Mitchell growing into a larger role with Pats
There’s evidence to suggest that Makai Mitchell can handle more responsibility in his second season with the Regina Pats.
The 17-year-old defenceman built his case after being promoted to the WHL midway through 201819 — a trial by fire that showed the Pats what he’s made of.
“Last year, he came in and it was real difficult for him,” Pats head coach Dave Struch said of the coveted American recruit. “I think he was in over his head (after playing at the U.S. midget AAA level).
“But we were in a position where we wanted him to go through that. You can really find out a lot about somebody that way. Going through a real, real hard time has assisted his improvement this year.” Mitchell thinks so, too.
After starting last season with the Rocky Mountain Roughriders, Mitchell played 24 games with Regina, recording one assist and a minus-12 rating.
Not only did he survive the ordeal, it gave him confidence that he’s ready for more in 2019-20.
“It definitely helped me get ready for this season just knowing what to expect and how to play,” the Colorado native said. “Coming in mid-season was hard. You kind of have to be tough-minded and self-confident knowing you can play in the league.”
Mitchell faces another big test now that fellow defenceman Nikita Sedov is out for two to three weeks with an injury. His absence has already meant more ice time for the youngster — likely another three or four minutes per night — and an increase in his overall responsibilities. “I think these past couple games I’ve definitely been proving myself and getting more ice time,” said Mitchell, who had one assist and a plus-two rating in his first three games this season.
“It’s a great opportunity I have in front on me. I just have to take advantage of it.”
Despite his age and lack of experience, Mitchell is showing the Pats that he has some leadership qualities as well. He’s already becoming a stronger voice in the dressing room, which has been “a real pleasant surprise for us,” said Struch, who is also seeing “steady improvement” on the ice.
“He has gotten better every day. You can see it in practice. He knows what he needs to do. We show him the areas he needs to get better and he doesn’t shy away from working to get better in those areas. His maturity level is going to put him in position to continue to grow. He’s going to have some bad nights but those are growing nights for us.”
Speaking of which, Mitchell added about an inch in height this off-season and is still growing.
The six-foot defender also learned last season that his conditioning needed to improve so he made it a priority over the summer, trimming down from 196 pounds to 189.
Mitchell’s size helps him handle his defensive assignments against older and more experienced players.
He also has some offensive upside that’s expected to emerge more and more as his game matures.
“I definitely think I can be a top guy on the team,” he said. “With the (young) team we have right now, we have to be D-minded.”