Mudbugs Add Longtime AHL D-Man Love
Published on September 8, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release
BOSSIER CITY, LA - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the Central Hockey League today announced the addition of defenseman Mitch Love to their 2010-11 roster. Love has spent his entire professional career in the American Hockey League, where he played 278 games over the past five seasons.
Love, 26, is a rugged defenseman who brings a wealth of high-level experience to the Mudbugs. The 6-0, 175-pounder has racked up 51 fighting majors over the past two seasons and 824 penalty minutes in his five-year career. With 282 pro games on his resume, Love qualifies as an AHL veteran but is still below the CHL's veteran limit.
"Mitch is exactly the kind of player we wanted to bring in this year," Head Coach Scott Muscutt said. "He's a tough, physical defenseman, but we always recruit character first and Mitch is a character player. He's also committed to getting out in the community and his wife has family in the area, so it really is a perfect fit for them here. He is all about coming to Bossier-Shreveport and making an impact for this team and this community."
Skating with the AHL's Peoria Rivermen last season, Love registered four points (1g, 3a) and 129 penalty minutes in 60 games worth of action. His 17 fighting majors ranked second on the team and his penalty minute total was Peoria's third-highest.
The Quesnel, British Columbia native had even more of an impact the year before in Houston. In addition to six points (2g, 4a) for the Aeros, Love dropped the gloves for a team-record 34 fighting majors in 2008-09, which led the AHL. He accumulated 214 PIMs and added 32 more in the playoffs as Houston advanced to the AHL's Western Conference Finals.
"I didn't have any opportunities as a veteran in the American League this year, and my agent said the Mudbugs were interested," Love said. "I asked around with guys I know, like Shawn Limpright, and I've heard nothing but good things about the organization and the city. My wife and I are excited to be here and I'm itching to get the season going."
"I'm just going to bring some grit, character and leadership to an already veteran team. I pride myself on being hard to play against. I don't want the opponent's top-end players getting comfortable out there. Ask any athlete: we play the game to win, and I think we'll have a great chance bring the Championship back to this city."
Love, who can also play forward, signed a rookie free agent contract with the Colorado Avalanche in 2005 and spent his first three seasons playing for Avalanche affiliates in Lake Erie, Albany, and Lowell. Prior to turning pro, he played five years of Major Junior with three teams in the Western Hockey League.
Love's 327 penalty minutes for the Swift Current Broncos in 2002-03 surpassed a 29-year old franchise record held by Dave "Tiger" Williams, who went on to become the NHL's all-time penalty minute leader.
"I never like comparing current players to past players, but we've missed the 'Jim Sprott ingredient': a guy who brings that positive element of toughness and intimidation, but still contributes during a regular shift on our blueline," Muscutt commented. "I've been thrilled about the way this team is taking shape, and Mitch brings an element that I think we lacked last year."
The Mudbugs now have a dozen players under contract for the coming season: forwards Travis Clayton, Jeff Kyrzakos, Shawn Limpright, Brett Smith and David Rutherford, defensemen Mitch Love, Simon Mangos, Jamie Milam, Clay Plume and Dave Pszenyczny and goaltenders John DeCaro and Jeff Harvey.
Mudbugs 2010-2011 season tickets and mini-plans are on sale now, so call 752-BUGS or stop by the team office inside the CenturyTel Center to get yours today! For all the latest Mudbugs offseason news, log on to www.mudbugshockey.com .
Season and group tickets are on sale by calling 318-752-BUGS (2847) or by visiting our website at www.mudbugshockey.com.
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