Submitted by Winnipeg Blues
The Winnipeg Blues are glad Levi Cudmore made the move up to Canada from Park River, North Dakota, as for the rest of the MJHL — they probably wish he stayed home.
That’s because Cudmore has been giving the opposition headaches all season long. The American forward, who is in his second season with the Blues, is one of the biggest reasons for the team clinching a playoff spot. Cudmore finished the regular season with 31 goals and 41 assists in 60 games, surpassing his rookie year total of 43 points by a long shot.
”I came in with a lot of confidence and expecting to be one of the top guys on the team,” said Cudmore, who credits his improved play due to his offseason training.
The league has taken notice of Cudmore’s strong play, as he was named the Liquor and Lotteries January Impact Player of the Month. The duo of Cudmore and league-MVP Dexter Kuczek has been the leading the charge on offence all year long.
“We get so much ice time together that we have great chemistry. We know where we’re going to be at all times. We see the ice really well and we know what areas to be in to put the puck in the net,” said Cudmore on playing with Kuczek.
According to Cudmore, football is the game of choice in his hometown of Park River. But with Cudmore having older cousins that have played college hockey at schools such as St. Cloud State and Michigan State, he grew up on the ice.
“My mom put me on skates when I was young. I have her to thank for that,” said Cudmore, whose favourite NHL player is T.J. Oshie.
Cudmore doesn’t know where his hockey career will take him, but he’s currently happy to be in Winnipeg playing in the MJHL. When his time in the league ends, he’d like to continue his career playing college hockey.
“I just want to keep playing as long as I can,” said Cudmore. “My goal was always to play Division I hockey but if that doesn’t happen, I could always play Division III and get a little bit of scholarship money to go to school.”
Cudmore will look to keep his strong play going when the MJHL playoffs begin on March 9. The Blues will be taking on the Portage Terriers in the first round. Cudmore has a goal and two assists against Portage this season.
