Mitch Love

Love was born on June 15, 1984, in Quesnel, British Columbia to parents Harley and Melanie Love.{{cite news |title=Stork Report |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/688371152/ |work=Quesnel Cariboo Observer |date=June 26, 1984 |page=B3 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014011952/https://www.newspapers.com/image/688371152/ |url-status=live }} Love's younger sister Jill was also a hockey player,{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Matt |title=For the Love of the game |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/329814216 |work=Quesnel Cariboo Observer |date=April 25, 2004 |page=A21 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014011955/https://www.newspapers.com/image/329814216 |url-status=live }} most notably playing for the University of Regina Cougars.{{cite news |last1=Mackinnon |first1=Neil |title=Making strides in a "man's world" |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/329867485/ |work=Quesnel Cariboo Observer |date=December 25, 2005 |page=A16 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014011953/https://www.newspapers.com/image/329867485/ |url-status=live }} His father Harley worked at a local sawmill, and was a goaltender, playing in the BCHL as well as professionally in Germany, eventually serving as a scout for the multiple WHL teams.{{cite news |last1=O'Doherty |first1=Ronan |title=Quesnel local lands head coaching job with Saskatoon Blade |url=https://www.quesnelobserver.com/sports/quesnel-local-lands-head-coaching-job-with-saskatoon-blades/ |work=Quesnel Cariboo Observer |date=June 10, 2018 |access-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813042040/https://www.quesnelobserver.com/sports/quesnel-local-lands-head-coaching-job-with-saskatoon-blades/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Henderson |first1=Warren |title=Scouting bantam players not exact science |url=https://www.kelownacapnews.com/sports/scouting-bantam-players-not-exact-science/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728194603/https://www.kelownacapnews.com/sports/scouting-bantam-players-not-exact-science/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 28, 2021 |work=Kelowna Capital News |date=April 13, 2014 }} Love's mother Melanie worked several jobs to support Mitch and Jill's hockey endeavours. Love grew up watching the Prince George Cougars, where he dreamed of eventually playing in the Western Hockey League (WHL).

Moving away from home at 15 years old, Love played bantam, midget, and junior ice hockey for Notre Dame in Wilcox, Saskatchewan,{{cite news |last1=Parnell |first1=Kevin |title=Minor hockey products head east |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/330119886 |work=Quesnel Cariboo Observer |date=September 19, 1999 |page=A20 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014011953/https://www.newspapers.com/image/330119886 |url-status=live }} a school noted for producing high quality athletes, as well as its scouting presence.{{cite news |last1=Parnell |first1=Kevin |title=Quesnel players excel at Notre Dame |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/330044362/ |work=Quesnel Cariboo Observer |date=December 24, 1999 |page=27 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014011950/https://www.newspapers.com/image/330044362/ |url-status=live }} 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. Love's play and maturation landed him a full-time role with the Warriors for the 2000–01 season.{{cite news |title=Warriors love Quesnel product |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/330037381 |work=Quesnel Cariboo Observer |date=September 10, 2000 |page=A18 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014011952/https://www.newspapers.com/image/330037381 |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |archive-date=May 10, 2015 |title=2001-2002 WHL Fights |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510035611/http://dropyourgloves.com/Fights/LeagueSeason.aspx?League=5&Season=2002 |website=Drop Your Gloves |url-status=dead |url=http://dropyourgloves.com/Fights/LeagueSeason.aspx?League=5&Season=2002 |access-date=September 5, 2023}} 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.{{Cite web |title=WHL League Leaders 2002-03 |url=https://whl.ca/stats/leaders/217 |access-date=December 3, 2022 |language=en-CA |archive-date=December 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203074932/https://whl.ca/stats/leaders/217 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=#2 Mitch Love, Defense |url=http://www.mudbugshockey.com/team/roster/?player_id=121 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308081817/http://www.mudbugshockey.com/team/roster/?player_id=121 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-03-08 |access-date=December 3, 2022 |website=Mudbugs Hockey}}{{Cite web |archive-date=May 17, 2015 |title=2002-2003 WHL Fights |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517121359/http://dropyourgloves.com/Fights/LeagueSeason.aspx?League=5&Season=2003 |website=Drop Your Gloves |url-status=dead |access-date=September 5, 2023 |url=http://dropyourgloves.com/Fights/LeagueSeason.aspx?League=5&Season=2003}}

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.{{Cite web |date=May 30, 2006 |title=Silvertips Prepare for Expansion Draft |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/silvertips-prepare-for-expansion-draft/n-3318877 |website=OurSports Central |language=en |access-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426054708/https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/silvertips-prepare-for-expansion-draft/n-3318877 |url-status=live }} 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. 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.

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. 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.{{cite news |last1=Giles |first1=David |title=Everett Silvertips provided opportunities for Saskatoon Blades head coach Mitch Love |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4591649/everett-silvertips-provided-opportunities-for-saskatoon-blades-head-coach-mitch-love/ |work=Global News |date=October 24, 2018 |access-date=August 31, 2023 |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831052135/https://globalnews.ca/news/4591649/everett-silvertips-provided-opportunities-for-saskatoon-blades-head-coach-mitch-love/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=2004-05 Everett Silvertips Results and Schedule |url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/team_results.php?tid=3284&sid=2005 |website=hockeyDB |access-date=August 31, 2023 |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026011845/https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/team_results.php?tid=3284&sid=2005 |url-status=live }} His high-scoring performance was followed up with what Love himself would describe as his "worst game of the year" three nights later in a 3–1 loss against his former team the Moose Jaw Warriors. Love would sit out due to injury multiple times during the season,{{cite news |last1=Fowler |first1=Annie |title=Americans' third-period woes continue |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/822350502 |work=Tri-City Herald |date=October 11, 2004 |page=C5 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014011952/https://www.newspapers.com/image/822350502 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Danzer |first1=Paul |title=Winter Hawks |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/818825443 |work=The Columbian |date=April 5, 2005 |page=B3 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014011948/https://www.newspapers.com/image/818825443 |url-status=live }} including during their first-round matchup against the Portland Winterhawks during the 2005 WHL playoffs.

Love was a fan favourite in Everett,{{cite news |last1=Patterson |first1=Nick |title=Silvertips legend Love hired by NHL's Capitals as assistant |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/silvertips-legend-love-hired-by-nhls-capitals-as-assistant/ |work=The Everett Herald |date=June 22, 2023 |access-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813082444/https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/silvertips-legend-love-hired-by-nhls-capitals-as-assistant/ |url-status=live }} earning their respect in the new hockey market through his physical play and willingness to defend his teammates. Regarded as one of the greatest Silvertips players of all time,{{cite news |last1=Patterson |first1=Nick |title=Who are the top 15 Everett Silvertips of all-time? |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/who-are-the-top-15-everett-silvertips-of-all-time/ |work=The Everett Herald |date=March 19, 2018 |access-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813082450/https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/who-are-the-top-15-everett-silvertips-of-all-time/ |url-status=live }} his name is still shouted by fans of the team during the playing of O Canada.{{cite news |title=Getting to Know the Coach: Mitch Love |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/getting-to-know-the-coach-mitch-love/n-5341005 |work=Saskatoon Blades |agency=Our Sports Central |publisher=WHL |date=May 30, 2018 |access-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813082444/https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/getting-to-know-the-coach-mitch-love/n-5341005 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Patterson |first1=Nick |title=Silvertips icon Mitch Love's long journey reaches NHL |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/patterson-silvertips-icon-mitch-loves-long-journey-reaches-nhl/ |work=The Everett Herald |date=June 27, 2023 |access-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813082440/https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/patterson-silvertips-icon-mitch-loves-long-journey-reaches-nhl/ |url-status=live }}

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.{{cite news |last1=Hodgson |first1=Jonathan |title=Saskatoon Blades Coach Love Is Pulling All the Right Strings |url=https://thehockeywriters.com/saskatoon-blades-mitch-love-pulling-right-strings/ |work=The Hockey Writers |date=June 25, 2020 |access-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813082440/https://thehockeywriters.com/saskatoon-blades-mitch-love-pulling-right-strings/ |url-status=live }}

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,{{Cite web |title=Avalanche Signs DaSilva, Love |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-signs-dasilva-love/c-426331 |website=NHL.com |language=en-US |date=October 10, 2005 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309234824/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-signs-dasilva-love/c-426331 |url-status=live }} suiting up for 27 out of the 80 games that season. Love's professional debut came on October 14, 2005, in a 4–2 win against the Manchester Monarchs.{{cite web |title=Manchester 2 at Lowell 4 |url=https://theahl.com/stats/game-center/1001060 |website=The AHL |date=October 14, 2005 |access-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902203359/https://theahl.com/stats/game-center/1001060 |url-status=live }} Love's point production dropped significantly in the transition to playing professionally, only notching four assists in his rookie season,{{cite web |title=Lowell Lock Monsters 2005-06 roster and statistics |url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0015402006.html |website=hockeyDB |access-date=August 29, 2023 |archive-date=August 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829232004/https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0015402006.html |url-status=live }} less than a third of his points per game as compared to the previous season playing for the Silvertips.{{cite web |title=Everett Silvertips 2004-05 roster and statistics |url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0032842005.html |website=hockeyDB |access-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902200350/https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0032842005.html |url-status=live }}

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.{{cite news |title=Carolina, Colorado to share AHL affiliate in Albany |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/540303256 |work=The Daily Sentinel |date=April 19, 2006 |page=5C |access-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014011951/https://www.newspapers.com/image/540303256 |url-status=live }} Love scored his first professional goal on January 17, 2007, in a game against the Norfolk Admirals.{{cite news |title=RIVER RATS 3, ADMIRALS 2 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/270882085 |work=Daily Press |date=January 18, 2007 |page=B4 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014011948/https://www.newspapers.com/image/270882085 |url-status=live }} During the season, Love again struggled to produce points, managing only one goal and six assists in 69 games.{{cite web |title=Albany River Rats 2006-07 roster and statistics |url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0002632007.html |website=hockeyDB |access-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902200351/https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0002632007.html |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |archive-date=May 11, 2015 |title=2006-2007 AHL Fights |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511144412/http://dropyourgloves.com/Fights/LeagueSeason.aspx?League=3&Season=2007 |website=Drop Your Gloves |url-status=dead |access-date=September 5, 2023 |url=http://dropyourgloves.com/Fights/LeagueSeason.aspx?League=3&Season=2007}}

Ahead of the 2007–08 season, the Avalanche again changed AHL affiliates, this time to the Lake Erie Monsters for their inaugural season.{{cite news |title=Pro Hockey |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/102856498 |work=The Cincinnati Enquirer |date=December 18, 2006 |page=C2 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014011952/https://www.newspapers.com/image/102856498 |url-status=live }} During the pre-season at Avalanche training camp, Love fought teammates multiple times, including Brandon Straub,{{Cite web |last=Dunman |first=Joe |date=September 10, 2007 |title=Avalanche Rookie Camp: Know Your Role |url=https://www.milehighhockey.com/2007/9/10/13945/8399 |website=Mile High Hockey |language=en |access-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426072602/https://www.milehighhockey.com/2007/9/10/13945/8399 |url-status=live }}{{Citation |title=Love Vs Straub |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ot3xKXpVQpw |date=September 9, 2007 |language=en |access-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426072601/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ot3xKXpVQpw |url-status=live }} Ryan Smyth, and Ian Laperrière.{{cite news |last1=Chambers |first1=Mike |title=Veterans brawl with Love |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2007/09/15/veterans-brawl-with-love/ |work=The Denver Post |date=September 15, 2007 |access-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813021510/https://www.denverpost.com/2007/09/15/veterans-brawl-with-love/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite news |last1=Mastovich |first1=Mike |title=Chiefs add high-profile free agent |url=https://www.tribdem.com/sports/national_sports/chiefs-add-high-profile-free-agent/article_7f697424-99ec-571d-8f67-ea3499e551e3.html |work=The Tribune-Democrat |date=December 13, 2007 |access-date=August 30, 2023 |archive-date=August 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830013619/https://www.tribdem.com/sports/national_sports/chiefs-add-high-profile-free-agent/article_7f697424-99ec-571d-8f67-ea3499e551e3.html |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web |title=Lake Erie Monsters 2007-08 roster and statistics |url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0047272008.html |website=hockeyDB |access-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902200350/https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0047272008.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Johnstown Chiefs 2007-08 roster and statistics |url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0069222008.html |website=hockeyDB |access-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902200350/https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0069222008.html |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite news |title=American Hockey League |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-monitor-american-hockey-league/131297536/ |work=The Monitor |date=April 11, 2008 |page=4C |via=newspapers.com |access-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014011950/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-monitor-american-hockey-league/131297536/ |url-status=live }}

After his entry-level contract expired, the Avalanche opted not to re-sign Love, marking an end to his time in an NHL system.{{cite news |last1=Patterson |first1=Nick |title=Catching up with Mitch Love |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/catching-up-with-mitch-love/ |work=The Everett Herald |date=July 11, 2008 |access-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813025526/https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/catching-up-with-mitch-love/ |url-status=live }} Love opted to sign an AHL contract with the Houston Aeros for the 2008–09 season after attending their training camp,{{cite news |last1=Patterson |first1=Nick |title=Mitch Love Update |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/mitch-love-update/ |work=The Everett Herald |date=September 9, 2008 |access-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813025536/https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/mitch-love-update/ |url-status=live }} reuniting with his former coach from Everett, Kevin Constantine.{{cite news |last1=Fowler |first1=Annie |title=Everett gets a second chance at Love |url=https://www.tri-cityherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/article32047974.html |work=Tri-City Herald |date=February 23, 2012 |access-date=August 31, 2023 |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026011850/https://amp.tri-cityherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/article32047974.html |url-status=live }} In Houston, Love collected a professional single-league career high of 214 penalty minutes, including a league-leading 34 fights. 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.{{Cite web |last=Galindo |first=Heather |date=January 17, 2009 |title=Aeros mid-season report |url=https://prohockeynews.com/aeros-mid-season-report/ |website=Pro Hockey News |language=en-US |access-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426072604/https://prohockeynews.com/aeros-mid-season-report/ |url-status=live }} 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,{{cite news |last1=Gallagher |title=Blues Training Camp Roster |url=https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2009/9/12/1026795/blues-training-camp-roster |work=St Louis Game Time |publisher=SBNATION |date=September 12, 2009 |access-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813030921/https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2009/9/12/1026795/blues-training-camp-roster |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Eminian |first1=Dave |title=Ice Time: Peoria opponents will feel the Love |url=https://www.pjstar.com/story/sports/nhl/rivermen/2009/10/02/ice-time-peoria-opponents-will/41984476007/ |work=Peoria Journal Star |date=October 2, 2009 |access-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813030922/https://www.pjstar.com/story/sports/nhl/rivermen/2009/10/02/ice-time-peoria-opponents-will/41984476007/ |url-status=live }} but ultimately signed with their AHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen for the 2009–10 season.{{Cite web |title=Rivermen sign Love, Veideman |url=https://theahl.com/rivermen-sign-love-veideman |date=July 28, 2009 |website=The AHL |language=en-US |access-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426072601/https://theahl.com/rivermen-sign-love-veideman |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web |date=September 8, 2010 |title=Mudbugs add longtime AHL D-man Mitch Love |url=http://www.mudbugshockey.com/news/recent/index.html?article_id=719 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100912110505/http://www.mudbugshockey.com/news/recent/index.html?article_id=719 |archive-date=September 12, 2010 |access-date=December 21, 2010 |publisher=Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs}} However, Love's point production declined further, managing only one goal and three assists in 60 games played,{{cite web |title=Peoria Rivermen 2009-10 roster and statistics |url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0039902010.html |website=hockeyDB |access-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902201042/https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0039902010.html |url-status=live }} the lowest points per game season of his professional career.{{cite web |title=Mitch Love |url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=55405 |website=hockeyDB |access-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902201039/https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=55405 |url-status=live }}

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.{{Cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions |url=https://theahl.com/faq |access-date=April 26, 2023 |website=theahl.com |language=en-US |archive-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601094324/https://theahl.com/faq |url-status=live }} 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.

On September 8, 2010, Love was signed as a free agent by the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the Central Hockey League (CHL). Love played with the team for most of the season, posting 14 fights,{{Cite web |archive-date=July 16, 2014 |title=2010-2011 CHL Fights |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716222930/http://dropyourgloves.com/Fights/LeagueSeason.aspx?League=8&Season=2011 |website=Drop Your Gloves |url-status=dead |url=http://dropyourgloves.com/Fights/LeagueSeason.aspx?League=8&Season=2011 |access-date=September 5, 2023}} as well as 110 penalty minutes through 43 games played.{{cite web |title=Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 2010-11 roster and statistics |url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0026822011.html |website=hockeyDB |access-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-date=November 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113023846/https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0026822011.html |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |date=January 7, 2020 |title=For the Love of the game |url=https://www.quesnelobserver.com/sports/for-the-love-of-the-game/ |work=Quesnel Cariboo Observer |last1=Sefter |first1=Sasha |access-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426072602/https://www.quesnelobserver.com/sports/for-the-love-of-the-game/ |url-status=live }} The Mudbugs organization folded immediately following their championship in the 2010-11 post-season, leaving Love without a team.{{cite news |last1=Hedges |first1=Russell |title=End of the line for Mudbugs |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/665928818 |work=Bossier Press Tribune |date=June 10, 2011 |page=6 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014011949/https://www.newspapers.com/image/665928818 |url-status=live }} Opting not to continue his playing career, Love announced his retirement on August 13, 2011.{{cite web | url = http://whl.ca/article/silvertips-complete-coaching-staff | title = Silvertips complete coaching staff | publisher = Western Hockey League | date = August 13, 2011 | access-date = January 31, 2012 | archive-date = August 13, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110813080612/http://www.whl.ca/article/silvertips-complete-coaching-staff | url-status = live }}

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. 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.{{Cite web |title=Mitch Love Accepts Offer as Head Coach of Saskatoon Blades – Everett Silvertips |url=https://everettsilvertips.com/article/mitch-love-accepts-offer-as-head-coach-of-saskatoon-blades |date=May 30, 2018 |language=en-US |access-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420071641/https://everettsilvertips.com/article/mitch-love-accepts-offer-as-head-coach-of-saskatoon-blades |url-status=live }} In all, Love would spend seven years coaching with the team, remaining through multiple head-coach changes.

On May 30, 2018, Love was hired on as the head coach of the WHL's Saskatoon Blades beginning with the 2018–19 season.{{cite web |last1=Mitchell |first1=Kevin |url=https://thestarphoenix.com/sports/hockey/saskatoon-blades/tough-and-ready-mitch-love-embraces-challenge-of-coaching-the-blades |title=Tough and ready: Mitch Love embraces challenge of coaching the Blades |work=Saskatoon StarPhoenix |date=May 30, 2018 |access-date=January 27, 2019 |archive-date=June 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605013958/http://thestarphoenix.com/sports/hockey/saskatoon-blades/tough-and-ready-mitch-love-embraces-challenge-of-coaching-the-blades |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite news |last1=Giles |first1=David |title=Mitch Love new Saskatoon Blades head coach |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4243036/mitch-love-saskatoon-blades-head-coach/ |work=Global News |date=May 30, 2018 |access-date=May 7, 2023 |archive-date=May 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507154423/https://globalnews.ca/news/4243036/mitch-love-saskatoon-blades-head-coach/ |url-status=live }} Love was overall successful with the Blades, leading them to a 0.665 points percentage over his three season span.{{cite web |last1=Zary |first1=Darren |title='Bittersweet day': Saskatoon Blades lose coach Mitch Love to AHL's Stockton Heat |url=https://thestarphoenix.com/sports/hockey/saskatoon-blades/bittersweet-day-saskatoon-blades-lose-coach-mitch-love-to-ahls-stockton-heat |work=Saskatoon StarPhoenix |date=July 12, 2021 |access-date=May 7, 2023 |archive-date=September 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918150004/https://thestarphoenix.com/sports/hockey/saskatoon-blades/bittersweet-day-saskatoon-blades-lose-coach-mitch-love-to-ahls-stockton-heat |url-status=live }}

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.{{cite web |title=Flames name Mitch Love new head coach of AHL affiliate Stockton Heat |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/ahl/article/flames-name-mitch-love-new-head-coach-ahl-affiliate-stockton-heat/ |website=Sportsnet |date=July 12, 2021 |access-date=May 7, 2023 |archive-date=May 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507155926/https://www.sportsnet.ca/ahl/article/flames-name-mitch-love-new-head-coach-ahl-affiliate-stockton-heat/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web |last1=Dankochik |first1=Cassidy |title=Quesnel's Mitch Love wins AHL coach of the year |url=https://www.quesnelobserver.com/sports/quesnels-mitch-love-wins-ahl-coach-of-the-year/ |website=Quesnel Cariboo Observer |date=May 5, 2022 |access-date=May 7, 2023 |archive-date=May 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507154425/https://www.quesnelobserver.com/sports/quesnels-mitch-love-wins-ahl-coach-of-the-year/ |url-status=live }}

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.{{cite web |last1=Gilbertson |first1=Wes |title=Wranglers finish atop AHL's overall standings |url=https://calgarysun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/calgary-wranglers/wranglers-finish-atop-ahls-overall-standings |website=Calgary Sun |date=April 16, 2023 |access-date=May 7, 2023 |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416180600/https://calgarysun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/calgary-wranglers/wranglers-finish-atop-ahls-overall-standings |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite news |last1=Gilbertson |first1=Wes |title=Wranglers Report: Herd sending head coach to AHL all-star game |url=https://calgaryherald.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/calgary-wranglers/wranglers-report-herd-sending-head-coach-to-all-star-game/ |work=Calgary Herald |date=January 6, 2023 |access-date=May 7, 2023 |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026011845/https://calgaryherald.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/calgary-wranglers/wranglers-report-herd-sending-head-coach-to-all-star-game |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Marlies' Moore, Wranglers' Love to coach in AHL all-star game |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2023/01/01/marlies-moore-wranglers-love-to-coach-in-ahl-all-star-game.html |website=Toronto Star |date=January 1, 2023 |access-date=May 7, 2023 |archive-date=May 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507154423/https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2023/01/01/marlies-moore-wranglers-love-to-coach-in-ahl-all-star-game.html |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web |last1=Gilbertson |first1=Wes |title=Wranglers bench boss Mitch Love wins AHL's top coach award |url=https://nationalpost.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/calgary-wranglers/wranglers-bench-boss-mitch-love-wins-ahls-top-coach-award |website=National Post |date=April 17, 2023 |access-date=May 7, 2023 |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026011844/https://nationalpost.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/calgary-wranglers/wranglers-bench-boss-mitch-love-wins-ahls-top-coach-award |url-status=live }}

On June 22, 2023, Love was named an assistant coach for the Washington Capitals of the NHL, primarily to work with the defensemen.{{Cite news |last=Austin |first=Daniel |date=June 22, 2023 |title=Calgary Wranglers head coach Mitch Love headed to Washington: Report |work=National Post |url=https://nationalpost.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/calgary-wranglers/calgary-wranglers-head-coach-mitch-love-headed-to-washington-report/ |access-date=June 22, 2023 |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026011848/https://nationalpost.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/calgary-wranglers/calgary-wranglers-head-coach-mitch-love-headed-to-washington-report |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Capitals Name Mitch Love As Assistant Coach Following Stellar AHL Run |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/news/washington-capitals-report-mitch-love |work=The Hockey News |date=June 22, 2023 |access-date=July 4, 2023 |archive-date=July 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704144627/https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/news/washington-capitals-report-mitch-love |url-status=live }}

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.{{cite news |last1=Dankochik |first1=Cassidy |title=Mitch Love, Team Canada, come up one game short |url=https://www.quesnelobserver.com/sports/mitch-love-team-canada-come-up-one-game-short/ |work=Quesnel Cariboo Observer |date=January 17, 2021 |access-date=August 15, 2023 |archive-date=August 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815095741/https://www.quesnelobserver.com/sports/mitch-love-team-canada-come-up-one-game-short/ |url-status=live }} Love also served as an assistant coach for the 2020 World Juniors, with the team winning the gold medal.

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.{{cite news |last1=Murray |first1=Robert |title=11 WHL players win gold with Canada at 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup |url=https://chl.ca/whl/eleven-whl-players-win-gold-with-canada-at-2018-hlinka-gretzky-cup/ |work=WHL |date=August 12, 2018 |access-date=August 15, 2023 |archive-date=August 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815095741/https://chl.ca/whl/eleven-whl-players-win-gold-with-canada-at-2018-hlinka-gretzky-cup/ |url-status=live }} 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.

File:Mitch Love Penalty Minutes per Game Played.png

Love played an extremely physical game, leading him to be described as a "blue-collar player", and a grinder.{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Patrick |title='It's a privilege': Love excited to lead Heat |url=https://theahl.com/its-a-privilege-love-excited-to-lead-heat |work=The AHL |date=October 22, 2021 |access-date=August 14, 2023 |archive-date=August 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230814033434/https://theahl.com/its-a-privilege-love-excited-to-lead-heat |url-status=live }} Generally, Love was not known for his playing skill, but was noted as a team-first player, and emotional leader.{{cite news |title=U.S. Division capsules |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RGdWAAAAIBAJ |work=The Spokesman Review |date=September 20, 2005 |page=C4 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014011948/https://books.google.com/books?id=RGdWAAAAIBAJ |url-status=live }}

Standing 5'11" and weighing only 175 pounds, Love was considered undersized, especially for a player with his physicality. Despite his size disadvantage, he rarely declined an invitation to fight.{{cite news |last1=Gilbertson |first1=Wes |title=Is Calgary Wranglers head coach Mitch Love ready for the NHL? |url=https://calgarysun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/calgary-wranglers/calgary-wranglers-coach-mitch-love-nhl |work=Calgary Sun |date=May 16, 2023 |access-date=August 14, 2023 |archive-date=May 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520232503/https://calgarysun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/calgary-wranglers/calgary-wranglers-coach-mitch-love-nhl |url-status=live }}

Towards the end of Love's playing career, he transitioned from a defenseman to playing left-wing. At the time the move was explained as being due to a significant number of injured wingers on the team, 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."

During the offseason, Love lives in Arizona with his wife, Joy Love, and is an avid golfer.{{cite news |last1=Fera |first1=Brett |title=Tucson summers suit Stockton Heat coach, Marana resident just fine |url=https://tucson.com/sports/roadrunners/tucson-summers-suit-stockton-heat-coach-marana-resident-just-fine/article_7bc16176-755a-11ec-8255-e34324cbd88f.html |work=Arizona Daily Star |date=January 14, 2022 |access-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813042040/https://tucson.com/sports/roadrunners/tucson-summers-suit-stockton-heat-coach-marana-resident-just-fine/article_7bc16176-755a-11ec-8255-e34324cbd88f.html |url-status=live }} Previously, Love had resided in Everett, Washington, for several years, ever since his time playing for the Silvertips.{{cite web |last1=Horton |first1=Joshua |title=Back with Blades, Mitch Love still calls Everett home |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/back-with-blades-mitch-love-still-calls-everett-home/ |website=The Everett Herald |date=November 20, 2019 |access-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813042039/https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/back-with-blades-mitch-love-still-calls-everett-home/ |url-status=live }}

{{notelist}}

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• {{Ice hockey stats |elite=10363 |hockeydb=55405}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Love, Mitch}}

Category:1984 births

Category:Living people

Category:Albany River Rats players

Category:Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs players

Category:Canadian ice hockey defencemen

Category:Everett Silvertips players

Category:Houston Aeros (1994–2013) players

Category:Johnstown Chiefs players

Category:Lake Erie Monsters players

Category:Lowell Lock Monsters players

Category:Moose Jaw Warriors players

Category:Peoria Rivermen (AHL) players

Category:Swift Current Broncos players

Category:Canadian expatriate ice hockey players in the United States

Category:Washington Capitals coaches

Category:21st-century Canadian sportsmen