Stingrays: Mitchell ready for tough test
The duo share top spot with Newcastle and the 22-year-old forward knows Stingrays must hit peak form to take anything from this weekend's home double bill.
However, buoyed by Saturday's 4-3 win over Edinburgh, Mitchell is in confident mood, despite Sunday's 5-2 defeat in Coventry.
He said: "I thought we played a solid game against Edinburgh. I thought we dominated from start to finish.
"We played well for two periods in Coventry but conceded a couple of quick goals and it was hard to come back from that.
"This weekend's going to be particularly tough, but our confidence is high right now, and hopefully we can get at least two points."
Saturday marked Mitchell's first appearance of the season after recovering from an operation to cure a troublesome meniscus.
The Scot was a revelation, playing alongside fellow Brits Lee Esders and Shaun Thompson.
It gave Stingrays a more balanced look as Mitchell led from the front, giving his line a physical edge.
Mitchell was just delighted to get through the weekend unscathed.
He said: "It felt good to be back out there and I think the adrenalin got me through.
"It was a relief to play again. I felt fine, although the knee might be a bit sore for the next couple of days."
Stingrays may face Nottingham and Coventry with a full complement of players.
Defenceman James Hutchinson is hoping to return to full training this week after his hand fracture.
Jason Silverthorn visited the consultant today regarding his broken jaw.
If both return, only Pavel Gomenyuk will remain on the sidelines, still nursing a broken rib.
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