Mitchell used his connections with the NHL's Detroit Red Wings for the 1978-79 NEHL season.
At the time, Olympia Stadium Corporation owned the Detroit team, and Mitchell was able to secure an affiliation with the Red Wings.
Johnstown worked closely with Detroit General Manager Ted Lindsay and Assistant GM Jim Skinner to develop players.
The 1979-80 team had difficulties on the ice and also lost money, but negotiations with the War Memorial for a new lease were underway when the EHL folded.
Marty Read, the new coach of the Red Wings, had previously played his college hockey at University of Michigan.