Location via proxy:   [ UP ]  
[Report a bug]   [Manage cookies]                

Mitchell Ryan Love (born June 15, 1984) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who is currently serving as an assistant coach with the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Mitch Love
Love in 2023
Born (1984-06-15) June 15, 1984 (age 40)
Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada
Height 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight 175 lb (79 kg; 12 st 7 lb)
Position Defence/left wing
Shot Left
Played for
NHL draft Undrafted
Playing career 2005–2011
Coaching career 2011–present

As a player, Love played the role of both a pest and an enforcer, as well as being an experienced fighter. During his time on the ice, he averaged 3.4 penalty minutes a game over his entire career.[1] Love ranks 31st in all-time penalty minutes among Western Hockey League (WHL) players with 901, and no player in the league since has surpassed his total.[1]

In his major junior career, Love played for three different WHL teams across six seasons: the Moose Jaw Warriors, Swift Current Broncos, and the Everett Silvertips. Love played a very physical game, once leading the league with 327 penalty minutes[2] and 40 fights[3] during the 2002–03 WHL season, capturing a long-standing team record for single-season penalty minutes with the Broncos in the process.[4] Love is regarded as one of the greatest Silvertips players of all time,[5][6] and is the only person to have their jersey retired by the team.[7]

Undrafted at the NHL level, Love nonetheless managed to spend several years as a professional hockey player. During his professional career, Love played for seven different teams over six seasons, primarily in the American Hockey League (AHL). He spent time under an NHL contract with the Colorado Avalanche, but never played in the NHL. A hard-hitting defenceman and later left winger, Love found a place in the league due to his physical play, including posting 34 fights during the 2008–09 AHL season,[8] more than any other professional hockey player in the world that year.[9][10]

Early life

edit

Love was born on June 15, 1984, in Quesnel, British Columbia to parents Harley and Melanie Love.[11][12] Love's younger sister Jill was also a hockey player,[13] most notably playing for the University of Regina Cougars.[14] His father Harley worked at a local sawmill,[11] and was a goaltender, playing in the BCHL as well as professionally in Germany,[9] eventually serving as a scout for the multiple WHL teams.[15][16] Love's mother Melanie worked several jobs to support Mitch and Jill's hockey endeavours.[11] Love grew up watching the Prince George Cougars, where he dreamed of eventually playing in the Western Hockey League (WHL).[11][15]

Playing career

edit

Junior

edit

1999–2003: Early years

edit

Moving away from home at 15 years old, Love played bantam, midget, and junior ice hockey for Notre Dame in Wilcox, Saskatchewan,[17][18] a school noted for producing high quality athletes, as well as its scouting presence.[18] Undrafted at the major junior level, Love was able to make the WHL's Moose Jaw Warriors for a pair of games in the 1999–00 season after attending their training camp.[17] Love's play and maturation landed him a full-time role with the Warriors for the 2000–01 season.[19] In October 2001 Love was traded to the Swift Current Broncos where he would bring an element of toughness to the team, fighting 18 times during the 2001–02 season.[20] Love would go on to lead the league and capture a Broncos record during the 2002–03 season with 327 penalty minutes, including 40 fighting majors.[2][4][21]

2003–2005: Everett Silvertips

edit

Prior to the 2003–04 season, Love was traded by the Broncos to the expansion franchise Everett Silvertips along with teammate Torrie Wheat for Matěj Trojovský and a 6th Round pick in the 2004 WHL Bantam Draft.[22] Love was named an alternate captain for the Silvertips, and played on the first defensive pairing for most of the season as well as posting career highs in goals and assists.[23] The Silvertips would go on to have one of the most successful inaugural seasons in hockey history, and Love's work aided the team during their deep playoff run, scoring a game-winning goal in the western conference final.[23]

Prior to the 2004–05 season, Love was named captain of the Silvertips for his final season in the WHL, again having a career year in terms of points, despite playing significantly less than a full season.[23] On November 6, 2004, Love would have the best game of his WHL career in terms of points, with one goal and four assists in a 5–2 win against the Saskatoon Blades.[24][25] His high-scoring performance was followed up with what Love himself would describe as his "worst game of the year"[24] three nights later in a 3–1 loss against his former team the Moose Jaw Warriors.[25] Love would sit out due to injury multiple times during the season,[26][27] including during their first-round matchup against the Portland Winterhawks during the 2005 WHL playoffs.[27]

Love was a fan favourite in Everett,[28] earning their respect in the new hockey market through his physical play and willingness to defend his teammates.[11] Regarded as one of the greatest Silvertips players of all time,[5][6] his name is still shouted by fans of the team during the playing of O Canada.[23][29]

On November 22, 2019, Love's jersey number was retired by the Silvertips. Love was the first, and so far only player to have his number retired by the team.[7]

Professional

edit

2005–2008: Colorado Avalanche farm system

edit

After going undrafted in the NHL, and aging out of the WHL, Love was signed to an entry-level contract by the Colorado Avalanche, and joined their AHL affiliate, the Lowell Lock Monsters for the 2005–06 season,[30] suiting up for 27 out of the 80 games that season.[31] Love's professional debut came on October 14, 2005, in a 4–2 win against the Manchester Monarchs.[32] Love's point production dropped significantly in the transition to playing professionally, only notching four assists in his rookie season,[31] less than a third of his points per game as compared to the previous season playing for the Silvertips.[33]

Prior to the 2006–07 season, the Lock Monsters were purchased and renamed the Lowell Devils by the New Jersey Devils, forcing the Avalanche to select a new AHL affiliate with the Albany River Rats.[34] Love scored his first professional goal on January 17, 2007, in a game against the Norfolk Admirals.[35] During the season, Love again struggled to produce points, managing only one goal and six assists in 69 games.[36] However Love compensated for this with his physical style of play, accruing 184 penalty minutes, including 23 fighting majors, one less than the league leader.[36][37]

Ahead of the 2007–08 season, the Avalanche again changed AHL affiliates, this time to the Lake Erie Monsters for their inaugural season.[38] During the pre-season at Avalanche training camp, Love fought teammates multiple times, including Brandon Straub,[39][40] Ryan Smyth, and Ian Laperrière.[41] Ultimately, Love would again spend the entire season in the minors, spending most of his time with the Monsters, but also playing a handful of games with the Avalanche's second tier minor league affiliate: the Johnstown Chiefs of the ECHL.[42] Love's points per game, as well as penalty minutes per game would see a slight increase during the season, with seven points and 229 penalty minutes in 63 games between the AHL and ECHL.[43][44] During the season, Love would serve a one-game suspension due to his actions in a game against the Syracuse Crunch on April 8, 2008.[45]

2008–2010: Houston and Peoria

edit

After his entry-level contract expired, the Avalanche opted not to re-sign Love, marking an end to his time in an NHL system.[46] Love opted to sign an AHL contract with the Houston Aeros for the 2008–09 season after attending their training camp,[47] reuniting with his former coach from Everett, Kevin Constantine.[48] In Houston, Love collected a professional single-league career high of 214 penalty minutes, including a league-leading 34 fights.[9][8] During the season with the Aeros, Love transitioned to playing left wing, ostensibly to cover for an injury-battered team, but he would continue to play as a winger for the remainder of his time on the ice.[49] Love would play with the Aeros during their deep playoff run, scoring one goal and accruing 32 penalty minutes in 16 games.

Love earned himself a professional tryout with the St. Louis Blues during their 2009 training camp,[50][10] but ultimately signed with their AHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen for the 2009–10 season.[51] Once again, Love was towards the top of the team in terms of fights and penalty minutes; with 17 fights and 129 penalty minutes respectively.[52] However, Love's point production declined further, managing only one goal and three assists in 60 games played,[53] the lowest points per game season of his professional career.[54]

Due to AHL developmental rules, there is a limit to the number of veteran players allowed on a team's roster per game, with 260 professional games played being the most common cutoff point for veteran status.[55] This rule significantly limits the ability of many players to remain in the AHL as they age. As a result of this rule, as well as his diminishing production in terms of both scoring and fights in the previous season, Love was not offered a contract in the AHL for the 2010–11 season.[52]

2010–2011: Central Hockey League

edit

On September 8, 2010, Love was signed as a free agent by the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the Central Hockey League (CHL).[52] Love played with the team for most of the season, posting 14 fights,[56] as well as 110 penalty minutes through 43 games played.[57] Due to a season-ending double hip surgery, Love did not play during the playoffs, where the Mudbugs would capture the Ray Miron President's Cup.[58] The Mudbugs organization folded immediately following their championship in the 2010-11 post-season, leaving Love without a team.[59] Opting not to continue his playing career, Love announced his retirement on August 13, 2011.[60]

Coaching career

edit

2011–2018: Return to Everett

edit

On August 13, 2011, Love was hired by the Everett Silvertips as the strength and conditioning coach, as well an assistant coach, primarily to work with the defensemen.[60] Over his tenure as an assistant coach, Love's defensive experience helped the team to have the lowest goals against on average for three consecutive seasons.[61] In all, Love would spend seven years coaching with the team, remaining through multiple head-coach changes.[7]

2018–2021: Saskatoon Blades

edit

On May 30, 2018, Love was hired on as the head coach of the WHL's Saskatoon Blades beginning with the 2018–19 season.[62] Love coached the Blades for three seasons, including leading them to the playoffs in his first season after the team had failed to make the playoffs for the previous five years.[63] Love was overall successful with the Blades, leading them to a 0.665 points percentage over his three season span.[64]

Professional

edit

On July 12, 2021, Love announced he had accepted a position with the Calgary Flames to be the head coach of their American Hockey League affiliate, the Stockton Heat, beginning with the 2021–22 season.[64][65] Love had a successful first season behind the bench of the Heat, leading them to 1st place in the Pacific division and capturing the Louis A. R. Pieri Memorial Award as the league's most outstanding coach.[66]

After a successful initial campaign, Love would remain with the team during their relocation to become the Calgary Wranglers ahead of the 2022 23 season. During his second season with the Flames affiliate, Love led the team to the regular season championship and the ninth best regular season AHL record of all time, capturing the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy.[67] Due to the Wranglers success in the first half of the season, Love was selected to coach the Pacific division during the season's All-star classic.[68][69] Love was also awarded the Louis A. R. Pieri Memorial Award for the second season in a row, becoming one of only three coaches to win the award in back to back seasons and the only coach to ever do so in his first two seasons in the AHL.[70]

On June 22, 2023, Love was named an assistant coach for the Washington Capitals of the NHL, primarily to work with the defensemen.[71][72]

International

edit

Love has represented Canada from behind the bench several times, most recently as an assistant coach for the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where the team captured a silver medal.[73] Love also served as an assistant coach for the 2020 World Juniors, with the team winning the gold medal.[73]

Previously Love served as an assistant coach for Canada's U-18 team at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, helping to lead the team to a gold medal.[74] Love was also named an assistant coach for one of Canada's U-17 teams at the 2015 and 2016 editions of the World U-17 Hockey Challenge, capturing gold with Team Canada White in 2015.[7]

Playing style

edit
 
Love's penalty minutes per game compared to the league leader by season

Love played an extremely physical game, leading him to be described as a "blue-collar player",[11] and a grinder.[75] Generally, Love was not known for his playing skill,[5] but was noted as a team-first player, and emotional leader.[76][77]

Standing 5'11" and weighing only 175 pounds, Love was considered undersized, especially for a player with his physicality.[9][10] Despite his size disadvantage, he rarely declined an invitation to fight.[77]

Towards the end of Love's playing career, he transitioned from a defenseman to playing left-wing.[9] At the time the move was explained as being due to a significant number of injured wingers on the team,[49] but Love would later describe the move as being told he "wasn’t good enough to be a defenceman, so they tried to hide me up front on the fourth line."[77]

Personal life

edit

During the offseason, Love lives in Arizona with his fiancé, and is an avid golfer.[78] Previously, Love had resided in Everett, Washington, for several years, ever since his time playing for the Silvertips.[3][11]

Career statistics

edit
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1999–00 Moose Jaw Warriors WHL 2 0 0 0 0
2000–01 Moose Jaw Warriors WHL 51 5 4 9 97 4 0 0 0 2
2001–02 Moose Jaw Warriors WHL 16 0 1 1 40
2001–02 Swift Current Broncos WHL 52 5 11 16 132 12 0 0 0 37
2002–03 Swift Current Broncos WHL 70 2 15 17 327 4 1 0 1 16
2003–04 Everett Silvertips WHL 70 12 15 27 163 21 2 6 8 47
2004–05 Everett Silvertips WHL 59 9 20 29 142 4 0 2 2 6
2005–06 Lowell Lock Monsters AHL 27 0 4 4 68
2006–07 Albany River Rats AHL 69 1 5 6 184
2007–08 Lake Erie Monsters AHL 59 2 5 7 213
2007–08 Johnstown Chiefs ECHL 4 0 0 0 16
2008–09 Houston Aeros AHL 63 2 4 6 214 16 1 0 1 32
2009–10 Peoria Rivermen AHL 60 1 3 4 129
2010–11 Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs CHL 43 1 2 3 110
AHL totals 278 6 21 27 808 16 1 0 1 32

Head coaching record

edit
Team Year Regular season Post season
G W L OTL SL Pts Finish Result
Stockton Heat 2021–22 68 45 16 6 2 97 1st in Pacific Lost in Conference Finals
Calgary Wranglers 2022–23 72 51 17 3 1 106 1st in Pacific Lost in Division Finals
AHL Totals 140 96 33 9 3 203
Team Year Regular season Post season
G W L OTL SL Pts Finish Result
Saskatoon Blades 2018–19 68 45 15 8 0 98 2nd in East Lost in round 2
Saskatoon Blades 2019–20 64 34 24 2 3 73 4th in East Playoffs cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
Saskatoon Blades 2020–21 24 16 5 2 1 35 No standings[a] No playoffs held[a]
WHL Totals 156 95 44 12 4 206

Awards and honours

edit
Award Year Ref
AHL
Louis A. R. Pieri Memorial Award 2022, 2023 [66][70]
Everett Silvertips
Number retired (2) 2019 [79]

Notes

edit
  1. ^ a b The 2020–21 WHL regular season was shortened, started late, then was cancelled early, and no playoffs were held, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Saskatoon Blades were in a mathematical position to finish anywhere from 1st to 3rd in the East Division when the season was cancelled.

References

edit
  1. ^ a b "WHL All-Time Penalty Minutes Leaders". Quant Hockey. Archived from the original on September 3, 2023. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  2. ^ a b "WHL League Leaders 2002-03". Archived from the original on December 3, 2022. Retrieved December 3, 2022.
  3. ^ a b Patterson, Nick (November 20, 2019). "In appreciation of Mitch Love, a Silvertips and Everett icon". The Everett Herald. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  4. ^ a b "#2 Mitch Love, Defense". Mudbugs Hockey. Retrieved December 3, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c Patterson, Nick (March 19, 2018). "Who are the top 15 Everett Silvertips of all-time?". The Everett Herald. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  6. ^ a b Patterson, Nick (August 29, 2023). "Patterson: Top 20 Silvertips over franchise's first 20 seasons". The Everett Herald. Archived from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  7. ^ a b c d Hodgson, Jonathan (June 25, 2020). "Saskatoon Blades Coach Love Is Pulling All the Right Strings". The Hockey Writers. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  8. ^ a b "2008-2009 AHL Fights". Drop Your Gloves. Archived from the original on May 11, 2015. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c d e "Mitch Love". Peoria Journal Star. October 2, 2009. Archived from the original on December 3, 2022. Retrieved December 3, 2022.
  10. ^ a b c Eminian, Dave (October 2, 2009). "Ice Time: Peoria opponents will feel the Love". Peoria Journal Star. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g Horton, Joshua (November 20, 2019). "Back with Blades, Mitch Love still calls Everett home". The Everett Herald. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  12. ^ "Stork Report". Quesnel Cariboo Observer. June 26, 1984. p. B3. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  13. ^ Wood, Matt (April 25, 2004). "For the Love of the game". Quesnel Cariboo Observer. p. A21. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  14. ^ Mackinnon, Neil (December 25, 2005). "Making strides in a "man's world"". Quesnel Cariboo Observer. p. A16. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  15. ^ a b O'Doherty, Ronan (June 10, 2018). "Quesnel local lands head coaching job with Saskatoon Blade". Quesnel Cariboo Observer. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  16. ^ Henderson, Warren (April 13, 2014). "Scouting bantam players not exact science". Kelowna Capital News.[permanent dead link]
  17. ^ a b Parnell, Kevin (September 19, 1999). "Minor hockey products head east". Quesnel Cariboo Observer. p. A20. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  18. ^ a b Parnell, Kevin (December 24, 1999). "Quesnel players excel at Notre Dame". Quesnel Cariboo Observer. p. 27. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  19. ^ "Warriors love Quesnel product". Quesnel Cariboo Observer. September 10, 2000. p. A18. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  20. ^ "2001-2002 WHL Fights". Drop Your Gloves. Archived from the original on May 10, 2015. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  21. ^ "2002-2003 WHL Fights". Drop Your Gloves. Archived from the original on May 17, 2015. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  22. ^ "Silvertips Prepare for Expansion Draft". OurSports Central. May 30, 2006. Archived from the original on April 26, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  23. ^ a b c d "Getting to Know the Coach: Mitch Love". Saskatoon Blades. WHL. Our Sports Central. May 30, 2018. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  24. ^ a b Giles, David (October 24, 2018). "Everett Silvertips provided opportunities for Saskatoon Blades head coach Mitch Love". Global News. Archived from the original on August 31, 2023. Retrieved August 31, 2023.
  25. ^ a b "2004-05 Everett Silvertips Results and Schedule". hockeyDB. Archived from the original on October 26, 2023. Retrieved August 31, 2023.
  26. ^ Fowler, Annie (October 11, 2004). "Americans' third-period woes continue". Tri-City Herald. p. C5. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  27. ^ a b Danzer, Paul (April 5, 2005). "Winter Hawks". The Columbian. p. B3. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  28. ^ Patterson, Nick (June 22, 2023). "Silvertips legend Love hired by NHL's Capitals as assistant". The Everett Herald. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  29. ^ Patterson, Nick (June 27, 2023). "Silvertips icon Mitch Love's long journey reaches NHL". The Everett Herald. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  30. ^ "Avalanche Signs DaSilva, Love". NHL.com. October 10, 2005. Archived from the original on March 9, 2023. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  31. ^ a b "Lowell Lock Monsters 2005-06 roster and statistics". hockeyDB. Archived from the original on August 29, 2023. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
  32. ^ "Manchester 2 at Lowell 4". The AHL. October 14, 2005. Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  33. ^ "Everett Silvertips 2004-05 roster and statistics". hockeyDB. Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  34. ^ "Carolina, Colorado to share AHL affiliate in Albany". The Daily Sentinel. April 19, 2006. p. 5C. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  35. ^ "RIVER RATS 3, ADMIRALS 2". Daily Press. January 18, 2007. p. B4. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  36. ^ a b "Albany River Rats 2006-07 roster and statistics". hockeyDB. Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  37. ^ "2006-2007 AHL Fights". Drop Your Gloves. Archived from the original on May 11, 2015. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  38. ^ "Pro Hockey". The Cincinnati Enquirer. December 18, 2006. p. C2. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  39. ^ Dunman, Joe (September 10, 2007). "Avalanche Rookie Camp: Know Your Role". Mile High Hockey. Archived from the original on April 26, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  40. ^ Love Vs Straub, September 9, 2007, archived from the original on April 26, 2023, retrieved April 26, 2023
  41. ^ Chambers, Mike (September 15, 2007). "Veterans brawl with Love". The Denver Post. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  42. ^ Mastovich, Mike (December 13, 2007). "Chiefs add high-profile free agent". The Tribune-Democrat. Archived from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  43. ^ "Lake Erie Monsters 2007-08 roster and statistics". hockeyDB. Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  44. ^ "Johnstown Chiefs 2007-08 roster and statistics". hockeyDB. Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  45. ^ "American Hockey League". The Monitor. April 11, 2008. p. 4C. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023 – via newspapers.com.
  46. ^ Patterson, Nick (July 11, 2008). "Catching up with Mitch Love". The Everett Herald. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  47. ^ Patterson, Nick (September 9, 2008). "Mitch Love Update". The Everett Herald. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  48. ^ Fowler, Annie (February 23, 2012). "Everett gets a second chance at Love". Tri-City Herald. Archived from the original on October 26, 2023. Retrieved August 31, 2023.
  49. ^ a b Galindo, Heather (January 17, 2009). "Aeros mid-season report". Pro Hockey News. Archived from the original on April 26, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  50. ^ Gallagher (September 12, 2009). "Blues Training Camp Roster". St Louis Game Time. SBNATION. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  51. ^ "Rivermen sign Love, Veideman". The AHL. July 28, 2009. Archived from the original on April 26, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  52. ^ a b c "Mudbugs add longtime AHL D-man Mitch Love". Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs. September 8, 2010. Archived from the original on September 12, 2010. Retrieved December 21, 2010.
  53. ^ "Peoria Rivermen 2009-10 roster and statistics". hockeyDB. Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  54. ^ "Mitch Love". hockeyDB. Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  55. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions". theahl.com. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  56. ^ "2010-2011 CHL Fights". Drop Your Gloves. Archived from the original on July 16, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  57. ^ "Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 2010-11 roster and statistics". hockeyDB. Archived from the original on November 13, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  58. ^ Sefter, Sasha (January 7, 2020). "For the Love of the game". Quesnel Cariboo Observer. Archived from the original on April 26, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  59. ^ Hedges, Russell (June 10, 2011). "End of the line for Mudbugs". Bossier Press Tribune. p. 6. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  60. ^ a b "Silvertips complete coaching staff". Western Hockey League. August 13, 2011. Archived from the original on August 13, 2011. Retrieved January 31, 2012.
  61. ^ "Mitch Love Accepts Offer as Head Coach of Saskatoon Blades – Everett Silvertips". May 30, 2018. Archived from the original on April 20, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  62. ^ Mitchell, Kevin (May 30, 2018). "Tough and ready: Mitch Love embraces challenge of coaching the Blades". Saskatoon StarPhoenix. Archived from the original on June 5, 2018. Retrieved January 27, 2019.
  63. ^ Giles, David (May 30, 2018). "Mitch Love new Saskatoon Blades head coach". Global News. Archived from the original on May 7, 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  64. ^ a b Zary, Darren (July 12, 2021). "'Bittersweet day': Saskatoon Blades lose coach Mitch Love to AHL's Stockton Heat". Saskatoon StarPhoenix. Archived from the original on September 18, 2021. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  65. ^ "Flames name Mitch Love new head coach of AHL affiliate Stockton Heat". Sportsnet. July 12, 2021. Archived from the original on May 7, 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  66. ^ a b Dankochik, Cassidy (May 5, 2022). "Quesnel's Mitch Love wins AHL coach of the year". Quesnel Cariboo Observer. Archived from the original on May 7, 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  67. ^ Gilbertson, Wes (April 16, 2023). "Wranglers finish atop AHL's overall standings". Calgary Sun. Archived from the original on April 16, 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  68. ^ Gilbertson, Wes (January 6, 2023). "Wranglers Report: Herd sending head coach to AHL all-star game". Calgary Herald. Archived from the original on October 26, 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  69. ^ "Marlies' Moore, Wranglers' Love to coach in AHL all-star game". Toronto Star. January 1, 2023. Archived from the original on May 7, 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  70. ^ a b Gilbertson, Wes (April 17, 2023). "Wranglers bench boss Mitch Love wins AHL's top coach award". National Post. Archived from the original on October 26, 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  71. ^ Austin, Daniel (June 22, 2023). "Calgary Wranglers head coach Mitch Love headed to Washington: Report". National Post. Archived from the original on October 26, 2023. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  72. ^ "Capitals Name Mitch Love As Assistant Coach Following Stellar AHL Run". The Hockey News. June 22, 2023. Archived from the original on July 4, 2023. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  73. ^ a b Dankochik, Cassidy (January 17, 2021). "Mitch Love, Team Canada, come up one game short". Quesnel Cariboo Observer. Archived from the original on August 15, 2023. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  74. ^ Murray, Robert (August 12, 2018). "11 WHL players win gold with Canada at 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup". WHL. Archived from the original on August 15, 2023. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  75. ^ Williams, Patrick (October 22, 2021). "'It's a privilege': Love excited to lead Heat". The AHL. Archived from the original on August 14, 2023. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  76. ^ "U.S. Division capsules". The Spokesman Review. September 20, 2005. p. C4. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  77. ^ a b c Gilbertson, Wes (May 16, 2023). "Is Calgary Wranglers head coach Mitch Love ready for the NHL?". Calgary Sun. Archived from the original on May 20, 2023. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  78. ^ Fera, Brett (January 14, 2022). "Tucson summers suit Stockton Heat coach, Marana resident just fine". Arizona Daily Star. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  79. ^ Wilkins, Cory (November 25, 2019). "CHL Weekend Review: Past stars forever enshrined in Everett and Gatineau". CHL. Archived from the original on October 26, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
edit