2022 | Virginia | BOYS

Dayton Sutphen | Independence Tigers | BOYS

I would like to nominate Dayton Sutphen for the Hobey Baker High School Character Award. This was my first year with the team, from the start Dayton proved that he was. a leader on the team. Leading by example, he helped me develop a culture of competition and sportsman ship. Always ready with some encouraging words for team mates, not letting the freshmen fall and most importantly being the example both on and off the ice of what a young man, that plays hockey should be.

The most stunning example I have of Dayton’s character, he handnt taken a penalty all year. Our first game in the playoffs, the officiating was less than desirable. The team knows that I have strong feelings about treating all the officials with respect. Dayton was called for a ruffing call, a call that he didn’t deserve. After the player held him on the ice, and he made no effort to retaliate to the other player being aggressive. He got up and apologized for the hit, to the player. After he served his penalty , he apologized to his team, and after the game he discussed what he viewed his faults were in the call. After review of the call , the league reversed his penalty at my request. When Dayton was informed that his suspension was overturned and he could play, because of his character and reputation as a clean player, he was over joyed and tried to insist in serving the suspension.

Saying Coach the ref thought I did wrong, i want to respect his call. needless to say we convinced him to play..