tough situation,” Bears head coach Spencer Carbery said postgame. “Everyone else has started the process of getting into the season and for being a young kid it’s even harder.”

Sutter was drafted 93rd overall by Washington in the 2018 NHL draft. Sutter spent the last four seasons with the Everett Silvertips of the WHL, playing 204 games, tallying 137 points with 60 goals and 77 assists.

“I think [his game] will only get better,” Carbery remarked. “Just trying to feel his way through the first few games.”

“I started off slow,” said Sutter, “but got more [comfortable] as the game went on. I’ll take another step tomorrow, and just get better as I play more.”