Competitive D155 Predators Forward A.J. Mitchell Set For Senior Season

By Ross Forman

A.J. Mitchell is proud to wear uniform No. 21 this fall for the D155 Predators, his senior season on the IHSHL North-Central Division team that finished 6-15-1 last season in the Varsity Champions League.

“Growing up, I wore number (uniform No.) 17. Last year I changed my jersey number to 21,” he said. “My dad wore No. 21 when he played soccer in high school. My (grandfather) was one of my biggest supporters and came to all my games. He passed away during my sophomore season. He always wanted me to wear No. 21 like his friend and favorite hockey player, Stan Mikita. When I had an opportunity to change numbers, it felt right to change my number as a tribute to both.”

Mitchell, 17, lives in Crystal Lake and attends Crystal Lake South High School. He is a wing who formerly skated for the Crystal Lake Stingers and Crystal Lake Yellowjackets.

This past season, he was chosen one of the team’s alternate captains and was selected to play in the IHSHL North-Central All-Star Game. He was also an IHSHL All Academic honoree.

“A.J. has become a very talented player hockey skills-wise over the last three years,” said D155 head coach Eric Doersam. “He (took) a leadership role to heart as a junior and now moving into his senior year. He’s a quiet leader but can shoulder the load when necessary.”

Mitchell’s career has included winning back-to-back President’s Cups and NIHL championships during both bantam seasons.

During the playoffs this past season, D155 trailed by one at the end of the second period in a key road game against the Ice Cats. “I was having a poor game, (affected by) their large student section,” Mitchell said. “But I dialed in before the third period and went on to score two goals and help our team win the game.”

Mitchell is a playmaker who led the Predators with 16 assists in 22 regular season games, which was third-most in the league. He also had 6 goals, 5 multi-point games and 2 game-winning goals.

“I like the puck on my stick so I can find teammates for open looks,” he said. “I have a good hockey IQ. I’m fast and strong on the puck. I help find teammates for open looks. 

“I started more as a silent leader who was coachable, worked hard and was dependable. As I’ve gotten older, I have become the guy who can get the team focused to get the job done.”

Mitchell credits several “strong coaches” who have guided his path. “Most of the skillset I have developed has been from my years working with Scott Herbster,” he said. “I have been fortunate to work with him since I was a mite. 

“My parents have helped me develop mentally through the years. They are always there to help me reflect and grow from different situations. My high school coach, Eric Doersam, has helped me fine-tune my skills. He understands my style of play and has found places to use it where it compliments my teammates strengths.”

Mitchell’s road to hockey glory wasn’t without hiccups. “Growing up, I was always the smallest player, so I had to adapt my skillset to compete. This meant using my speed and shiftiness to avoid contact, well also making good decisions with the puck,” he said. 

Plus, in the fall he must balance schoolwork with two varsity sports, as he is a four-year varsity golfer, which “has required extra discipline to make sure I am present and performing my best,” he said.

“Every hockey season I strive to have the highest level of success as a team and personally. I want to win as much as possible for my teammates and myself. This (upcoming) season, I hope we make the (top-tier league) playoffs and have a deep run. Personally, I want to make the IHSHL All-Conference Team and continue my role on the team as a leader and playmaker.”

Slapshots With … D155 Wing A.J. Mitchell

Competitiveness: “Coach Eric Doersam helped bring out my competitiveness this past season and made me realize how much I love to compete. My mindset for every game is to win, no matter who the opponent is.”
One Moment: “My first year as a bantam, we had an important semi-final playoff series to make it to the NIHL championship game. We had lost the first game and needed to win the second game to force a one-period third game. We were tied in the third period of the second game with about seven minutes (remaining). I had a breakaway chance with one guy chasing me yet was able to score. We won the game and the one-period game three immediately after. We went on to win the bantam NIHL championship.”
Off The Ice: “I like to spend time at the gym, on the golf course, hanging with friends and playing video games. During the off-season, I work at a golf course and have worked as a hockey official during the season since I was in seventh grade.”
It Helps: “I spend as much time as I can (in) the gym with my younger brother and a few hockey teammates. We have a good workout regimen that keeps us conditioned off-season.”
Hockey Superstitions: “I always tie my left skate first.”
Long-term Career Goals: “I want to attend a college with a strong business school. I want to use the lessons and discipline I have learned playing hockey to continue to grow personally and professionally.”
Brotherly Love: His younger brother Reed was on the varsity team this past spring season. “It was the first time we’ve been on a team together and I am excited about the opportunity to play with him this upcoming season.”
Family Ties: “Growing up I looked up to my cousin, Scott Reedy. I watched him develop and play for the USA Hockey Development Team, University of Minnesota, in the AHL and NHL. Watching him through the years was fun and inspired me as a young player.”
Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Favorite NHL Player: Patrick Kane
Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Miracle
Favorite TV Show: Breaking Bad
Motivational Song: You Only Live Twice by Drake
Favorite Pre-game Meal: Chicken and rice
Favorite app: TikTok
Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: LeBron James
Favorite High School Uniform (other than D155): Chicago North (home)