Flaxcombe forward Triston Mitchell-McElhone keeps terrific year going with AAA debut

Some exciting news came from the U15 AA West Central Wheat Kings hockey team last night:

The team's leading scorer Triston Mitchell-McElhone made his AAA debut last night, joining the Swift Current Legionnaires as a call-up for their game last night in Moose Jaw. This comes after news made earlier in the season as he made the Sask First North Region roster for the Top 80 tournament coming up next month.

The 14 year old was out there with former teammates from last year in Kindersley's Cobe and Cam Perlinger who are rookies in the league, and then former Wheat King in Eston's Landyn Nash and another seasoned AAA player in Kyle's Rylan Williams are two more local talents that Mitchell-McElhone was able to share the ice with.

Mitchell-McElhone was held scoreless in his debut, but just getting the opportunity to play at the AAA level as an under age player is another feather in the cap for the Flaxcombe native this season.

The U15 Wheat Kings leading scorer has been impressive all year long, catching scouts eyes seemingly each time he steps out on the ice. Wheat Kings Head Coach Larry Wintoneak is happy to have the player on his team.

"His motor runs high, you never have to plug him in. He's motivated to play, and he's hard to play against," said Wintoneak about his player. Mitchell-McElhone is a player that gives Wintoneak a blast from the past, "He hits hard. He's kind of a throwback. When I say that, he's an 80s type of player that just goes in there and lays the body. Not scared of anybody or anything."

Wintoneak would describe Mitchell-McElhone as fearless, not reckless; and that's the perfect style for someone looking to keep a scout's attention.

"Skill level is pretty good. He's a great skater, creates a lot of havoc on the forecheck, and creates a lot of offensive opportunities," quipped Wintoneak, "He represents the West Central organization like a professional. Comes out to play every game, every shift, he plays hard. I think that's how he got noticed."

When Mitchell-McElhone returns to his AA team he will still have a comfortable cushion on the scoring lead. He has 15 goals and 14 assists for 29 points over 21 games played this season. The "80s" player as Wintoneak described him also sits first on the team with 44 PIM's on the year.

Mitchell-McElhone will look to keep that frustrating style of play going, as the Wheat Kings continue battling for a playoff spot in U15 SAAHL play with their next game set for Saturday afternoon in Yorkton.