On Thursday, September 5, 2024, Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School welcomed back distinguished alumnus and NHL veteran Michael Futa, who returned to reconnect with his former coach, Peter Miller.
Michael Futa has an impressive 12-year career in the NHL, where he served in various roles with the Los Angeles Kings from 2007 to 2020. His positions included Co-Director of Scouting, Vice President of Hockey Management, Vice President of Hockey Operations, and Assistant General Manager. Futa played a pivotal role in building the Kings’ Stanley Cup-winning rosters in both 2012 and 2014.
In addition to his NHL career, Futa has been an active supporter of Father Henry Carr's alumni initiatives, helping to organize events for the school's upcoming 50th anniversary celebration.
During his time as a student at Father Henry Carr, Futa captained the school’s most successful hockey team. In 1984, as a junior, he led the team to victory in the Metro Cup Championship and was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP). Below is a historic photo of Michael Futa receiving the Metro Cup from Father Ted McLean in 1984. Futa fondly recalled the influence of both Father McLean and Coach Miller, stating, “They were instrumental in shaping my career, and I owe much of my success to them.”
Futa's leadership continued in 1985, when he was named MVP of the Metro Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) Junior A Hockey League. Under his captaincy, Father Henry Carr’s hockey team claimed the Metro Junior Championship, triumphing over the top hockey programs in Ontario.
Following his high school success, Futa attended York University, where he again served as team captain from 1990 to 1992. He was also a member of York's 1989 Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (CIAU) National Championship team. After graduating from the Faculty of Education in 1992, he pursued a professional hockey career in Europe, playing two seasons each in Denmark and Germany.
Coach Peter Miller praised Futa, stating, “Michael Futa was a born leader. He led by example in everything he did. He remains a pillar of the Father Henry Carr community.”
The school is proud to celebrate Michael Futa’s incredible accomplishments and his continued connection to Father Henry Carr.
