Charlottetown Islanders name former NHL player John Mitchell as new head coach

The Charlottetown Islanders are bringing in a coach with extensive NHL experience to lead the team. John Mitchell has been named the team’s new head coach, replacing Jim Hulton after his 11 seasons leading the club.

Charlottetown Islanders name former NHL player John Mitchell as new head coach Mitchell becomes the third head coach in franchise history The Charlottetown Islanders are bringing in a coach with extensive NHL experience to lead the team. John Mitchell has been named the Islanders' new head coach, replacing Jim Hulton after his 11 seasons leading the club. Mitchell becomes the third head coach in franchise history.

“I’m incredibly honoured and excited to step in as the new head coach. This is a first-class organization with a rich history in the QMJHL,” he was quoted as saying in a news release. “My family and I are thrilled to make P.E.I. our new home and become part of this wonderful community.

I look forward to working closely with our staff, developing our talented young roster, and bringing a competitive, winning culture to our fans.” Mitchell, who’s from Oakville, Ont., played junior hockey with the Ontario Hockey League’s Plymouth Whalers before being selected by the Maple Leafs in the fifth round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He later spent nine seasons in the NHL with the Maple Leafs, New York Rangers and Colorado Avalanche, appearing in more than 500 games.

He also played professionally in Germany with the Nürnberg Ice Tigers and EHC Red Bull München before moving into coaching. Last season, he served as head coach of the Okanagan Hockey Academy Colorado 16U AAA program, leading the team to a USA Hockey 16U National Championship. The Islanders also announced Kevin Henderson has been promoted to associate coach.

Henderson has been with the team’s coaching staff since the 2019-20 season, when he joined as an assistant coach under Hulton. “Entering his eighth season with the club, Henderson has played an integral role in the development of countless players while helping establish the culture and identity that has become a hallmark of the organization,” the release said.