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Devils coach Sutter quits after 2 years
A HOMESICK Brent Sutter resigned as coach of the New Jersey Devils after just two seasons, citing family reasons and scoffing at the idea that some may criticize him for leaving so soon.
"It might not be the right decision for some people and that's fine," Sutter said in a conference call from his home in Red Deer, Alberta. "I don't look at it like I am quitting on anything. I threw two years of my life and made a big commitment 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers) away from where my life was and tried to do everything I possibly could to accomplish a goal. So by me doing that my life has suffered in other areas, and those areas to me are bigger than the game."
Sutter said the Devils' crushing loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 7 of their first-round National Hockey League Eastern Conference playoff series had nothing to do with his decision.
New Jersey, which won its seventh Atlantic Division title in 12 years this past spring, ended its season by giving up two goals in the final 80 seconds to lose 3-4 in late April.
Sutter spent six weeks mulling whether to return for the final year of his contract, but decided to stay home to run an oil business, a junior league hockey team and to spend time with his family.
Sutter said the vacant Calgary Flames coaching job did not influence his decision, noting that the Devils would have to grant permission for him to work for another NHL team next year.
The Flames sacked coach Mike Keenan last month after losing in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight season.
Devils President and Manager Lou Lamoriello was not available for comment. Sutter, 46, said Devils assistant coach John MacLean was ready to become a head coach.
The Canadian coach had a regular season record of 97-56-11 from 164 matches.
"It might not be the right decision for some people and that's fine," Sutter said in a conference call from his home in Red Deer, Alberta. "I don't look at it like I am quitting on anything. I threw two years of my life and made a big commitment 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers) away from where my life was and tried to do everything I possibly could to accomplish a goal. So by me doing that my life has suffered in other areas, and those areas to me are bigger than the game."
Sutter said the Devils' crushing loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 7 of their first-round National Hockey League Eastern Conference playoff series had nothing to do with his decision.
New Jersey, which won its seventh Atlantic Division title in 12 years this past spring, ended its season by giving up two goals in the final 80 seconds to lose 3-4 in late April.
Sutter spent six weeks mulling whether to return for the final year of his contract, but decided to stay home to run an oil business, a junior league hockey team and to spend time with his family.
Sutter said the vacant Calgary Flames coaching job did not influence his decision, noting that the Devils would have to grant permission for him to work for another NHL team next year.
The Flames sacked coach Mike Keenan last month after losing in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight season.
Devils President and Manager Lou Lamoriello was not available for comment. Sutter, 46, said Devils assistant coach John MacLean was ready to become a head coach.
The Canadian coach had a regular season record of 97-56-11 from 164 matches.
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