McCutcheon embracing role as a 20-year-old defenceman

By Lethbridge Herald on September 4, 2024.

erica Perreaux Photo Logan McCutcheon attempts to make a play with the puck during this year’s training camp.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Veteran  Lethbridge Hurricanes defenceman, Logan McCutcheon, has been put in a unique situation this year in training camp and through the exhibition season,  as he is a part of the  20-year-old group that is vying for one of those three spots on the club.

McCutcheon is the only over age defencemen in camp and exhibition season and admits there is some pressure.

“For sure it does but we (have)  got a really good backend, we (have) got a lot of talent, a lot of skill (and) a lot of grit back there,” said McCutcheon.

“I think that everybody can kind of hold their own.”

McCutcheon has joined Harrison Meneghin, Brayden Edwards and Hayden Pakkala as the other 20 year olds fighting for three roster spots.

“It’s always good having  competition,” said McCutcheon.

“When there’s four of us here, all of us are trying to work for those three spots.  I think that when the younger guys see the 20 year olds working all out, I think it really pushes them to play their best too.”

McCutcheon wants to take on a leadership role.

“It’s really important for me to lead by example,” said McCutcheon.

“ I’m not the loudest guy but I think that with my work ethic, I can kind of show how … to work to have a good career in this league.”

The Saskatoon product  said some of those guys have so much talent back there, when asked about taking on a leadership role in watching those younger teammates develop.

“I think it’s just about getting them confident, letting them use their skill, show their ability ( (and) not being afraid (to) make a mistake,” said McCutcheon.

McCutcheon wants to have a season of improving.

“We had a good year last year but I think that we can definitely  build off it, work off of it and have a better one this year,” said McCutcheon.

“Cutchy has been such a good Hurricane for a long time,” said Matt Anholt, Canes associate head coach.

“He’s as top tier as a human being as you can find. He’s extremely low maintenance, does his job, helps others, you know he’s going (to)  do whatever he can for the Hurricanes to win games.”

McCutcheon has collected 109 points (14 goals, 95 assists) in 231 career games over his tenure with the Canes.