It is a summer of working out both on and off the ice for Saints Ian Mitchell, and it seems that the hard work is paying off. Mitchell this past week has been selected to represent the Maple Leaf on Team Canada, as the set to defend their gold medal at the Under 18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournment. To say “defend their gold” is a bit of a misleading statement, as Team Canada has won gold the past 8 years.The Team Canada tournament roster is dominated by major junior players, but Ian is one of only 3 Junior A players, and the only player from western Canada to make the team.
Mitchell is hoping to leave the host cities of Breclav (Czech Republic) and Bratislava (Slovakia) with licky number nine, but is privledged to just get the chance. “It is an unbelievable feeling to be named to Team Canada, it is a previledge that I am honoured to have. I hope to make everyone from my family, to present and past coaches proud, by bringing home a gold medal four our country” states Ian Mitchell.
Ian will be entering his second season as a Saints this September. Last season saw Ian make a huge impact on the Saints back end with solid 2 way playing and puck moving. in his first season as a Saints Ian had 6 goals 21 assists for 27 points in only 54 games.
The Saints Home Opener is Saturday September 17th when we host the Sherwood Park Crusaders for a night of banner unveilings and ceremonial puck drop to start the Saints 13th season in Spruce Grove.