Scout Bio
John Mitchell joined the Windigo as its second head coach in franchise history effective May 16, 2024. Prior to taking the helm for the Windigo, John served as the associate head coach during the 2023-24 season for the St. Cloud Norsemen of the NAHL. He served as their bench boss for the entire 2023-24 season, while the Norsemen’s head coach served a season long suspension.
Mitchell hails from Neenah, WI, and played four seasons of NCAA D-I hockey at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While with the Badgers, Mitchell brought home the NCAA National Championship in 2006 and was the runner-up at the 2010 National Championships. He was named the Otto Breitenbach Most Improved Player of the Year for his play during the 2009-2010 season. Mitchell continued his playing career after college, signing an NHL contract with the Anaheim Ducks. John played 207 games over four seasons in the AHL. His final season as a pro was split between the EIHL and ECHL.
Mitchell transitioned to coaching in 2015, with the Team Wisconsin 18U program. He moved on to the University School of Milwaukee in 2018. John joined the Milwaukee Power of the NA3HL as its assistant coach for the 2021-22 season and was the head coach of the Power during the 2022-23 season