Sutherland Makes Decision; Signs with Bradford
(Bradford, ON, November 09, 2011)
By: Sean Werth
With a transaction that could make Bradford undoubtedly the new favorite to win the Russell Cup; Rob Sutherland has signed on with the Bradford Rattlers. Widely regarded as the best goalie in the GMHL, the American free agent goaltender has decided to call Bradford home for the remainder of the season.
Sutherland, 21, signed a one year contract with Bradford, to finish his junior career. The 2010 ‘GMHL Best Goaltender’ recipient was a highly sought after commodity following his release from the South Mukoka Shield last week. This season, with the South Muskoka Shield, Sutherland has recorded a 3-4-0 record, with 2.82 GAA and .911 save percentage with one shutout.
Bradford becomes Rob’s fourth team during his junior tenure. Sutherland entered the GMHL in the 2008-2009 season with the Minden Riverkings before spending some time with the Elliot Lake Bobcats. Rob joined the Shield in 2009, and spent three seasons as the starting goalie for Muskoka.
“Sutherland is Muskoka’s bread and butter” were the words of a rival goaltender in the GMHL, during an interview conducted this past off season. This statement speaks to the importance of Rob to the Shield’s past success. Sutherland has led the Shield to three straight Russell Cup Finals appearances; being a key part to the their 2009 Russell Cup victory.
Last season, Sutherland was awarded the Gerry St. Onge award as the GMHL’s best goaltender. His 26-6-0 record with a 3.44 GAA and .901 save percentage were among the league’s best. Sutherland has a career record of 44-28-0 at the junior ‘A’ level.
Rob also skated in the CHL’s Fort Wayne Komets training camp this past summer.
Bradford has also traded the playing rights of Alex Polischuk to the Lefroy Wave. The Rattler’s organization would like to wish Alex the best of luck on his fresh start, as well as thank him for his four years of commitment to the Rattlers program. The offensively gifted defensemen will undoubtedly improve the Wave’s blue line.
