OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Warriors forward Drew Sutton announced his commitment to play Division-I hockey for the Union College Dutchmen Monday.
“There are a number of reasons Union College was the right choice for me, and it was an easy decision to make,” said Sutton. “Education is very important to me and Union is a prestigious school with a good history of academics so that played a big factor.”
Sutton expressed the Union coaching style as another influence on his commitment.
“In speaking with them, I can tell that they are players’ coaches so I’m really excited for that aspect of the team,” said Sutton. “To me, a player’s coach is someone who you can develop a relationship with and someone who will check in with how you’re doing, whether academically, on the ice or just because they care.”
Through 42 games with the Warriors, Sutton sits second in team scoring with 47 (16G+31A) points and has a +33 plus-minus rating. In addition to his impressive offense, Sutton’s knack for the defensive side of the puck makes him all the more important to the team’s success.
Sutton, 20, contributes heavily to Oklahoma’s NAHL-leading penalty kill, and has taken the fewest PIM on the team among skaters who’ve appeared in six games or more, with 4. He credits the team’s structure and coaches for his success.
“I have great teammates on the ice who make the game easier, but they’re even better guys in the locker room and we have a great coaching staff,” said Sutton. “I want to go out there and play my best not only for myself, but also for them. We’re a team, and every single guy knows his role. It leads to confidence and success on the ice.
Having always been interested in sciences and biology, Sutton plans on studying for the medical field and wants to prepare for a potential career in medicine after hockey. Before starting his collegiate journey, he acknowledges there’s work to be done as a Warrior.
“The end goal is to win a championship,” said Sutton. “We have a very special group and every single guy in our locker room knows we have the ability to win. That’s the main focus right now- making the playoffs and then making a run from there.”