Mental toughness is Cole Guttman’s biggest strength. When he plays for DU’s hockey team, number 19 has one goal in his mind: don’t give up.
Cole Guttman was born in 1999 in Los Angeles, California. Before Guttman joined DU’s team, he was on the Dubuque Fighting Saints (2015-2018) in the USHL, where he scored 27 goals and 54 points in 53 games, and he was eventually named Captain. He caught the attention of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2017 and 2018 due to his outstanding scoring ability and handles.
Now, Guttman is a forward/center for DU. In reference to Guttman’s ability when he first came to Denver, Coach David Carle said, “Guttman has a bunch of speed.”
His teammates call him Gutter Guttman after how he shoots to the gutter of the goal. He is laser-focused and calm under pressure, which is a crucial factor for his mental game.
After his first college game at DU, Guttman said that it went “very well” and that he “felt good for the first time in a while on ice.” Guttman is a person of action rather than words. He is a goal-oriented player, and it is his character that makes him the player he is today.
When Guttman needs to take a break from hockey, he enjoys the beach, hanging out with friends and golfing. At the university, he is majoring in communications.
Guttman gets his inspiration from his parents and says that he has loved hockey since he was four years old. His parents brought him to the rink at a young age and encouraged him to skate. Years later, he still loves hockey because of the pace of the game and the relationships he has made.
During both the on and off-season, Guttman focuses on what he needs to do better by thinking about how his personal skills can help the team. Ultimately, he wants to win a championship and make a career out of something he loves.
His dreams have been hindered by injuries and frequent moves, but he has persevered with the support of family and friends. After hip surgery, Guttman took six months to recover. Intensive rehab included exercises like running on the treadmill that helped him get back into rhythm. Through this tough process, he kept his head high with the hope of getting back into skating.
“He is a competitive guy who wants to be the best and win. Everything he does, he’s highly skilled at,” said Hank Crone, a third-year DU hockey player. “He makes himself better but cares just as much about the team being better as well.”
Teammates look up to Guttman for his courageous effort and his fighting mentality towards the game and life. His persevering and down-to-earth attitude are heartwarming to fans, teammates and coaches.
