Diminutive defenceman Hutson motivated by doubters, 'surreal' Cup trip

SPORTSCENTRE Reporter

Follow| Archive

Lane Hutson has dealt with doubters his entire hockey career, because of his size. 

"It would make me way more upset than it should have early on," the 5-foot-8, 158-pound blueliner said. "But now I take it and remember what was said and use it. It's just motivation for me. It's something that fuels me."

Nobody shorter than 5-foot-9 played defence in the National Hockey League this season, but Hutson is unfazed. The 18-year-old from Holland, Michigan led the USA Hockey National Team Development Program with 53 assists this year and capped the campaign by being named the top defenceman at the under-18 World Championship. 

Hutson was honoured once again this week when he was invited to Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final to receive the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence.

"It definitely motivated me," Hutson said of his trip to Tampa. "Seeing how special it was being there, I felt like I wanted to be on the ice. I want to be a big part of a team and help a team win."

The McGuire Award is handed out annually by the NHL to the draft-eligible prospect who best exemplifies commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness and athleticism. Travis Konecny, Nico Hischier and William Eklund are among the previous winners. 

Hutson is one of the biggest climbers on the final prospects list compiled by TSN director of scouting Craig Button. He moved up eight spots to No. 31.  

Hutson spoke to TSN this week about his progress and explained why his size can actually be an advantage. He also shared what it was like to rub shoulders with Charles Barkley, Auston Matthews and others during his Stanley Cup sojourn. The following is an edited transcript of the interview. 

TSN: What was