Lethbridge Hurricanes defenceman Logan McCutcheon battles with Oasiz Wiesblatt of the Medicine Hat Tigers during Game 3 of the WHL's Eastern Conference final on Tuesday night.--SOUTHERN ALBERTA NEWSPAPER PHOTO JUSTIN SEWARD
This is the last kick at the can on this current playoff run for overage and career Lethbridge Hurricanes Brayden Edwards and Logan McCutcheon.
This is the only extended playoff run for either player together with the team, facing the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Eastern Conference Championship series, as they close out their WHL careers. They are relishing the experience one last time while they try to lead the Canes to a steep comeback, down 3-0 in the best-of-seven series.
“Just being our last year, it kind of just adds a little something to it, knowing that there’s no real next year,” said McCutcheon.
When asked about sharing this playoff run with Edwards, the 21-year-old McCutcheon couldn’t be happier.
“He’s come to be one of my best friends here,” said McCutcheon. “So to be able to kinda go through it with him, you can kind of relate to each other being the 20-year-olds.”
Edwards says the experience of playing alongside McCutcheon in this run has been enjoyable.
“He’s obviously a great guy, everyone loves him around the room, (there is) no one I’d rather do it with,” said Edwards.
McCutcheon spoke about what the communication has been like between himself and Edwards with one being a forward and the other on defence.
“We can kind of relate to the game,” said McCutcheon. “We see it through a bit of a different point of view, so it’s nice. Then we can kind of meet in the middle and talk about what we’re seeing and what changes we need to make.”
Looking at every way possible to support the team is important to Edwards.
“Be leaders, help out the young guys as much as possible and just give insight on how the league goes,” said Edwards.
Edwards feels leadership is something he has built up over the years with the Canes.
“Just being able to share my experiences from playing as a 17-, 18-year-old and relating to some of the younger guys (in) what they’re going through right now,” said Edwards.
McCutcheon spoke about what it’s like being a leader on this playoff run.
“It’s just about trying to lead by example, play my game, do the little things right and be willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to be able to get the win at the end of the day,” said McCutcheon.
McCutcheon has been in contact with past teammates on the Canes, who at the same age at one time, had not made it this deep into the playoffs.
“We’ve got their support, they all want us to do well and succeed,” said McCutcheon.
Edwards has also heard from past players.
“You’re family with all the guys you play with over the years,” said Edwards. “They’re always reaching out, supporting, watching the games (and) giving texts after the games.”
