Monday, July 30, 2012

EVERETT SILVERTIPS: Extend Mitch Love’s Contract

Press Release

EVERETT – The Everett Silvertips have announced a two-year contract extension for Assistant Coach Mitch Love, who will once again join Head Coach Mark Ferner and fellow assistant Chris Hartsburg behind the Everett bench in 2012-13. The move keeps Everett’s coaching staff unchanged from last season and brings the term of Love’s contract in line with that of Coach Ferner.

Love, 28, is now set for a second year on Everett’s coaching staff during the club’s 10th Anniversary season. A member of the inaugural Silvertips squad back in 2003-04, he has been active with the organization throughout its history as a player, alumnus and now coach. He concluded his professional playing career to transition into coaching last summer.

“After observing the quality of our coaching staff and my discussions with Coach Ferner, it became very obvious that Mitch was deserving of a contract extension,” said Silvertips General Manager Garry Davidson. “I think he has aspirations of becoming a career coach and has already demonstrated qualities that will make him a very successful one in the years to come. Mitch has a long history with our organization and we’re happy to keep him on our staff.”

A native of Quesnel, BC, Love skated for the Silvertips during the club’s first two seasons in the WHL. He helped Everett set numerous expansion records and advance to the league finals in 2004, returning to serve as team captain the following year as an overager. After signing a free-agent NHL contract with the Colorado Avalanche, the 6-foot, 180-pound defenseman played five pro seasons in the American Hockey League and another in the Central Hockey League. He accumulated over 900 career penalty minutes and 30 points in 325 career games.

“I’m very excited to be staying with the Silvertips,” Love remarked. “This area has been home since my playing days in this organization, so it means a lot to me and my family to have an opportunity here. We’ve got a great staff and I’m looking forward to working with an exciting young group of players as we move forward to pursue our ultimate goal of winning a championship.”

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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