Freshman defenseman Ian Mitchell wasted little time establishing himself at DU, playing in a highly effective pair with junior Blake Hillman and carving out a niche on the Pioneers’ top power-play unit.

A second-round pick by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Mitchell took time recently to fire away at some one-time feeds from Magness Mayhem and Mayhem Junior. Later in the interview, he was joined by some special guests who weighed in on superhero sightings around the Denver locker room as well as super foods.

What is the breakfast of champions?

For me it’s a lot of eggs, probably scrambled eggs, and toast. That’s my go-to in the morning before practice or school. A glass of orange juice on the side is always good, too.

What have been some of the things you like the most about Denver, either at the school or in the city itself?

Just the group of guys we have here. I have 23 new brothers. The camaraderie we have on our team is so special, and it’s made being away from home that much easier knowing that I have another family here. That and also Denver is a beautiful city and a great place to live. I’ve had a lot of opportunities to go out and check out downtown. There’s a lot to do here, so it’s been a lot of fun.

Have been there guys on the team who stand out as comedians?

Yeah, I think Blake (Hillman), Liam (Finlay) and Henrik (Borgstrom) are the three funniest guys on the team. They’re always making me and the guys laugh, whether they’re being goofy or they’ve got something funny to say, they’re always good at lightening up the room and making guys laugh.

Who are some of the biggest influences on you, whether growing up or in hockey?

I think my parents (Bill and Sarah) overall. They’ve always been so supportive of me and wanted what’s best for me. And they’ve made so many sacrifices in their lives that allowed me to pursue my dream here and hopefully in the NHL at some point so I’d say they’re the biggest influences in my life so far for sure.

Are there any pieces of your gear that you’re particular about?

For me, probably my stick. I tape my stick after every period. That’s probably one thing that I’m a little bit anal about. I don’t make Nicky, our equipment man, sharpen my skates every single day like some guys, who are pretty particular about their skates.

If Monty was a superhero, which one do you think he’d be?

I guess probably Superman. I can see him doing the macho man kind of thing. So I’d probably say Superman.

(At this point, special guests Henrik Borgstrom and Griffin Mendel step in)

We’ve suddenly been transported to the land of the giants.

Nicky and Griff, what do you think – Monty as a superhero?

Special guests: I thought we were talking about you.

No, no. … Who’s bald, Lex Luther? He’s not a superhero. He’s a super villain. No, can’t be that.

Special guests: Super Jim

How about Super Monty?

Question from Mayhem Junior: What’s your favorite super food?

Super food? Ice cream is always good. … I’ll go with cookies. Griff and I like our insomnia cookies.

Have you enjoyed any of the road trips you’ve gotten to take since you’ve been at DU?

I think the North Dakota trip is always cool, and playing in that atmosphere is special. I like Minnesota-Duluth because being from a northern place I like the cold. It was nice to see snow on the ground and cold weather there. Going to Boston was really cool, too, I’d never been out East before. Seeing a city like that with the old buildings and culture was really cool to see. Hopefully we get to go to place like that next year.

We’d like to thank Ian for his time.

Also check out our feature on what has made Ian and D partner Blake Hillman so successful this season.

©First Line Editorial 2017-18