"Chicago Connection": From Al Capone to David Mitchell

July 31, 2008 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Chicago Machine News Release


Chicago, IL - Deep in the heart of North America, just north of Montana, lies Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. A modest metropolis of just over 30,000, Moose Jaw is well known for its network of underground tunnels reportedly used for by bootleggers during American Prohibition and as a hideout for the famous Chicago gangster Al Capone when he needed to get out of Chicago.

Visit Moose Jaw today and you can even visit the tunnels on a special tour called the "Chicago Connection."

Moose Jaw now has yet another "Chicago Connection" as it is the hometown of brand new Chicago Machine attackman David Mitchell. A four year letter-winner for the Big Red of Cornell, Mitchell was acquired this week from the Major League Lacrosse player pool after being waived by the San Francisco Dragons.

Led Cornell to Final Four

During his junior year at Cornell, the Moose Javian emerged as one of the nation's most dominant scorers. He averaged better than a hat trick per contest and was Big Red's first 40-goal scorer since 2000. He ended the 2006 season with the team's longest point-scoring streak by tallying at least one point in all 14 games. He was named an honorable mention All-American and was a first team All-Ivy League selection.

In his senior year at the helm of the Cornell offense Mitchell stepped into a leadership role. He posted 47 goals and 9 assists, good enough to be named second All-American team, first All-Ivy League team and the NCAA All-Tournament team. His efforts helped lead the Big Red to the Final Four of the 2007 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship where Duke handed Cornell their first loss of the season.

In 2007, Mitchell was drafted in the first round, the eighth overall selection, by the Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse. In his rookie career, he played the remaining seven games of the season scoring 11 goals with an assist. Boston traded Mitchell to the San Francisco Dragons earlier this year. He didn't receive any playing time with San Francisco and was waived.

Mitchell also plays for the National Lacrosse League with the Philadelphia Wings after being drafted in the second round (25th overall) in the 2007 NLL Entry Draft. During the 2008 season with the Wings, Mitchell scored five goals with an assists, picking up 26 loose balls in just six games.

Mitchell, who also now lives in Chicago, joins former Big Red teammate Brian Clayton and Eric Pittard at the Chicago Machine. At Cornell they were a powerful offensive threat, a chemistry the Machine hopes they'll bring to Chicago.

Chicago Machine Fan Appreciation Day - August 10, 2008

With just one game left on the 2008 schedule, fans of the Machine may get a chance to see David in action on Sunday, August 10, when Chicago hosts the Rochester Rattlers at TOYOTA PARK. August 10 is Fan Appreciation Day with free Machine sunglasses for the first 500 through the gates, Mike Leveille player cards for everyone, and drawings for a free Buddy Scooter and Machine player gear throughout the game. Tickets are still available by calling (312) 255-1522.



Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 31, 2008


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.

OurSports Central