One of the hardest working hockey players ever announces retireme
Playing in the National Hockey League is a dream for many young Canadians. Growing up playing street hockey they dream of scoring the game winning goal in the Stanley Cup Finals. While most kids never make it to the NHL, for those that do it's truly an honour.
For Garrett Mitchell, growing up in Regina, Saskatchewan he always wanted to play professional hockey. Mitchell carved out his dream being drafted in the 6th round of the 2009 NHL Draft. Like most 6th round picks, Mitchell was always a long shot to make the league.
But after 8 years in the AHL, Mitchell finally made his NHL debut in 2016/17. Mitchell would only play 1 game going pointless. However, that wasn't important. Mitchell made it, achieving his dream of making the NHL.
Today after 7 more years in the minors Mitchell announced his retirement.
It's difficult to put in to words the impact that hockey has had on my life. As sit here today, preparing to announce my retirement, I reflect on the past 12 years. A young kid from Regina, Saskatchewan who loved the game of hockey and dreamt about one day playing in the NHL to now, starting a new chapter in my life. My career started off like any other kid... minor league hockey in my hometown and quickly escalated after being drafted to the WHL. Fortunately, I was drafted to my hometown team, the Regina Pats and was able to live at home while played for the next 4 years. In 2009 was drafted by the Washington Capitals. ended up playing the better part of my career for the Hershey Bears ultimately making Hershey 'home' to my family and I. Playing for 7 years in chocolate town was a time in our lives that we will cherish forever. In April of 2017 not only was my youngest daughter born but fulfilled a lifelong dream of playing in the NHL. My wife, our oldest daughter Lyla, 9- day old Lakelyn, my parents and Mother-in-Law were all there for it. Stepping out on to the ice as a Washington Capital with players that idolized was a moment will never forget. Over the next 5 years found myself playing overseas in Slovakia, back in Pennsylvania for the Reading Royals and finally landed in Rockford, IL for my last 4 years. It's been wild.
Mitchell is the perfect example of perseverance and heart. He gave everything to ensure he achieved his dream but also knew when to call it quits.
Happy retirement to one of the hardest working players in hockey. Someone who never got discouraged and never gave up.
Much respect Garrett! Enjoy retirement.
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