Although Long Island is not necessarily known for producing hockey players, there is a proud community of local talent that has taken their game to the next level. Ross Mitton, hailing from Copiague, is in his first year of collegiate hockey at Colgate University. Prior to becoming a Raider, Mitton played for various teams around the Island.

A Tight-Knit Community

From being the leading scorer at the Portledge School to sharing the ice with 2019 second round draft pick Robert Mastrosimone on the Long Island Royals, Mitton has enjoyed the level of competition LI has to offer. In fact, Mitton still trains with 2019 draftees Shane Pinto (second round, Ottawa) and Marshall Warren (sixth round, Minnesota), as well as Danny Weight, the son of former Islanders’ captain and coach, Doug Weight.

“We all still train together whenever we go back home for the summer,” Mitton said. “We’ve all been close ever since we were six years old.”

Leaving Home Behind

In addition to playing for local travel teams like the Royals, Gulls and Jr. Islanders, Mitton had a successful one-year stint with the North Jersey Avalanche, averaging roughly 1.3 points-per-game. Mitton’s dedication to the game is not in question, as he was required to take the drive to Hackensack, NJ (one hour away from the Nassau Coliseum, for reference) up to five days a week while playing for the Avalanche.

“Me, Marshall Warren (Boston College), Brandon Tabakin (Yale) and Scotty Osani (Johnson & Wales), who were all at Portledge, our parents would take turns taking us each day,” Mitton said. “It was a lot. It was very time consuming, but it was definitely worth it.”

After his time in New Jersey, Mitton would have to travel just a bit further for the next stage of his career. Fargo, North Dakota was Mitton’s first stop in the USHL, where he wound up playing for the Fargo Force, Lincoln Stars and Omaha Lancers. After successful seasons with Fargo and Lincoln, Mitton owes his breakout year in 2019-2020 with Omaha to his coach.

“I played under Coach Wilkie, who has honestly been my favorite coach so far. He really trusted me, and that was the biggest thing.” Mitton said. “I had a different level of confidence playing for Wilkie.”

A Tough Road Ahead

Mitton’s journey through the Midwest brought him right back to New York, albeit five hours away from his hometown. Ross Mitton is busy studying to become an economics major, as well as undergoing a tough ECAC schedule in his freshman year at Colgate.

Unlike other years when the ECAC includes 12 teams, the COVID-19 protocol has cut the number of schools participating in half. Clarkson and Quinnipiac, who are both ranked inside the top-20, are two of the six teams deciding to play. Although the competition is stiff, Mitton is looking forward to facing these two opponents a combined 14 times.

“There’s gonna be a lot of battles, we’re gonna hate each other,” Mitton said. “We’ve held our ground really well against Clarkson already. We can play with anyone.”

Colgate has matched up against the Golden Knights twice so far, losing a close 2-1 battle in the season opener, and winning a 5-4 instant classic in overtime Wednesday, Dec. 23.

Ross Mitton is playing alongside guys who have been with Colgate for up to four years, and he knows it is critical to learn from experienced members on the team. There a few teammates in particular who have been paving the way for his future success in the collegiate game.

“Josh Mckechney, Paul McAvoy, Trevor Cosgrove, and Nick Austin. Those guys have taught me if things aren’t going your way, keep up your confidence and don’t change the way you play,” Mitton said. “They’re just leaders by example.”

New York State of Mind

After growing up on Long Island then continuing his college years upstate, Mitton has definitely made the New York area proud with his hockey prowess. However, there has been one decision made by Mitton that will not sit well with any Islanders fan.

“My room is decked out in Rangers gear,” Mitton said. “I grew up an Islanders fan and went to a lot of their games, but now I’m a big-time Rangers fan.”

John Smark