John Mitchell--Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club: Official Centennial Publication

I was drafted in the fifth round of the 2003 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs. That was a surreal moment. The team I group up watching had just chosen me! I remember going to a Leafs’ game with my dad in the early ‘90's at Maple Leaf Gardens. I still remember peeing in the giant trough they had in the washroom. Dougie Gilmour was my favourite player, and I even wore number 93 when I was a kid playing minor hockey, and even tucked my jersey in on the side like him, so to be drafted by the Leafs was amazing. My first game with the Leafs was opening night 2008 and we were on the road playing the defending Stanley Cup champs, the Detroit Red Wings. I was able to watch the opening ceremony from the bench. With all those nerves, it was a long time to be sitting there watching that. I'm very grateful for the opportunity the Leafs gave me to start my career in the NHL.

John Mitchell, Player, 2008-2011