The following article featuring former Clarkson standout Willie Mitchell appeared December 2 on the Province Web site.

By Jason Botchford
The Province

Willie Mitchell may not be willing to talk about his future, but his coach didn't hesitate Tuesday to emphasize Mitchell's importance to the Vancouver Canucks.

Mitchell is in the final year of a contract he signed with the Canucks on July 1, 2006. Since the start of this season, however, he has refused to talk about it. But he's made it clear in the past that Vancouver is where he wants to continue to play.

Alain Vigneault sounded Tuesday as though he'd like to see it happen. The coach said Mitchell and Christian Ehrhoff have been the Canucks' best two defencemen this year.

Complete article can be accessed via the Province Web site by clicking here.