Albany High senior Mitchell Cartwright plays ice hockey for the Hawks and has emerged as one of the top offensive defensemen in the Capital District High School Hockey League this season.
After scoring one goal over his previous three seasons, Cartwright has exploded offensively and was tied for the league lead in goals for a defenseman with six through the Hawks' first 10 games. Cartwright’s ability to move the puck from the defensive zone to the offensive end has helped fuel the Hawks’ prolific attack, which has racked up the second-most goals in the league so far.
Cartwright plays on the first power-play unit, using his speed and skating skills to create scoring chances. He also serves as one of the team’s two assistant captains.
“He is a leader on and off the ice,” coach Ryan O’Connell said. “He has a very charismatic personality.”
O'Connell attributes Cartwright's stellar performance this season to both offseason training and having a fearless mentality on the ice. As he has built confidence, Cartwright has increased his frequency of rushing the puck up the ice, which has been a key component in his success as a player.
Cartwright was first introduced to ice hockey as a New Scotland Elementary School student when he brought home a flyer advertising a "learn-to-skate" event at Swinburne Park. The high school volunteers helping lead the lessons were hockey players, which sparked an interest in the sport.
After joining the Hawks in ninth grade, Cartwright's passion for hockey continued to grow, along with his abilities on the ice.
"I want to play hockey in college. I really thought about that — what's going to get me to college hockey? I took the time to look up YouTube videos on how to skate better, how to shoot harder," Cartwright said.
For the immediate future, Cartwright has his sights set on earning a spot on the Section 2 All-Star Team and ending the season as the top defender in goals.
The Hawks are made up of players from Albany High (Cartwright is the only Falcon soaring with the Hawks this season), Niskayuna, Broadalbin-Perth and Schoharie. They opened the season 6-1 and have maintained a winning record heading into their game Friday, Jan. 9 against the CD Jets at the M&T Bank Center in Schenectady! The puck drops at 8:30 p.m.