Oct. 9, 2014 UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -
Practice Update with Coach Brandwene
By Tyler Feldman, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - "I think I strapped my skates on when I was three," said freshman defenseman Bella Sutton.
The versatile Nittany Lion newcomer who hails from Shoreview, Minn., was introduced to hockey at an extremely young age. However, in Minnesota terms, three years old is ordinary. In that state, hockey is not just a game. It's a lifestyle.
"Coming from Minnesota, it's not that you're expected to play hockey, but it's definitely a huge part," said Sutton. "There is a lot of pride that goes into hockey from Minnesota. So growing up in that area definitely translated to my love of the game."
Sutton arrives at Penn State as one of eight freshmen to join the progressive women's hockey program. Including herself into the mix, half of the newcomers are from Minnesota. To make Happy Valley even more welcoming for Sutton, five other teammates are native of the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
"We definitely take a lot of flack being the Minnesota clan on the team," said Sutton. "But, it's nice to have those girls here just because they know home. It makes being here a lot easier."
The five-foot-six defenseman, who previously played varsity hockey at Mounds View High School, chose the Blue and White for the same reasons many other student-athletes do. Sutton was attracted to the unique balance placed on academics and athletics.
Sutton is studying biology with the hope of attending medical school after graduation.
"Medicine is something that has always interested me," said Sutton. "I always say I don't want to end up in a cubicle. I want to be doing something and learning something all the time in different situations; learning about myself and other people. I'm not sure what exactly I want to do with medicine, but I know I want to help people."
So far classes have gone well for Sutton, but she says that her Minnesota accent has provided a form of entertainment for her classmates.
"Usually, the unique thing I say in class is that I am from Minnesota," said Sutton. "So, they know right off the bat that is where my accent is coming from. I definitely get made fun of for saying bag and bagel and what not."
Although a defenseman, Sutton has no problem joining the offensive rush. In her first game as a Nittany Lion, Sutton netted two unassisted goals and an assist the 5-2 win over Western in an exhibition contest two weeks ago.
"From a young age, I always wanted to be a part of offense," said Sutton. "They tried me at forward a couple times. I like defense way better, but I definitely like the scoring aspect of hockey. I love joining the rush."
Offensive defensemen are a rare breed, but when asked if she likes to compare her game to Pittsburgh Penguin defenseman, Kris Letang, she agreed. However, she feels her game mirrors other NHL players, too.
"Brent Burns who played on the Wild for a little bit," said Sutton. "He's playing [for the San Jose Sharks], but he's definitely a hometown guy that I look up to, and [Ryan] Suter as well now that he's come to Minnesota. I'm a hometown girl, so I love watching the Wild while focusing on my play and idolizing them."
The offensive-minded defenseman comes to Penn State with quite a resume. She participated in the USA Hockey U16 and U18 National Developmental Camps, earning spots on the All-Star team. Such experiences have helped ease the transition from high school to collegiate play.
"Definitely going to the camps widened my experiences by seeing other girls from all over, and not just playing with the Minnesota girls definitely helped my transition," said Sutton. "You learn about different teams out there and how they play. It made me appreciate Minnesota that much more for having the opportunity to play for my high school. But, playing with great athletes in the summer really helped me."
Minus a couple of food cravings that she cannot get at Penn State, the move from Shoreview to University Park as been smooth sailing thus far.
"I really miss my mom's cooking," said Sutton.
Food cravings aside, expect to hear the name Bella Sutton in the next four years.