• Suter, Bob - 2001

Bob Suter is a native of Madison, and as a member of the Suter family, has become emblematic of quality hockey through dedication and leadership and a passion for the game equaled by few people today.

He began his playing career with the Madison Lakers Peewees under the guidance of his father, Marlowe, whom he follows into the Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame. Suter played in two Bantam National Championship tournaments representing Wisconsin. Suter went on to a stellar career as a defenseman at Madison East High School where he helped his school win two state high school championships. Suter also played in the National Championship Junior “B” Tournament. As a four-year letterman for the University of Wisconsin under Coach Bob Johnson, Suter helped the Badgers to a WCHA title, as well as the national championship in 1977. Suter was also a member of the 1978 and 1979 Central Teams at the National Sports Festivals.

Showing grit and determination, Suter came back from injury to play a key roll in the 1980 Winter Olympics as he helped the Miracle on Ice Team bring home the gold medal for the United States at Lake Placid. Drafted by the Minnesota North Stars, his playing career was ended by injury after the 1981 season with the Nashville South Stars of the American Hockey League.

Suter began his coaching career in the 1982-83 season by heading up the Madison Capitol Juniors A’s and has played an integral part in the Madison Capitol organization ever since. His 20 years of coaching have seen him work with youngsters of all ages, helping put Wisconsin hockey on the map. Suter has taken numerous teams to state and national tournaments at the peewee, bantam, midget, and junior levels. Suter also coached the Madison East high school team.

Suter operates Suter’s Gold Medal Sports in Madison, and through this has been able to touch the lives and careers of even more hockey players in Wisconsin. He continues to play for the 1980 Olympic Alumni Team to benefit various charities. His involvement also extends to the Madison Policy-Community Relations, Special Olympics and the outreach of Trinity Lutheran Church. Suter and his wife Mary Beth have five children, Justin, Ryan, Garrett, Jason and Tyler.