Report: Mitch Love To Join Capitals Coaching Staff


Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek reported Thursday morning that the Washington Capitals are expected to hire Mitch Love as an assistant to Spencer Carbery. The Capitals confirmed the hiring Thursday afternoon.

Love was the head coach of the Calgary Wranglers in the AHL for the 2022-23 season. The Wranglers had the best record in the entire league last season, going 51-17-3-1. Their power play was ranked 9th in the league while their penalty kill was the best in the league last season. Love, 39, was also head coach of the Stockton Heat of the AHL for the 2021-22 season.

Love, who got into coaching in 2012 following a six-year pro hockey career as a player, has had great success with the Flames’ affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers (formerly the Stockton Heat) over the past two seasons.

Love had been getting plenty of attention this spring because of his impressive track record.

Love has been named the AHL’s coach of the year in back-to-back seasons, compiling a combined 96-33-11 record.

Love played five seasons in the WHL with Moose Jaw, Swift Current and Everett, the team he captained in his final junior season. He turned pro in 2005 and played six seasons between the American Hockey League, East Coast Hockey League and Central Hockey League.

In back to back seasons in the AHL, Love was named Man of the Year by his respective teams in Albany (2006-2007) and Lake Erie (2007-2008). This award is presented annually to a player for his outstanding contributions to his local community and charitable organizations.

Love’s coaching resume also includes Hockey Canada tutelage since 2015. Love has been a member of the coaching staffs for Canada’s U17, U18 and U20 programs including winning a gold medal at the 2020 World Junior Championships followed by a silver medal at the 2021 tournament.

About Jon Sorensen

Jon has been a Caps fan since day one, attending his first game at the Capital Centre in 1974. His interest in the Caps has grown over the decades and included time as a season ticket holder. He has been a journalist covering the team for 10+ years, primarily focusing on analysis, analytics and prospect development.
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14 Responses to Report: Mitch Love To Join Capitals Coaching Staff

  1. Anonymous says:

    Wow, this guy’s resume is really impressive. Well done!

  2. Anonymous says:

    Excellent hire!

  3. novafyre says:

    So the new trend is that they have to be bald?

    Seriously, this guy was mentioned in many NHL HC short lists. He probably lost out due to no NHL coaching experience. So now he gets to check off that box.

  4. novafyre says:

    According to Wikipedia, “Love played the role of both a pest and an enforcer during his career. Averaging 3.4 penalty minutes a game over his entire career and posting a league-leading 34 fights during the 2008–09 AHL season.”

    Caps might be sending a message that ice dancers need not apply for roster spots..

  5. Anonymous says:

    Wow! Ok, Carbs, you got my attention.

  6. Anonymous says:

    Let’s go!

  7. Lance says:

    Cool!

  8. Brant says:

    Bald-Cap One Arena

  9. Prevent Defense says:

    Five days Ten hours until NHL Entry Draft begins in Nashville (28 Jun 23)

    The Bears have been repaired. Time to fix the Caps!

  10. Scottlew73 says:

    So Caps are CALGARY FLAMES EAST!

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