The 3rd Annual Zoomer List: Canada’s Top 45 Over 45: Darryl Sutter

In December 2011, the Los Angeles Kings, a 45-year-old franchise, was struggling through a desultory season when they convinced him to leave his cattle farm in his hometown of Viking, Alta., and take over as head coach. From a clan of seven boys (six of whom played in the NHL), Sutter had an eight-year playing career and has been a coach since 1992 with the Chicago Blackhawks, the San Jose Sharks and the Calgary Flames. The gruff taskmaster instituted his familiar brand of tough hockey, transforming the Kings’ fortunes and shocking the sporting world by leading them to their first taste of Stanley Cup glory. “It’s something you do from when you’re a little boy. You always play for the Stanley Cup.”