Garrett Mitchell will be returning to the Hershey Bears for the 2017-2018 season. In a release, the Bears announced that they have come to terms with Mitchell for a one-year AHL contract.

Mitchell, or “Mitchy” as he’s known to Hershey fans, is more than just a player. He is the epitome of what a professional athlete should be. Never hesitating to make appearances at fundraisers and community events, he has given back to the Hershey community in countless ways.

On the ice, the 5’11” native of Regina, Saskatchewan, who was drafted by the Capitals in the 6th round (#175 overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, is known for sticking up for his teammates no matter the size of the opponent.

He played his first game for the Bears during the 2009-2010 season after Regina’s season ended and then two more games again the following year. Aside from two games with South Carolina in 2011-2012, Mitchy has been a member of the Bears for each of the following six seasons.

Then at the end of the regular season, the Capitals made perhaps the classiest move ever – they recalled Mitchell. He not only took the opening faceoff, he was named CSN’s Palm Player of the Game, the Smart Player of the Game, and the Third Star. The organization presented his family with his jersey after the game as well.

Fun-loving, Mitchell never hesitated to “ham it up” for the photographers in the Zamboni entrance before games. He’s posted some pretty funny videos on social media, too, including the one at the Toronto Pearson International Airport during a layover on the way home from St. John’s. It was a trip Mitchell didn’t even know if he would make since he and his wife were expecting the arrival of their second daughter.

Of course, he made it home in time. In fact, he only missed one game and, although he had just about everyone expecting a boy, he accepted congratulations in the hallway before an ensuing home game with that huge smile. While she won’t remember it, she and her big sister were in the stands for Mitchell’s NHL debut.

In the release, Bryan Helmer, VP of Hockey Operations, said, “We’re extremely happy to have our captain back for another season. Garrett Mitchell is a great leader both on and off the ice and plays a large role in the Hershey community.”

Mitchell is also happy. In the release he said, “My family and I are thrilled to be coming back to Hershey. After coming in as a wide-eyed kid, I’ve been here now going on seven seasons. Not a lot of guys in this league can say that. Hershey is a community that we love and we’re proud to put down some roots here.”

We are so excited to be back for 2017-18 season!! @TheHersheyBears pic.twitter.com/Zl5ez1catK — Garrett Mitchell (@Mitchy1_0) July 10, 2017

Full Release

By Julie Beidler

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