McCutcheon returns to Steelheads

(Boise, ID) ? Idaho Steelheads head coach Derek Laxdal found one last gift under the Christmas tree Monday morning when forward Mark McCutcheon was returned to the team by the AHL?s Manitoba Moose. The 25-year-old centerman played the first three games of the season with Idaho before being loaned to the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League. Once the Pirates released him, Manitoba scooped him up and he?s been with the Moose ever since. In all, he skated in 17 games while he was away from Idaho, netting a pair of goals. McCutcheon, who scored Idaho?s first goal of the season on October 16, has re-joined the team on the road and is expected to play tomorrow night when the Steelheads and Las Vegas face off in the Wranglers? annual midnight game ? the two teams will meet at 12 AM Tuesday night/Wednesday morning at the Orleans Arena. McCutcheon is a third-year pro who has played 145 games at the American Hockey League level after a four-year college career at Cornell. He was also a 5th-round draft choice of the NHL?s Colorado Avalanche in 2003. Laxdal also expects to have high-scoring forward Mark Derlago back in the lineup as well after missing the last two games. The Steelheads return home on New Year?s Eve, January 31, to host the Stockton Thunder. The two teams play New Year?s Eve, New Year?s Day, and January 2nd. Tickets are available at the Qwest Arena box office or by calling 208.331.TIXS. Full-season and partial-season ticket plans remain available as well. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 for more information.