Brent Sutter (Red Deer Rebels/Rob Wallator)

By Troy Gillard

sutter releases new statement

Brent Sutter responds to allegations he abused players

Nov 28, 2019 | 8:08 PM

Red Deer Rebels owner, president, general manager and head coach Brent Sutter is responding to allegations he has been abusive towards players.

The statement was released in response to tweets posted earlier Tuesday from former NHL player Daniel Carcillo. The tweets included pictures of messages which he claims came from players who said they suffered various forms of abuse at the hands of Sutter.

One of Carcillo’s tweets, which he has since since deleted, called on Sutter to admit to his actions and seek help.

Sutter responded to those allegations through the following statement:

Since our ownership of the Red Deer Rebels began in 1999, we have strived to provide a first-class experience for our players, our staff, and the families of all associated. We pride ourselves on preparing these players for the life ahead of them, whether that be a career in professional hockey or the business world.

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The accusations that have been made are disturbing. We don’t take them lightly.

The Red Deer Rebels employ and are supported by a professional, multi-level medical team that includes therapists, doctors, surgeons, and mental health professionals. With any player injury, we as an organization work off the recommendations of that group. We would never deny a player a medical procedure recommended by a medical professional, nor make them play if unfit to do so. As medical technology and access to that technology has evolved over the years, so have the Red Deer Rebels.

When we began operating the team in 1999, we started with nothing more than myself, an assistant coach and a trainer on our hockey staff. Since then, we have added coaches, health professionals of many disciplines, RCMP liaisons, along with the programs outlined below. As the needs of our players and the sport have evolved, so have the Red Deer Rebels. We encourage our players to use these outlets for any concerns or help they may require.

In addition to the Canadian Red Cross Respect Education player seminars, Respect in Sport certification, and Canadian Mental Health Association Talk Today workshops that all WHL players are mandated to take, the Red Deer Rebels offer access to mental health professionals for any player requesting assistance, or when our team of medical professionals recommends it.

We understand not every player leaves our program happy and that not every player was a fan of my coaching or style. I am a direct and honest coach, at times I can be demanding, but I treat these players like they are my own kids, and I want them to succeed. I am not perfect, and have worked tirelessly to surround our organization with people who want to grow, change, and provide an even better experience for our players. I know in my heart that the vast majority of Red Deer Rebels alumni and current players would speak positively of their time with the organization.

Several former Rebels players also took to Twitter on Tuesday to speak in support of Sutter. Those players included Brandon Hagel, Jeff de Wit, Mason McCarty and Alexander Alexeyev.

Carcillo sent this out from his Twitter account early Thursday morning: