Sutter, Makarov set off for Russia
There will be more on the line for Saskatoon Blades centre Lukas Sutter than just wins and losses at the Canada-Russia Challenge.
Sutter, who was named to Team Canada’s roster in June, is bound to get a few chances to score on Russian goaltender Andrey Makarov during the four-game series.
Because the two share the ice for the WHL’s Blades, Sutter wants to ensure he has the bragging rights when the team begins its training camp later this month.
“It’s going to be a fun experience,” Sutter said of the Challenge, which begins next Thursday in Russia. “Andrey’s one of my good friends.
“You don’t get to play your teammates too often, so you want to get the upper hand on him coming back for the season.”
Sutter, a native of Lethbridge, Alta., arrives in Toronto today to meet up with his Canadian teammates.
The 28 players — three goaltenders, 10 defencemen and 15 forwards — will practise Friday before departing for Russia.
Makarov, who has been training this summer in London, Ont., is already back in Russia.
The Canada-Russia Challenge was created to pay tribute to the 40th anniversary of the 1972 Summit Series. The first two contests are in Yaroslavl, Russia, next Thursday and Friday and the series concludes with a pair of games in Halifax Aug. 13 and 14.
Hockey Canada will use the event to identify players for the 2013 world junior championship in December instead of holding its traditional summer evaluation camp.
Sutter said he wants to make a good impression by playing the way he did with the Blades in 2011-12. The 6-foot-1, 202-pound pivot recorded 28 goals and 59 points in 70 games and was named the Blades’ best defensive forward after posting a plus15 rating.
“I don’t think it’s going to change too much from the role I played during the winter,” Sutter said.
“I’m going to bring that gritty two-way game with a lot of spark and a lot of jump. I want to provide that for my team. It’s something I take a lot of pride in,” Sutter added.
“I really look forward to playing that role and earning a spot on the winter team.”
The Canada-Russia Challenge marks the end of a long off-season for Sutter.
Selected in the second round of the NHL draft by the Winnipeg Jets (39th overall), he took part in the team’s development camp early last month.
Sutter then ventured to Minnesota, where he underwent on-ice training for the next couple of weeks before returning to Lethbridge “just in time do some laundry.”
“It’s been tough being away from home all summer, but it comes with the territory,” Sutter said. “You’re only 18 once, so it’s been a lot of fun.”