27 year old Tendler - who last night netted his fourth hat-trick of the year against Edinburgh - has enjoyed a phenomenal debut year in the UK, scoring a Stingrays all-time high 48 goals - including an EIHL record 11 shorthanded goals - while adding 28 assists for 76 points, also a franchise high.
He faces tough competition from Cardiff Devils pair Jon Pelle and Craig Weller. American Pelle, also in his first year in the country, tops Tendler with a league high 54 goals this season, while Weller, a former NHLer that can play both up front and in defence, gave the Devils a legitimate league MVP that has since propelled them into title contention.
Meanwhile Mitchell, who added a goal and two assists in last night's 8-0 win, has been named to the GB initial 34 man squad for the third year in a row, with that roster set to be cut to 26 for the pair of friendlies, to be played in Nottingham and Hull, before again being reduced to 23 for the World Championships in Ukraine during April. After another injury hit start to the year, the Scottish born forward is now back to full health and has totaled an impressive nine goals and ten assists in just 24 games this season.
He is the only Stingrays representative in the 34 man roster although former defencemen David and Kevin Phillips have been selected after season's spent in North America and Braehead respectively.
