For the latest update from Shoot for Success and their program, check out this video on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/6lXaBptd1nc

My name is Mitch Atkins. I am a twenty-three year old NCAA athlete who will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Business Administration with minors in Economics and Finance. This past weekend I have concluded my NCAA career with Elmira College, losing out in the finals of the UCHC Championship game to Utica College. It has been an emotional ride, and I am thankful to have played with some remarkable hockey players who also happen to be incredible people. All my life I have loved the game of hockey. I grew up in Kitchener, Ontario, and learned to skate at the age of two on our backyard rink that my Dad built for me. 

Although I was always a skilled player, I was extremely undersized and never played a season of AAA hockey after Novice. Every year I would leave the tryouts heartbroken, but thankfully my family Paul, Joanne, and Justin instilled a never give up attitude in me, leading me to believe if I worked hard enough one day my dreams would become a reality. I learned at a young age to be mentally tough. I never dwelled on things I couldn’t control, and instead focused on the things I could, such as my eating, sleeping, training, skills, and work ethic. 

At the age of 15 in my Minor Midget season I was a mighty 5’2” and 105 lbs. I still remember weighing in at tryouts wearing one pair of shorts, two pairs of sweatpants, three layers of shirts and my pockets filled with coins just to reach 115 lbs. The trainer marking the player’s heights even let me keep my shoes on. I played Minor Midget AA that season, and did not have the opportunity to be drafted by an OHL team. The next year I was released from AAA again, and played Major Midget MD as there was no Major Midget AA team. It was a blessing in disguise, as our team won over 50 games, won four of five tournaments and captured the Provincial Championship. 

The summer of 2011 I was introduced to Adam DeJong, head trainer and owner of Limitless Performance who is also a former NCAA hockey player at Sacred Heart. That summer he pushed me to gain 30 lbs, preparing me mentally and physically for the grind of junior hockey. Despite playing Major Midget MD, I was invited to the main camp of my hometown Junior B team, the Kitchener Dutchmen.  Although I didn’t make the team, I was fortunate enough to sign on as the 12th forward with the Dutchmen’s Junior C affiliate, the Paris Mounties. My first year of junior taught me many lessons, and by December I was getting called up to Kitchener to play Junior B in my hometown. After Paris was knocked out, I ended up finishing the season in Kitchener as a call-up, scoring seven points in nine games with the team before losing out to the Brantford Golden Eagles in the playoffs. 

The next season (2012-13) I had my heart set on playing in Kitchener, but was eventually pushed out by other signings, leading me to try out with the Elmira Sugar Kings. I made Elmira as a walk on, signing my first Junior B card with one of the most recognized organizations in junior hockey. I was ecstatic to play for an organization that was renowned for being first class while frequently promoting their players to higher levels. The happiness was short-lived, as eight games into the season I was released and sent back to Junior C. This was one of my lowest of lows in hockey. The feeling of watching your teammates step onto the ice for practice while waiting to pack up your gear, holding back tears is a feeling I’ll never forget. At this point my goal of playing NCAA hockey seemed nearly impossible. However, after speaking with my parents, instead of being discouraged I felt motivated. I scored my first game back with Paris, and finished the year in Junior C learning how to be a leader as one of the older players on a young team. After grinding hard in the gym, that summer I gained another 15 lbs, pushing me up to a much heavier 185 lbs at 5’11”.  I emailed every Junior B team looking for a tryout. That season I signed with the Brantford 99ers in their inaugural season in the GOJHL (2013-14). Thanks to the support of my coaches Scott Rex, Wes Consorti, my teammates, and line-mates Nathan Bastian and Guy Polillo, it was a season I’ll never forget.

At the deadline I was traded to the Waterloo Siskins and was fortunate enough to win a Cherrey Cup Championship in my first full season of Junior B at the age of 19. That season I played in my first GOJHL All-Star game, was named a 2nd Team All-Star in the GOJHL Midwestern Conference, and finished sixth in league scoring despite being released from Junior B one season prior. The next season, I had the privilege of playing for Steve Hodson, Garrett Rutledge, and Ryan Clarke for the Cambridge Winter Hawks. My Uncle Frank was a long-time volunteer for the team, and finishing my last year of Junior with the historic Winter Hawks franchise was a special feeling I’ll always cherish. That season I played in my second GOJHL All-Star game, and was named the MVP. I also was an affiliate with the Oakville Blades following my season in Cambridge, giving me the unique experience of playing Junior A, B, and C. My goal was to become a Division One NCAA athlete, and although I visited a few teams and received interest from others, I was never made an official offer to play D1 hockey. I am and always have been a firm believer that everything in life happens for a reason. In pursuit of my D1 goals, I ended up committing to Elmira College, one of the powerhouse programs of D3 hockey with a business program that would have a positive impact on my future.  

Playing NCAA hockey is an experience of a lifetime. The fans are incredible, the atmosphere is electric and the sense of pride associated with representing your school is incomparable. At Elmira College, I have been able to realize my goals and dreams both on and off the ice. The NCAA pathway has given me a thrilling hockey experience and an elite education. My time in Elmira has given me many lifelong friends, a girlfriend, and memories that will last forever. With support from my family and mentors like Doug Foley, I have created a company called Shoot for Success. I focus on helping hockey players from around the K-W region receive NCAA scholarships that will allow them to play hockey at the highest level, while obtaining an education that will set them on a successful path in life. My goal is to help instill a never give up attitude in young hockey players that inspires them to achieve their goals despite the odds.

Everyone has a different path to success. It is always important to embrace the challenges in life, and never give up on your goals and dreams. Find your passion, chase it relentlessly, and Shoot for Success!  

Best,
Mitch Atkins 

www.ShootforSuccess.ca 
519-503-9611
S4Sscholarships@gmail.com 
Twitter: MAshoot4success
Instagram: MAshoot4success