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Mark McCutcheon could be the early season poster child for the old adage that timing is everything.
Earlier this month, McCutcheon found himself looking for American Hockey League employment after the Portland Pirates ran into a numbers crunch and had too many players on the roster.
Fortunately for him, it didn't take long.
The same afternoon McCutcheon had been released by the Pirates, the 25-year-old from Ithaca, N.Y. received a call -- some might call it a full-blown SOS actually -- from the Manitoba Moose, who were scrambling to fill some holes after a rash of injuries and call-ups.
McCutcheon was more than happy to accept the new challenge.
"It was a whirlwind day, that's for sure," said McCutcheon, who was originally drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the fifth round (146th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. "There were a lot of emotions. I was a little upset it didn't work out in Portland, but sure enough, another door opened. It seemed like a great opportunity and I jumped at it.
"Now I'm just working hard to try and stay here."
When asked about the biggest influences of his hockey career, McCutcheon was quick to mention his father Brian, who is currently an associate coach with the Buffalo Sabres.
"My dad was a coach and he pushed me in that direction," said Mark. "He's been influential and it's been real helpful, especially when you're going through different kinds of times, the ups-and-downs. He helps keep me level-headed and he's been there before, so he kind of knows what to expect and he can help guide me a bit and can give me good advice."
Part of the advice on the way up the hockey ranks led McCutcheon to play at his dad's alma mater with the Cornell Big Red of the NCAA.
"Being an American, it's a popular choice," said Mark, who studied business at Cornell. "My dad went (the college route) as well and it just seemed like the best option for me."
McCutcheon has no points in six games with the Moose, but has impressed the coaching staff with his grit and tenacious play.
"I'm hard-working and try to bring a lot of energy -- hopefully the offence will come, too," said McCutcheon, noting Peter Forsberg was his favourite player growing up.
Moose head coach Scott Arniel knows the elder McCutcheon from his days as an assistant on the Sabres coaching staff but had also been impressed by the younger McCutcheon's game from his time with the Lake Erie Monsters the past two seasons.
"He's got good speed, a physical side to his game and he'll finish his checks," said Arniel. "He's got the versatility where he can play centre or wing and he's just a hard-nosed kid."
ken.wiebe@sunmedia.ca