For Immediate release: Blackhawks Select Ian Mitchell 57th Overall
Chicago, IL (June 24, 2017)– Spruce Grove Saints defenceman Ian Mitchell (Calahoo, AB) of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks 57th overall in the second round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
Followed closely by scouts all year, Ian’s elite skating ability and high hockey IQ had him rated as a top third round projected player all season. Mitchell becomes the highest NHL draft pick in modern Saints history surpassing former Saint Brandon Hickey (64th overall 2014).
The 18-year-old rearguard placed 12th in AJHL defencemen scoring last season with 37 points (8 goals, 29 assists) in 53 games. Mitchell was also named to the World Junior A Challenge West and Hlinka Memorial Canadian U-18 teams respectively.
A 2016-2017 AJHL Top Defenceman Finalist and AJHL All League Team nominee, Mitchell is committed to Denver University and leaves the Saints compiling 64 points (14 goals, 50 assists) in 109 regular season games accompanied by 9 points in 27 post season contests.
“The Saints are proud to have had Ian as part of the Saints organization and we look forward to following his hockey development at Denver. Ian runs a powerplay with similar poise as Duncan Keith and it was exciting to see him be drafted by Chicago,” stated Saints team President Ryan Smyth.
For more information please contact:
Chad Hohmann
Director of Sales and Marketing
Spruce Grove Saints Jr.’A’ Hockey Club
Cell: (780)-916-3446
Email: chohmann@silentice.com