Armstrong ready to lend a hand
Forward Mitchell Armstrong is rejoining the St. Catharines Falcons for the stretch run. Photo by: BILL POTRECZ.
The St. Catharines Falcons got a jump on next week’s trade deadline, adding forward Mitch Armstrong to the roster for the remainder of the season.
The 18-year-old forward played three games with the Falcons earlier this year before deciding to hang up his skates to concentrate on his schooling where he is majoring in kinesiology at Brock.
But the lure of the rink and another legitimate shot at a second Sutherland Cup had the gritty St. Catharines native back on the ice this week.
“I’m really excited,” Armstrong said. “It’s a great organization and everyone was super welcoming so how could I not be excited?
“It was great to get a break but I’m excited to be back.”
Armstrong admitted to be worn out after going directly from winning the Sutherland Cup last June to playing lacrosse with the St. Catharines Junior A Athletics.
“I definitely needed a break but I really missed the guys,” he said. “We have great lockeroom and great culture and I just missed being around them. Winning the Sutherland Cup with some of them last year, I don’t think I could leave that behind just yet. They’re like my brothers still.”
Falcons general manager Frank Girhiny is thrilled to have Armstrong back in the fold.
“When you’re building a team you’re looking at four lines and our team has had great success so far,” Girhiny said. “The players have done a good job led by our 20-year-olds and the rest of the guys following suit, but at the end of the day to add a guy like Mitch who has won a Sutherland Cup and played for Team Canada at the World Lacrosse Championships, he’s just a great asset.
“He brings an energy that’s contagious around the team and he’s reliable and just a great teammate.”
Armstrong was a key part of an effective penalty killing unit last season before adding offence in the playoffs with six goals and eight points as the Falcons cruised to their second Sutherland Cup.
“Very excited to have Mitchell rejoin the team,” Falcons coach Tyler Bielby said. “His approach to the game is as genuine as they come and he will add a lot of value to our lineup down the final stretch.”
Armstrong plans to play for the A’s again this summer and has the blessing of Athletics general manager Jeff Chcoski to fulfil his obligations to the Falcons before shifting to the double blue. The A’s begin their season May 21 while the latest a Sutherland Cup game can be played is May 1.
“Chicky (Chcoski) is super, super supportive and I cannot be more appreciative,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong also tipped his cap to Bielby for his understanding.
“When I was doing both (hockey and school) and I was struggling Tyler knew that and was really helpful with that all around,” he said. “Now I’m kind of used to it and used to the classes.”
Armstrong is slated to be in the lineup Friday when the Falcons return to action at home versus the Caledonia Corvairs.
St. Catharines lead the entire Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League with an .887 win percentage and have lost only three games in regulation so far.
Still, Girhiny says the club is in buy mode for the deadline which is Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m.
“We’re always kicking tires. I was on the phone constantly last night to see what’s going on, what’s out there,” Girhiny said. “If we weren’t to add anybody I’m very excited where the team is and where it can go in the playoffs, but if there’s someone who can help our team to win not only the Golden Horseshoe but defend our title, I’m interested in that for sure. That player would have to be an impact player who could fit in with our team.”
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