Oxford City Stars are delighted to announce that gritty D-man Marcus Mitchell has agreed terms for the 23/24 season. Having signed last summer with the club, the 25yr old was offered a chance to step up with the National League's Basingstoke Bison where he logged big minutes and gained valuable experience. He impressed so much that he picked up the Bison's Most improved Player award at the end of season awards. He posted impressive numbers in his first taste at National, having leapfrogged Division 1 from the NIHL 2 the previous season with the Guildford Phoenix. Last season, in 55 games he posted 14 points which was a fantastic return considering the tough season Bison, and we are excited to watch his game flourish this coming season with Oxfordshire's Premier Ice Hockey Team. On his signing, Marcus had this to say:
"Some of you may remember me to be most likely the quickest City Star signing to join and leave before even putting my jersey on!
Last season I was extremely lucky to have been offered an opportunity in the National League that I couldn’t turn down! But I was really impressed with Oxford's professional handling of the situation and knowing other players who have played there last season, I'm excited to be coming back to the City Stars and looking forward to driving the club forward. When Simon and Shane messaged and called me after the season finished, they presented me with an opportunity to help me grow a different aspect of my game, and I am extremely excited to help the club achieve their targets this coming season.
I can’t wait to get going, let’s go Stars! ⭐️" Head Coach Simon Anderson added: "Marcus is a huge signing for us. We obviously recruited him last year and we were excited to capture him at that time. He got a call before our season started to step up to the National League with Basingstoke Bison and as a club, myself and Shane Moore could not stand in his way of that opportunity. As a staff it is within our remit to advance players to the higher level when the opportunity arises and we wished Marcus well at that time.
One year on and we had the chance to speak to Marcus again and we are so happy that we will actually get to see him play in a yellow jersey this coming season.
Marcus will help us in all situations and will be a big influence for us as part of our leadership group too. He now has experience at a higher level and I am sure that he will bring his wealth of knowledge to the ice and our locker room.
He is a big presence that will keep other teams players honest in front of our net and that is something I feel we need to have success next season.
I am really looking forward to working with Marcus and I cannot wait to see him in action for us." Mitchell's Jerseys are now available for Own and Loan on the website, but be quick, bound to be a fan favourite this season! Own and Loan is just £100 for one shirt, or £150 for both!