York Forward Mitch Fafinski: ‘The Type Of Player Every Coach Would Want On Their Team’

York Forward Mitch Fafinski: ‘The Type Of Player Every Coach Would Want On Their Team’

Following the Hockey Path Built By His Brother, Fafinski Drives Senior-Heavy York In Push For SHL and State Championships

Senior forward Mitch Fafinski – in his first season on York Black, the school’s top varsity team – is leading the team in scoring: 10 goals, 4 assists in 19 SHL games.

“If you want to see what a complete hockey player looks like, just watch Fafinski. He scores; he defends; he forechecks and competes as hard as any player I have ever coached,” said first-year York head coach Evan Poulakidas, who brings more than 30 years of coaching experience, most notably at perennial power Glenbrook North, the defending SHL Champions.

Fafinski, 17, who lives in Elmhurst, is a right-handed shooting wing who was skating with senior center Ethan Mauer and senior wing Jimmy Spano before an injury to Spano has kept him off the ice.

Fafinski played last season for York White in the AHL, leading the team in scoring (22 goals, 11 assists in 30 games) and he was among the top 10 in the AHL with 33 points.

He started his hockey career at the Elmhurst YMCA, playing for the Chiefs house team through his first year of bantam. He then moved to the Chicago Bruins organization to play AA CSHDL. He joined York JV as a sophomore – and his Dukes won the state championship, a career highlight, he said.

“I work hard and I’m determined to win every battle. I’m a really physical and gritty player,” Fafinski said. “I take pride in doing the little things that help the team win, even when they don’t show up on the scoresheet, (such as) blocking shots or just putting my body on the line to make a play.”

“Mitch works for everything he’s gotten,” said former York head coach Matt Boeing. “He was on the bubble last year between varsity teams and (ultimately) played with a chip on his shoulder (for not making the top varsity).

“He can play up and down the lineup, in any situation. He leads by example and will go through walls for his teammates.”

Fafinski last season had an assist against Benet in the state tournament, tying the game with :30 remaining, his favorite moment as a junior.

He has four multi-point games this season, including a hat trick in a 4-2 win against Stevenson on December 12 in Addison – with the third tally being a short-handed, unassisted game-winner in front a large crowd of friends and family.

“I had a top role (last season) on the Varsity 2 team, which allowed me to further develop my offensive ability and continue growing my overall game,” he said. “We could have done better (in the) AHL playoffs and state (tournament), where we brought Bennet to overtime and they ended up in the state championship.

“I didn’t make the top varsity team and was determined to prove that was a mistake. I felt like I accomplished that through my effort and performance.”

Fafinski had 22 goals last season, the second-most of all AHL players.

In 37 games this season, Fafinski has 15 goals and 9 assists. He is tied for the fourth-most points and tied for the second-most goals.

“He’s got an incredible work ethic on and off the ice, and he’s relentless in every zone – he’s the type of player every coach would want on their team,” said York assistant coach Brian Finnerty, who was the head coach for York White a year ago.

Fafinski takes pride in being a complete player. “Games can be won or lost in all areas of the ice, and I refuse to lose any battle because even one small play can determine the outcome of a game,” he said.

Fafinski is skating the hockey path formed by his older brother, Elliott, a former York hockey captain who went on to play college hockey at Roosevelt University before returning to help develop the next generation of players. Elliott is in his third season on the York coaching staff, as a Varsity White team assistant coach. Elliott also is a special education teacher at York Community High School and lives in Elmhurst.

“Growing up at the rink and watching my brother wear the York “Y” every weekend, I always knew it was something I wanted to do as well. It fuels me to try to be just as good if not better than he was,” Mitch said. “He taught me to never take a shift off, to compete every time I’m on the ice, and to make the most of every opportunity. He showed me that playing hockey is a privilege, and that there is never an excuse for poor effort or a bad attitude.

“He’s constantly giving me advice and feedback. He watches my game closely, and I really value what he has to say. He taught me at a young age that effort is everything, and I think that’s very evident in my game. If I do not block a shot, I will hear it from him.”

Finnerty said Elliott was a bigger, strong player, with a bit more flash, but Mitch “is going to outwork you, win a race or a battle and always finds his opportunities around the net.”

Added Boeing: “Mitch has a great role model in Elliott, who played four years at York. I cannot say enough good things about Mitch and his family.”

Mitch said he focused on fine-tuning his shooting and stickhandling for this season. “I’ve always had speed and effort, but adding those extra layers has helped me take a big step forward, especially when finishing my opportunities.”

Mitch is focused on the end game for the Dukes and doesn’t hold back. His motivation this season is, “to win state and the SHL; nothing else matters.” He added, “It’s my senior year; I have nothing to lose.”

The 11-8 Dukes (26 points) sit in third-place in the 10-team SHL behind New Trier Green (34 points) and Saint Viator (33). York ended 2025 with a 3-2 win over Viator in Rosemont and resumes SHL action on Friday, January 9, playing host to Carmel in Addison.

“We know we can beat anyone; we just can’t play down to anyone’s level. I believe we are the deepest team in the league,” Fafinski said. “Depth, commitment and chemistry (are the team’s strengths). Most of our team being seniors means we all have some extra motivation and, we all are really good friends.”

Slapshots With … York Forward Mitch Fafinski

It Helps: “I play tennis (during) the off-season to stay in shape for hockey.”

Off The Ice: “When I’m not at the rink, I spend my time at the gym training and staying connected with friends. I also volunteer at an animal shelter.”

Batter Up: “I work at a baseball field during the summer with the Chicago Dogs. It’s a great group of guys and the job involves a lot of physical labor, basically getting paid to work out, which helps build strength for hockey.”

More Ball: “I was at a Chicago Dogs game over the summer and there’s a kid on the grounds crew dragging the field between innings – and he’s almost jogging while the rest are walking. Sure enough, it’s Mitch. I asked him about it and he said, ‘It’s extra conditioning.’” – York assistant coach Brian Finnerty

In The Gym: “I love to lift weights, which I can tell a noticeable difference when I’m on the ice when it comes to being more physical on the boards or just stronger on the puck and just overall more strength and cardio insurance.”

Superstitions: “Stretching in the neutral zone during warm ups help me get locked in for a game.”

Long-term Career Goals: “Go to a four-year college and own a business.”

College Plans: “Go to a college slightly far (away), but not too far to stay close enough to family, major in business or marketing and play club hockey to stay connected to the sport I love.”

Giving Thanks: “I would like to thank my parents for allowing me to play the game I love and for helping me become the young man I am today.”