For Brighton native, Team Colorado AAA star Sutherland, NCAA D-III commitment to Norwich checks all boxes

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB

When Payton Sutherland started looking where to play her college hockey next season, she wanted a school that was strong in hockey and academics.

The Brighton native found just that with Norwich University, an NCAA Division III school located in Northfield, Vt.

“(Norwich) coach Sophie (Leclerc Doherty) had been at the same events, tournaments, and even districts camp, and I was fortunate enough for her to finally contact me after watching a game in Washington D.C.,” said Sutherland. “Norwich was appealing toward me because of their location in the Vermont mountains and the Exercise Science program so I can later get my professional degree. Academics are huge for me and I hope to one day to become a chiropractor with my own practice.”

During her formative years in Colorado, Sutherland developed her game with the Rocky Mountain Lady RoughRiders and Team Colorado AAA.

“I started playing hockey at six years old,” remembered Sutherland.

“I took a field trip to Skate City and after the free skate, there were kids playing hockey, I saw it and wanted to try. I played roller hockey for six years before going to play ice hockey. I tried playing goalie when I was 10 years old and fell even more in love with the sport.

“Chris Lockrem, Hannah Westbrook, Karen Rickard, and Julie Howard have been outstanding

Payton Sutherland finished her youth hockey career in 2022-23 between the pipes for the Team Colorado AAA program. Photo/Be Feral Media coaches and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

Looking ahead, Sutherland has her eyes on making an impact, both on and off the ice.

“In hockey, I want to play overseas after my college career,” Sutherland said. “Short term, I want to be the best I’ve ever been my first year at Norwich. Academically, I want to get my professional degree and open my own practice as a chiropractor.”

Irvine native, longtime Jr. Ducks standout Johnson signs NHL contract with Sabres

Ryan Johnson spent four years with the Golden Gophers.

After spending four years playing for the University of Minnesota men’s hockey team, Ryan Johnson has inked his first professional contract, a two-year, entry-level deal with the Buffalo Sabres.

The 2019 first-round pick (31st overall) of the Sabres will report to the AHL’s Rochester Americans where the Amerks are tied 1-1 with the Hershey Bears in the AHL’s Eastern Conference Finals as of late May.

Johnson served as an alternate captain this season for the Golden Gophers and reached the NCAA national championship game behind a career-best four goals, including the first game winner of his career at Notre Dame (Jan. 14) to go with 14 assists and 18 total points.

A native of Irvine, he guided the Maroon and Gold to its secondstraight NCAA Frozen Four appearance during the 2022-23 campaign and led the team with 64 blocked

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