Mitch Love Named Head Coach of Shanghai Dragons

The Shanghai Dragons have appointed Canadian coach Mitch Love as the club’s new head coach, the team announced Monday. Love, 41, has signed a contract through the end of the 2026–27 season.

The move comes as Shanghai continues its push toward a KHL playoff spot, with roughly one-third of the regular season remaining.

 “We are still in the playoff race, and with a significant portion of the season ahead, we evaluated multiple scenarios following Gerard Gallant’s departure,” said club CEO Sergey Belykh. “After a thorough review of the market, our final choice was Mitch Love.”

Love brings a blend of NHL and AHL experience. He previously served on the coaching staff of the Washington Capitals, and earlier earned recognition as AHL Coach of the Year on two occasions during his time in North America’s top developmental league, the American Hockey League.

According to the club, feedback from players who have worked with Love played a significant role in the decision, as did multiple in-depth discussions with the coach himself.

“What stood out were his attention to detail, team discipline, communication, and player development,” Belykh added. “We’re confident this partnership will be successful.”

Love will take over immediately as Shanghai looks to stabilize its bench and accelerate its late-season surge.

Mitch Love

Nationality: Canada
Age: 41

Coaching Experience:

Everett Silvertips (WHL) — Assistant & Head Coach (2011–2018)
Saskatoon Blades (WHL) — Head Coach (2018–2021)
Stockton Heat (AHL) — Head Coach (2021–2022)
Calgary Wranglers (AHL) — Head Coach (2022–2023)
Washington Capitals (NHL) — Assistant Coach (2023–2025)
Love has also served as an assistant coach with Canada’s junior and youth national teams.

Honors and Achievements:

AHL Coach of the Year (2022, 2023)
IIHF World Junior Championship Silver Medalist (2021)
IIHF U20 World Champion (2020)
Hlinka Gretzky Cup Champion (2019)
IIHF U17 World Champion (2016)

Press Office, Shanghai Dragons