Hardy Sauter Retires

May 24, 2005 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Oklahoma City Blazers News Release


Oklahoma City, Okla. – Oklahoma City Blazers nine-time Central Hockey League All-Star defenseman Hardy Sauter has announced he is retiring as an active player and accepted the head coach and general manager position for the Nipawin Hawks of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, the Blazers front office announced today.

Sauter, a 5-9, 185-pound native of Maryfield, Sask. completed an impressive nine-season career with the Blazers. He ranks first in assists (527), second in games played (590), second in points (669), third in goals scored (142) third in power-play goals (54). In his nine seasons as a Blazer, he never finished the season with a negative +/- rating, finishing his career at +312. Sauter was also durable in his tenure with the Blazers. He owns a consecutive games played streak of 347 and played in 590 of a possible 598 games during his Blazers' career.

The nine-time CHL All-Star was twice named CHL Defenseman of the Year (1996-97 & 97-98). His offensive numbers in the CHL leave a standard that will be difficult to match. He is the leader in all scoring-related categories by defenseman. Overall, he ranks in the top 10 in three offensive categories all-time in CHL history, regard less of position. League-wide, he finished his career ranked second in games played (590), second in assists (527) and third in points (669).

"I'd like to thank the Blazers organization for the chance to play and work here in Oklahoma City," said Sauter. "I have enjoyed my stay in the city and have made several life-long friends. I am sad to leave the city and the organization, but this is a chance for me to continue a different part of my hockey career."

"I'd also like to thank Bob Funk and Brad Lund for the opportunity to work in the office during the off-season. That experience proved to be valuable to me in pursuit of the position I accepted."

Sauter begins work with Nipawin in his new position June 1.



Central Hockey League Stories from May 24, 2005


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