Hershey Bears captain Garrett Mitchell just met with the media ahead of the Capitals’ final game of the regular season – an Eastern Conference matchup against the Florida Panthers. Mitchell had a huge smile.
That’s because the 25-year-old forward will make his NHL debut tonight – a moment he admittedly doubted would ever happen.
“It’s one of those things,” Mitchell said. “I am only 25, but with that being said, every year there’s always kids being drafted. Every year, there’s a first-round pick, a second-round pick. For myself as a sixth-round pick, it’s something I’ve dreamed about.”
2,843 days ago, Mitchell was selected by the Capitals 157th overall during the the 2009 draft. After a hot start to his career was later derailed by a major shoulder injury, Mitchell has fought his way onto the league’s best team to officially become an NHL player, likely for one night only.
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Garrett Mitchell talks about his feelings heading in to his first NHL Game. #CapsCats #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/0byinrNkuC
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 9, 2017
“We just finished playing Toronto,” Mitchell said. “[Bears Head Coach] Troy {mann] came in and let every know the schedule. We had a rookie dinner last night. He said Chandler was going to get called up and then said I had been waiting six years to get the call.
“As a kid growing up, it’s something you dream of,” Mitchell continued. “For it to come real here the past couple days, it’s pretty surreal.”
On Mitchell's recall, Trotz said GM Brian MacLellan was who brought it up. Wanted to pay him back for what he's done for organization.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) April 9, 2017
Just nine days ago, Mitchell’s wife Talita gave birth to the couple’s second child, an eight-pound three ounce girl named Lakelyn Braz.
Mitchell’s parents, who were en route from Canada to Harrisburg to see their new granddaughter, will now see their son’s first NHL game at Verizon Center.
“It’s pretty surreal,” Mitchell said. “It’s crazy that it just happened to work out. They flew to Toronto yesterday and their flight actually got cancelled to fly to Harrisburg. It just happened that they got talking to the lady and they kind of explained the situation, so they flew mom and dad right here (to Washington DC). Somebody’s watching out for me.”
.@Mitchy1_0's gear ready for his first NHL game! #CapsCats #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/QifSd0v8BJ
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 9, 2017
For the last two years, Mitchell has served as the Hershey Bears’ captain and been the beloved leader of the team. “Normally it’s me saying, ‘Hey, have fun with [with your Hersehy debut]. It’s going to be good.” Mitchell said.
But as he arrived at the arena Sunday, Mitchell needed some help from some former teammates in Hershey.
“I walked in and I said, ‘I don’t know where to go, boys. You’ve got to show me where to go.’ So I was getting Paul Carey, and actually Schmidty jumped in with us today with Chandler. I just kind of stayed in the back and take it all in.'”
As for if Mitchell cried when he first found out the news, officially and for the record, he did not.
“I didn’t start crying,” Mitchell said unconvincingly. “I was fighting it back. The way [Troy] did it was amazing. It was in front of everybody. It couldn’t of been better.
“They got a video of it,” Mitchell continued. “I’m sure I’ll post it sometime here. Just haven’t had the time.”
Maybe he’ll have some time after the biggest moment of his career happens tonight.
Congrats @Mitchy1_0 Well deserved brother.
— Michael Latta (@Latta17) April 9, 2017
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