All-Star defenseman Mitchell returns to 'Gators
Published on September 9, 2002 under ECHL (ECHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Lafayette, LA â The Louisiana IceGators have re-signed defenseman Kevin Mitchell to a standard player contract for the 2002-03 season, team vice president of hockey operations and head coach Dave Farrish announced Monday. The 22-year-old Mitchell, an East Coast Hockey League All-Star and All-Rookie selection last year, becomes the 10th player to sign with the IceGators for the upcoming campaign.
Last season, in his first full professional campaign, the 5-foot-11, 200-pound Mitchell recorded 39 points (7g, 32a) and 127 penalty minutes in 63 contests with Louisiana. The Bronx, N.Y. native also played in 10 games with AHL Houston without recording a point. In the post-season with the IceGators, Mitchell had four points (1g, 3a) and 16 penalty minutes in five contests. Mitchell made the Southern Conference All-Star team in addition to the All-Rookie team.
"We are extremely happy to announce that Kevin will be back with the IceGators this season," said Farrish. "He proved himself last season as one of the best young offensive defenseman in the entire league and he's great at running the power play. We expect him to be a real key element of our power play this season. We expect even more improvement in his second full pro season and look forward to helping Kevin get to the next level. Kevin is also an asset to our community, as he will do whatever is asked of him to make our presence felt in Lafayette and the surrounding area."
Mitchell began his pro career at the end of the 2000-01 season with AHL Hamilton, notching three assists and two penalty minutes in eight games. His pro totals include 42 points (7g, 35a) and 135 penalty minutes in 81 regular-season games. Mitchell began his junior career in the OHL at Guelph, where he played three seasons before going to Oshawa. Mitchell was a ninth-round (No. 234 overall) pick of the Calgary Flames in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.
ECHL Stories from September 9, 2002
- Priority Group Selection Night set for Thursday - Bakersfield Condors
- Condors in the Community - Bakersfield Condors
- Joe Bianchi and Trent Clark Sign - San Diego Gulls
- Two Generals Return for Duty - Greensboro Generals
- Boardwalk Bullies Sign Forward Busch - Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies
- Mississippi Signs Campbell - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- 2002 Storm Faceoff Festival Feature's Hockey's Top Prize - Toledo Walleye
- Cyclones Announce Training Camp Dates and Roster - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Generals Sign Defenseman Kurt Drummond - Greensboro Generals
- RiverBlades Announce Signings - Arkansas RiverBlades
- All-Star defenseman Mitchell returns to 'Gators - Louisiana IceGators
- Minnesota Native Adds Depth to Defense - Columbia Inferno
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
