Local Ice Hockey Team, The Solway Sharks, Welcome the return of Craig Mitchell

Local Ice Hockey Team, The Solway Sharks, are delighted to announce the return of former EIHL defenseman Craig Mitchell for the 2013-14 season. Craig returns to the Sharks after playing twenty-five league games for us last year as well as a turning out for the Braehead Clan in the EIHL as part of a two way contract. He will take on both a playing and coaching role at the club as Martin Grubb’s assistant coach and his knowledge and professionalism will be welcomed by the team.

Craig had originally agreed to play for Braehead this season but a very sudden life opportunity came his way to further his long term prospects which meant he was unable to commit to that level of hockey. Craig still wanted to continue playing at a level his new commitment allowed so we are delighted to be able to welcome him back to complete the defensive unit.

Mitchell was a standout performer last season and his experience and composure will be a valuable asset to the Sharks. He has played over 100 Elite games and had represented GB at U18 and U20 level winning medals with both. Craig will wear the number 77 this season and will be a key player as the Sharks attempt to become the first winners of the Moralee Conference.

Head Coach Martin Grubb was understandably delighted to welcome Craig back “This move has happened very quickly and of course when Craig advised me of his career opportunity and desire to continue playing I was only too happy to bring him back to the club. I have kept in contact with Craig all summer and I know he was looking forward to getting back to the Elite level however his long-term career is more important than the short time he can play professional hockey and I am confident we have allowed him to have a good balance in his work/hockey life. Craig is one of the most professional players I have dealt with and I am delighted that he also expressed an interest in coaching and passing on his knowledge as it fits in with my GB commitments and I know we will work well together and I welcome him as a player assistant coach. He skates really well, has tremendous composure and sees the ice well. He will be a key player and I think this signing really upgrades our defensive unit and I am excited to work with him again”.

Craig was excited to be starting this new chapter and had the following comments to make: “At this stage of my life signing for the Sharks is the perfect fit for me. It’s a club I trust and one I loved playing for last season. The staff and players are fantastic and this creates a great platform for success. We delivered trophies last season and under the guidance of Martin, we hope to go that one better this season and maintain our winning tradition at this fantastic club. I am excited to take the first steps into coaching by assisting and learning from Martin and at this stage in my life it was the correct decision”.

Sharks fans will be able to see Mitchell and his new team mates take on Bristol Pitbulls in the Sharks first pre season game on Saturday at the ice bowl. He will be joined by returning Slovakian defenseman Juraj Senko and several other new and returning players as the season gets under way.