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Red Deer Rebels forward Brandon Cutler thinks team has found ‘winning mindset’

Red Deer Rebels forward Brandon Cutler sees a simple correlation between the Red Deer Rebels rise into a playoff spot and the team’s attitude.
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Red Deer Rebels forward Brandon Cutler sees a simple correlation between the Red Deer Rebels rise into a playoff spot and the team’s attitude.

The 17-year-old, who has become a scoring threat on the Rebels top producing unit alongside Kristian Reichel and Brandon Hagel, had an interesting take on the resurgence in Red Deer.

Cutler said it is a growing confidence from inside the room that helped them get rolling, and it started with consecutive victories earlier this month. First, a 2-0 shutout over the Saskatoon Blades and then a 3-1 mammoth takedown of the WHL’s top team, the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Since the early February wins, the Rebels have rattled off wins in six of eight games, including a four-game sweep of B.C. Division opponents. They currently hold a two-point advantage in the Central Division over the Kootenay Ice for the final playoff spot, with a game in hand.

“It just clicked after we had those two in a row. Everyone just got a lot more confident, and we really saw how we could perform and we just kept it rolling. It’s all about the mindset,” Cutler said.

“Before we would just accept (losing), now it’s not acceptable. Guys are trying to sign pro contracts, guys that want to make the playoffs and we have that championship mindset now. It’s really, really been key to our success.”

Now in his second season with the Rebels, Cutler has quietly been a major part of the recent winning stretch. He has four goals in his last six games, including a two-goal night in a 4-1 victory over the Vancouver Giants.

The Sherwood Park native has five goals and 10 points, well past his three points in 38 games during his rookie campaign.

Cutler said playing with two creative, skillful forwards with something to prove like Reichel and Hagel has helped increase his confidence.

“They work hard and they know the game well. If you give them the puck and go to the right places, you’ll get it right back. I think we’re working well together,” he said.

“You always learn from playing with better players. It helps you improve your own game when you’re playing with guys like that, who are looking to sign pro contracts and can play at the next level.”

Before the recent offensive outburst, Cutler was also developing a reputation as a tough guy in the Rebels lineup.

He’s had nine fights this year and said it’s mostly about sticking up for his teammates. The roar of the crowd or a tap on the shin pads from the boys doesn’t hurt either, he said.

“When things aren’t going well, I like to fight or I see something I don’t like I’m going to stick up for my teammates,” he said.

“I’m always trying to get the guys going. It’s just developed this year.”

The Rebels will host the Prince Albert Raiders Friday night then welcome the Swift Current Broncos to town Saturday.



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Byron Hackett

About the Author: Byron Hackett

Byron has been the sports reporter at the advocate since December of 2016. He likes to spend his time in cold hockey arenas accompanied by luke warm, watered down coffee.
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