Hutson’s Father Expresses Frustration In Team USA Situation

Montreal Canadiens defenceman Lane Hutson was not among the many players invited to Team USA’s Olympics Orientation Camp, a situation that has led to some frustration in the Hutson family, as evidenced by his father’s comments.

Rob Hutson took part in Recrutes Podcast which lasted almost 50 minutes, however, it was his incendiary comment regarding Lane’s commitment to Team USA that made the hockey rounds.

“You never know what happens in the future,” said Mr. Hutson. “My boys are also Canadian. There’s an absolute luxury there, and a lot of great players have been left off the selection for the Olympics and things like that. I think Brett Hull might have been one. He voted with his feet. He went from Canada to the USA. There are all types of scenarios that are… I wouldn’t say in play, but there are all types of possibilities, right?”

By reading through the lines, it’s clear that Rob is suggesting Lane Hutson may switch allegiances following a rather impressive, if not brief, tenure with USA Hockey.

The first thing that comes to mind is that most fathers are overprotective of their sons, and that was clearly the case for Mr. Hutson. I’m told that fathers who have pride in their parenting will go out of their way to ensure their children will get the best in life, and though Rob’s comments may have seeded animosity, they were coming from a good place. I’d also argue it was closer to venting via humour than a serious statement by Mr. Hutson.

That being said, if we do put any stock into the comments, Canada is not desperate for elite talent, making a transition from Team USA to Team Canada rather counterproductive if you’re looking for ice time as a young player.

We should also focus on the actions from the Hutson family, rather than the comment that made the rounds of the hockey landscape.

Lane has represented Team USA at the U-18, U-20, and World Championship levels, not to mention his time spent developing his impressive skill set with the U.S. National Development Program. His brothers, Cole and Quinn, have also represented their country at various levels, giving us all the information necessary to understand their loyalty to their country of birth.

In that vein, it’s easy to understand why there may have been an elevated level of frustration when Lane was snubbed. The Hutsons are focused on all things hockey, and representing the USA at the Olympics would have been the greatest honour.

If we put emotion aside, which is never easy if you’re a father of an athlete being actively discussed, the decision to ignore Hutson was curious, but it does not slam the door shut as to future invitations to play for Team USA.

Lane Hutson has quickly established himself as a loyal player, one who will surely garner attention from Team USA once the next chance to participate in the Olympics comes around.