Flash Forward: Perrault’s Playmaking Wows Scouts
Welcome to Flash Forward, a recurring feature this offseason where you will learn all about Bobcat newcomers for 2015-16. Today we take a look at tender signee Mitchell Perrault.
BISMARCK, ND – When players are looking to make the jump from midget major to the junior level, there is nothing more important than catching the attention of scouts in the stands—a feat that didn’t turn out to be altogether difficult for Bismarck Bobcats tender signee Mitchell Perrault.
“Mitch has a playmaking ability that separated him from a lot of players at the ‘AAA’ level,” hailed Bobcats assistant coach Garrett Roth, who coordinates the team’s scouting efforts year-round. “He is a gifted passer with great vision, but also plays with a strong physical intensity.”
Perrault had a breakout season in 2014-15 with the Ohio Blue Jackets U18 in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League, piling up 15 goals and 27 assists in just 31 appearances. That output more than doubled his output of 19 points (6g, 13a) the previous season with Ohio—where he played alongside fellow 2015 Bobcat signee Walker Sommer.
According to Roth, Perrault breaks the mold of successful Bobcats who came before him.
“You can look at certain new players and see how they compare to big names like Jeremy O’Keefe or Adam Knochenmus, but there is nobody to compare Mitch to,” explained Roth. “His skill set is so different from what fans have been used to seeing and that is very exciting.”
As a tender signee, Perrault is now on the Cats’ 30-man protected list, along with the team’s returning veterans and 2015 Draft picks.
The Cats’ busy offseason continues on Friday, July 17, as Main Camp returns to the VFW Sports Center, running through Sunday the 19th. As always, Main Camp is open to the public with free admission.
Season tickets are now on sale for 2015-16; if you want to beat the rush of 40,000 fans for next season, now is the time! Call 222-3300 today to reserve your seats.
