Mitch Love is the new head coach of the AHL’s Stockton Heat.
That is the NHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames.
Love has spent the past three seasons as a head coach behind the bench of the Western Hockey League’s Saskatoon Blades.
"It was a really hard decision."
Mitch Love discusses his new role with the @AHLHeat and reflects on his last three years in Blade City ?️
MORE | https://t.co/DB5WWIRIh0 pic.twitter.com/bDwCVyndpO
— Saskatoon Blades (@BladesHockey) July 12, 2021
Prior to that, he was an assistant coach with the Everett Silvertips for seven years after playing for them between 2003-05.
Love also played in the WHL for Moose Jaw and Swift Current.
The 37-year-old also spent six years in the minors between the AHL, ECHL, and CHL (Central Hockey League) last playing for the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs in 2010-11.
Love has also been one of the coaches with Canada at the last two World Junior Hockey Championships, winning gold in 2019 in a win over Russia, and silver last year in a loss to the United States.
Love, who grew up in Quesnel, replaces Cail MacLean, who was promoted to an assistant coaching position with the Flames.
"Great coach, lots of energy. Keeps you honest and is a great guy."@ConnorZary, who played for Coach Love at the World Junior Championships, is feelin' the ❤️ for our new coach! pic.twitter.com/NoUEN1zyYW
— Stockton Heat (@AHLHeat) July 12, 2021
– with files from George Henderson, My Cariboo Now staff
