The Nipawin Hawks have acquired 2006 born defenseman Justus Cutler from the Drayton Valley Thunder of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) for a player development fee and the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) playing rights for Reid Mackay.
Cutler has suited up in eight games for the Thunder this season collecting one assist. Prior to making the jump to junior, the Edmonton, Alta. product played for the U18 AAA Sherwood Park Kings. In two seasons there the 6’3″ defender scored seven goals and added 29 assists in 75 games. He also had 86 penalty minutes. Hawks General Manager Tad Kozun said the 18-year-old will make their defense group better now and during the rebuild of this young roster.
“Justus is a big body what will help us solidify our blueline and make us harder to play against in our own zone,” Kozun said of the acquisition. “He can also move the puck, almost 30 assists in his AAA career in a couple years, that shows he gets the puck up and out quickly and can distribute in the opponents end as well. We’re excited to bring Justus into our organization.”
Nipawin’s next action is Friday when they host Notre Dame on Greg Classen jersey retirement night. He is expected to be in the lineup versus the Hounds.