Silvertips assistant coach Love turns second chance into gold

EVERETT — Mitch Love saw opportunity rather than disappointment as he pressed “send” on the text message to Hockey Canada scout Ryan Jankowski.

The Everett Silvertips assistant coach had initially been rejected after applying for one of nine coaching spots among Canada’s three squads scheduled to compete in the 2015 World U-17 Hockey Challenge. However, several coaches who had been selected had since been hired as head coaches for major junior teams and had to drop out.

Love was willing to do anything, and a week later Jankowski called him back.

“(He said), ‘Hey Lover, you’re in,’” the 31-year-old former Everett captain recalled. “I kind of back-doored my way into the whole thing, but in hindsight I’m glad I did because I was able to enjoy that experience and win a gold medal.”

That gold medal, earned during the tournament that ran Oct. 30-Nov. 7 in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, British Columbia, was the culmination of months of preparation. Love began his work as a guest coach at the Team Canada training camp in July and was added to Team White’s coaching staff shortly thereafter.

“The first thing that comes to your mind being a Canadian boy is the honor, the privilege of working with Team Canada,” Love said. “That was pretty exciting for myself and my family. I was never good enough as a hockey player to ever be part of their program and then obviously to be in the profession I’m in, that’s also a very high honor. It’s something I’ll cherish and never forget.”

Portland head coach Jamie Kompon was originally tabbed to be the head coach, but had to back out.

Kompon was replaced by former Vancouver Canuck player and current player development consultant Scott Walker, who joined Love and Gilles Bouchard of the QMJHL’s Rouyn-Noranda on the staff.

Love was put in charge of the defense — the same capacity he holds with the Silvertips — as well as the penalty-killing unit. The biggest challenge, he said, was having to do most of the strategizing via conference call from July until the team assembled in late October for training camp.

“I had to get to know the kids within a week before the tournament, so I had to touch base with them,” Love said. “I was consumed with that, and also obviously with (the Silvertips) franchise and this program too, so it was a little stressful.”

The team struggled in round-robin play. Canada White finished third in its four-team group with a 1-2 record, including a 3-2 loss to the Czech Republic.

That seemed to galvanize Canada White as the team swept through the medal round by topping Finland 4-2, Sweden 2-1 and Russia 6-2 for the first gold medal won by a Canadian team since Team Ontario in 2011 — back when Canada sent five teams instead of three.

“I think our guys at that moment got a little bit of a wake-up call going into the medal round,” Love said. “We had to come back in all three of those games to win the tournament. As we got going and as we got into the medal round and saw our success, I think we all started to believe we had a chance to win it.”

Throughout the experience Love watched Silvertips games online when he could, and checked in with Everett head coach Kevin Constantine and fellow assistant Brennan Sonne as often as possible. Since returning he’s been honored at several rinks for the gold medal, including Xfinity Arena and various away venues.

While it might be difficult to top winning a gold medal in his first foray into coaching with Hockey Canada, Love is going to try.

He plans to apply again next year for the 2016 staff.

For all the latest Silvertips news follow Jesse Geleynse on Twitter @jessegeleynse

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.