Mitch Love

Goonblog Book Club

by Chris on January 13, 2009
in AHL, Brendan Walsh, Brennan Evans, Chris, Colton Orr, Dennis Bonvie, Dennis Bonvie, Goons, GoonSquad, Gordie Dwyer, Jan Vodrazka, Jeremy Yablonski, Lowell Lockmonsters, Mike Hoffman, Mitch Love, Ryan Flinn, Steve McLaren, The Face of Toughness, Tom Rowe, Trevor Gillies

Guys, I think we should start our own Goonblog book club eh? First we have Howard Shapiro’s excellent Hockey Player for Life. Of course there is The Code, and now from my good buddy Ken Babbitt comes The Face of Toughness, a 40 page book told mostly in photos on some of the toughest AHL enforcers from 2001-2006. Kenny was the Lowell Lockmonsters photographer, and had the best seat in the house for the games in the Tsongas Arena perched between the benches on the red line. It gave him an unobstructed view of The Face of Toughness up close and personal. Ken sent me the link, and I think I was the first to buy one. I can’t wait to get my hands on this, as I have seen most of the games and players featured in the book. Trevor Gillies, Brendan Walsh, and Dennis Bonvie have already reached out to Ken to say how much they are looking forward to it, as well as to tell them they are honored to be a part of the project. Just another testament to the character of these players.

I sent Ken some questions I had about the book, and he answered them below. I hope you enjoy our interview and please click the link to buy your very own copy of The Face of Toughness. Ken this is a long time coming. I can’t wait to get mine in the mail!

Why do this book? Why now?
The idea of doing a book, at least in some form, has been in the back of my mind for a few years, but the primary reason for doing it now is that I had a large archive of great photos from my six years in Lowell that had never been seen by anyone other than myself and a few people in the front office, so it was pretty much there’s no time like the present!
How much trash talk is there between the benches?
It would really depend on the teams involved. If Providence was in town there was a good chance that there would be some interesting chatter, and even that would depend on who was with the Lock Monsters. They never had any great bench jockeys that I can recall. The best work always came from the visiting bench.

What is the funniest thing you ever heard?
Wow.do you have a few hours? Just remember that with the crowd (in Lowell, what crowds?) noise, they had to be pretty close to me to hear anything. I always said that they should have had a microphone on Dennis Bonvie and Brendan Walsh every game. It’d be some of the best comedy ever produced. But, if I have to narrow it down to a few, I’d say that one of the funniest things came from Mr. Bonvie. During a shootout during the lockout season of 04-05, with Dennis about two feet away from me, Eric Staal skated by the visiting bench after having his effort denied, and he tells Staal that that was the reason the he only got a bonus of $895K, instead of a millionbecause he couldn’t finish. I almost soaked myself in the box. Walshy was a classic, as well. He started from pre game and didn’t stop until the final horn. It must have been a team thing, but the Lock Monsters were all sporting facial hair, at least the guys that had to shave, and he skates by asking if they were havin’ a 2 for 1 sale on goatees. During his one game as a Lock Monster, he gave Peter Kanko a line about wanting extra lettuce on his taco.

What kind of relationship did you form with these guys over the years?
There were several guys that I got to know a little bit over the years. Trevor Gillies, Brendan Walsh and Jan Vodrazka were the guys that I spent the most time talking with. Either on the ice during pre game or in the hallways there were many of them that I spoke with over the years. I would always joke with the tough guys at center ice during pre game, like joking with Ryan Flinn when he came to the red line to see who he may have to fight that nightI’d tell him not to bother, that there was nobody on that side for him to play with. These guys were all very pleasant to deal with in the short time that I had to talk with them. I’d make it a point to tell Bonvie to stir things up for me, and he’d give me a wink, or he’d come back to the bench telling me that he’d tried!

Who were your all time favorites?
The three guys that I’ve already mentioned were always my favorite players to shoot. Gillies, Walshy and Bonvie. Colton Orr was another guy that you couldn’t take your eyes off of, as well. He seemed to really like to get things going in Lowell. During the later years, towards the end of the Lock Monster run, I really liked shooting, and talking to Mitch Love and Gordie Dwyer.

Were there any you didn’t like?
Of the fighters?? Not one of them. They were all great guys, and the reason that I made sure to get them into the book. There was only one player over the years that I took an instant dislike to, and he was from a town near where I grew up south of Boston.

Were there any guys that didn’t like you?
Thatyou’d have to ask the players, but not to my knowledge. For the most part I was pretty invisible to them once the puck was dropped.

What was the best fight you saw?
The thing about shooting the fights is that one eye is closed so I miss a lot of the action, and only really see it when I’m editing the images following the game. The five on five with Springfield, I want to say that was 03-04, was one of them. There were five fights going on at once. Brennan Evans going with Niko Tselios and Patrick DesRochers pounding on David Leneveu in a great goalie fight. Photos of both are in the book.

Who was the toughest in your opinion?
There were a lot of guys that you could put in that category. Steve McLaren, Jeremy Yablonski, Ryan Flinn, along with Trevor and Bonvie. I could list a number of other guys, but because I shot in Lowell, I never saw some of them fight. These guys are all tough and anyone could beat anyone on a given night. My hometown kid, Mike Hoffman, has also come a long way as a fighter.

Were there a lot of reluctant enforcers?
That’s a good question. I think that there were guys that were forced into the role for one reason or another. I know that Mike Hoffman told me as he was just starting up as a pro, that he knew that he’d have to fight because of his size, but he is a pretty good player. Another thing, especially in Lowell, it seemed like there were guys who may have been a little reluctant because they were the only tough guy on the roster, so they had to carry the whole load themselves. That’d make it tough to show up and fight night after night.

Were there any guys that made you nervous?
There was only one, but his name won’t be mentioned here. He was very polite, a good guy, but just a bit off. When he skated up his wing I made sure that I was up against the glass on the side of the box. It was weird, too, as I had never given it a thought prior to that game, or after.

Were the coaches ever involved with the trash talk between the benches?
I can’t recall anything specific. I know that Tom Rowe got into it on the ice when they were in Norfolk.

Was there any talk that went over the line? (Sisters, mothersthat sort of thing.)
Never, within earshot of me. But I know that it did happen.

I saw Dennis Bonvie bark like a dog during warm ups once. Is that pretty standard behavior?
Standard? I’d say no. I missed that one, but heard plenty about it. It was that incident that made my pre game routine change over the years. There were certain guys that if they were in the building, I was in the box for pre game skate.

How much intimidation happens during those stretches, or is it more cordial, how’s the family stuff?
I’m sure that some guys make it a point to be on the red line to let the boys on the other side know that they’re in the barn, but I also heard plenty of the latter. There wasn’t much that ever happened during pre game, but there was one time that Provi was in town and Tomas Malec made it a point to skate over the red line, and Walshy took a shot at him, saying that he wasn’t mad at him, but to stay on his side. More comedy from # 36.

Who do you think will like this book?
First, I hope that the players and their families like it. The guys that I know that have seen the preview of the first 15 pages have said that it looked good. I tried to show them, not just the fights. Fight photos are great, but I also want to be able to see into the players’ eyes. And there are enough of both to keep everyone happy. I think that people forget that these guys are human beings, and see them just as tough guys.
Naturally, I want the fans of these guys to like the final product, as well, as it’s geared to them, too. I set all of the photos with a black background, so it should look pretty good to the autograph collectors.

What is your position on fighting in hockey?
I’m old school with my views on the subject. I believe that there is, and always will be, a place for fighting in the game. It serves a purpose both on the ice and off. The enforcers make it easier for the first and second line guys know that someone has their backs, mess with them and there’ll be a price to pay. Off the iceit puts butts into the seats!! The NHL could do worse than to have some of these guys marketing the sport. They’re always one of the most popular players on any given team, with the fans.

{ 4 Comments }

Avoiding GDS

by Chris on January 17, 2007
in AHL, Cam Janssen, Chris, Gordie Dwyer, Mitch Love, Trevor Gillies, Uncategorized

I had given up. I’m not kidding. I wasn’t watching my Center Ice Package. I was barely paying attention to the Bruins, and I had most assuredly given up on my beloved Lowell Devils. Look at the posts I have made over the last couple months. Aside from me announcing my engagement, trying to sell T-shirts (buy some fucking shirts by the way), and giving detailed recaps of how sick I’ve been and my slight drinking problem, there has been little posts about hockey fights, or fighters.

It wasn’t a conscious decision. I really wish I had more to say. In fact, a lot has happened enforcer wise. George Parros was waived and picked up. Todd Fedoruk got his faced caved in. Brashear has been active. Those are just a few things that have happened. You see, I just didn’t have the heart. The two teams I follow the most, The Boston Bruins, and Lowell Devils, seemed to be very happy playing within the confines of the new rules. Boston has virtually no one that can do any fighting, and the Devils seemed to be the same old same old Lowell hockey club. They were once again a team that had capable guys on their roster, but no one seemed willing to drop em.

The Lowell theory goes back to the Ron Thou shall not fight, you’re a fucking joke Smith days. For years they loved to get pushed around even though they had guys capable of sticking up for themselves and teammates sitting on the bench. Even when Tom Rowe took over behind the bench and vowed they wouldn’t get pushed around, they did. Look at guys they had on their roster in Rowe’s tenure as head coach.

Brantt Myhres: 687 PIMS in 154 NHL Games. Only 77 in 29 injury plagued games in Lowell. He told me flat out he wanted to fight.

Sean Curry: Possibly the biggest pussy in the whole league.

Stephen Peat: Played 3 games. Has a mysterious leg injury.

Cody McLeod: Undersized for the role he was asked to play.

Mitch Love: Showed tons of promise before he was hurt last year.

Gordie Dwyer: One of the greatest guys I have ever met. Seemed totally unwilling to be that guy in the A.

The point I am trying to make, is I was done. I could not care less what the Devils of Lowell did. As such, I didn’t even notice when Cam Janssen was reassigned to Lowell from New Jersey. Two years ago, I would have been foaming at the mouth. Oh, I noticed when he was assigned for conditioning of his shoulder and he didn’t fight. I hoped his lack of physical play was not Gordie Dwyer Syndrome. I.e. I don’t want to fight because it’s just the A. When Janssen was sent back down after the holiday, I didn’t even notice. So when he had 3 fights in two games over the weekend, I was excited.

I really don’t think Cam is going to suffer from Gordie Dwyer Syndrome, or GDS. He had a spirited fight with Riley Cote Friday that featured the longest square off in history. I think he was the winner. He got jumped by Lowell PD’s favorite player, Martin Grenier, in what could be called a draw, and lost to Worcester’s Jonathan Tremblay yesterday. The point is, Janssen seems to really relish his role and has no signs of GDS. Cam has renewed my interest in gooning, and thuggery, and I thank him for it. So, Mr. Janssen, if you keep it up, I will keep the faith. You have the chance to become the most beloved Lowell player since Trevor Gillies. If there is a pill or a lotion you need to apply to avoid GDS, I will supply it. Hopefully all you need is the cheers of the fans, and a few cold ones after the game. Hey, I can supply that as well!

{ 9 Comments }

Never Forget: I am Not Bright

by Chris on September 3, 2006
in Goons, Jesse Boulerice, Martin Grenier, Mitch Love

Last week I wrote a little piece about Columbus signing Brandon Sugden (they also signed Darcy Verot by the by) and how I wasn’t exactly sure I would make the trip to Albany to see a Syracuse tilt. My contention was the Albany didn’t really have anyone to fight him and I wasn’t sure I wanted to drive that far to be let down. I said it was more of the same for Carolina. One tough guy, and how willing was he going to be to drop em. Well, I am a moron.

I was perusing the lineups of Carolina and Colorado yesterday. Obviously Carolina added Stephen Peat the other day, but I totally forgot they signed Jesse Boulerice earlier in the off season. I would imagine those two will have some battles in camp to decide who stays. While I love the signings, I have to question the motivation? Peat played four games I think for Lowell after he was traded. Boulerice was in the Press Box for most of his time with the Canes last season. Did the Canes see something in the Season and Playoffs with regards to toughness or lack thereof? Or, is this a move to keep the AHL Team tough? Sort of a break glass in case of emergency type thing? The Capitals added Donald Brashear to protect Ovechkin. Carolina has them 8 times next year, and has had some battles with them as of late. I know Boulerice asked to stay in Lowell when he was sent there because he likes Tom Rowe, and wanted to play, and I would assume that had a lot to do with him signing. In regards to Peat. He didn’t seem very pleased to be there last year. Granted he was hurt and all, but he walked around with a scowl on all the time. He was also by himself a lot. I only saw him with his Old Lady. I never saw him with any of the boys. I think he is going to fight extra hard to stay in the Show. I would suggest getting to a Scrimmage at Canes Camp if you are near there.

Let’s not forget about Albany’s other Parent Club, the Colorado Avalanche. They have Mitch Love, and Cody McLeod both on the roster. Mitch told me at the end of the year party for the Lockmonsters last season that he turned down a couple of guys because he was the only one doing the heavy lifting. Then by the time McLeod came along, Mitch was already hurt. McLeod did OK for himself. He’s young, and needs experience in the AHL, but I think he’ll be OK. He did very well in a game against Hartford when Joe Rullier and Martin Grenier were running him at every turn. As an aside, I thought it was pretty cowardly of both those guys. That was the game when Boulerice had been sent down, and neither one of them would go near him. At any rate, McLeod squared off with Rullier in that game, but Rullier got hit in the eye with a clearing attempt before they could get going. McLeod got his eggs scrambled in Albany by Barry Tallackson, but who doesn’t from time to time? I like the kid. I think he’ll be good.

So, with Albany possibly having Stephen Peat, Jesse Boulerice, Mitch Love, Bill Kinkel, and Cody McLeod in their line up, I have re thought my idea on driving out there to see them take on Syracuse, or anyone for that matter. Who’s coming with me?

{ 0 Comments }

Long, Cold Summer – Part I

by Chris on April 19, 2006
in AHL, Brendan Walsh, Lowell Devils, Mitch Love

The Lowell Lockmonsters wrapped up their Season this weekend ending Carolina, and Colorado’s tenure in Lowell, as well as putting a nail in the coffin on what was a dreadful year. Actually, that isn’t fair. Considering what they had all year, and the fact they were a glorified ECHL Team for the majority of the campaign, they didn’t do half bad. All in all the weekend wasn’t too bad. It was actually pretty interesting.

It all started Thursday afternoon. I was driving back from work when my cell phone rang. It was Tweener calling, and from the time I said hello, I knew he was fired up. Tweener knows former Providence Bruin, and the funniest man alive, Brendan Walsh. Walshie had sent Tweener an IM, and alluded to the fact he might be in a Lockmonster uniform for the final weekend of the season. Lowell was looking to possibly exact revenge on Manchester’s Joe Rullier for an elbow that knocked out David Gove earlier in the season. The thought process being, Lowell is out of the playoffs, and in their final weekend. Why not goon it up a bit eh? So Tweener and I chatted a bit, and he told me he’d call if he heard anything. I threatened his life if he didn’t call, and we said goodbye.

At this point, I got home and MOL and I went to Papa Razzi in Concord for dinner, and a few drinks. I was very excited, and MOL even seemed a bit into it. She said if Walshie were in the lineup for the final weekend, her shadow may be cast in the Tsongas once again. Tweener called during dinner to tell me he had no update. Thanks for getting my hopes up eh? Dinner turned into us getting shitfaced on the bus, and we went home with no news of Brendan Walsh being a Lockmonster.

Friday was spent VERY hungover at the Office. I was not well. Let’s just say, I saw my breakfast twice. I talked to Tweener, and we seemed pretty sure the Walshie thing was not to be. Oh, well, it would have been cool. Friday I went for drinks with my old pal Jill, MOL, and Rich. A good time was had by all, but I was kind of bummed Brendan wasn’t coming.

After spending the afternoon raking the yard at mothers, it was off to the barn for the final weekend of the year. I always get there about an hour before the game so I can catch the pre game skate. I love warm ups. I always have. As the Monsters came out, I was looking at the names go by. Aucoin. Gove. Finger. Kellman. Walsh. Bennefield. Hey, wait a second? Did I just say "Walsh?" Holy shit, it was him! I hadn’t been that excited at a Lockmonster game since Trevor Gillies came out wearing the same number 15 Brendan Walsh was now wearing. It was Christmas morning, and I had just been given a new bike.

The warm ups were a riot. Rullier and Walshie were jawing at each other. About ten other Monarch’s did a double take when they saw it was in fact Brendan Walsh taking warm ups. I must say, he looked good in red. The boys were ready for a show! Say what you will about Walshie’s playing ability, or pugilistic ability. The kid is fun as hell to watch. His mouth is always going, and this tilt was no exception. Not only was Brendan Walsh one of the best players on the ice, he ws certainly the most talkative. He was always talking. Be it directing traffic, or telling Petr Kanko he’d have extra cheese, and lettuce on his taco, he was talking. But Manchester almost ruined the whole thing.

I was standing near where the off ice officials deliver the line ups, and I asked if Brendan was starting. "No." I was told. "He’s not even playing." WHAT!? Apparently Lowell had left him off the Official line up, and therefore, wouldn’t be allowed to play. Oh, here’s your new bike for Christmas, Nope, can’t ride it. This sucked! I can’t believe we were going to get the screw job from Manchester like this. I guess after some hemming and hawing about when and at what time you could be added to the roster, #15 Walsh, was added, but not with out Manchester making a call to the AHL about it. Put the air back in the tires and take her for a spin.

The game itself was pretty good. Tim Jackman (MCH) and Blue Bennefield (LOW) had a great tilt right in front of me. Lots of good punches were thrown and landed by both guys, but I am going to give the win to Blue. Later, Scott Kellman (LOW) and Jackman had another fight. I guess Kellman got killed in Manchester the night before. This time out, he fared a lot better. Not a lot was thrown by either guy. It was a lot of wrestling, but a pretty good tilt. I call it a draw. The real star of the show was Walshie. He was honestly one of the best player’s on the ice. He looked like he wasn’t in "hockey shape" but played very well position wise, and made smart decisions with the puck. Near the end of the game it looked like he and Rullier were going to get into it, squaring off one time, and another getting face to face off a face off. If I can read lips correctly, Walshie said to Rullier, "Oh, you know what Rullier? Why don’t you just shut the fuck up?! I’m here for one game; I will fight you right now." It seems #7 wanted no part. Lowell ended up losing 2-1, but who cares? They were out of the Playoffs, and Brendan Walsh was in town with his former employer coming in the next day. This was going to be the best closing weekend ever!

{ 0 Comments }

Love Train out of Lowell

by Chris on December 12, 2005
in Mitch Love, Uncategorized

I am hearing from very reliable sources, that Lowell Lockmonster Defenseman, Mitch Love, is trying to get clearance from the Colorado Avalanche to have season ending hip surgery. From what I am hearing, they want to do the surgery as early as this week. If this is true, Love will be out for the season, but could possibly return for the playoffs. Although, the way Lowell is playing right now, I bet they are out of the playoffs come March.

I wonder if it is the pain in his hip that has caused his fight numbers to come way down. I watched him turn down Trevor Gillies and Kip Brennan last night on a couple of occasions. He’s probably better off not fighting either one of those AHL Heavies, but in the situations when he was asked, I feel he should have dropped em. I know Love has turned down Gillies before. Maybe he just wants no part of him, bad hip or no. Anyway, as I get more news, I’ll keep you posted.

{ 4 Comments }

Martin Grenier: Busy Brawler

by Chris on November 14, 2005
in AHL, Cody McCormick, Goons, Martin Grenier, Mitch Love, Ryan Jorde, Uncategorized

The Goonsquad was well represented in Lowell Saturday night, as Dave (on his maiden voyage to the Paul) and myself were in the house for a thrilling 4-2 shootout win by the hometown Lockmonsters over the dreaded Wolf Pack of Hartford. I think Dave has some good pictures to post later. Naturally his camera didn’t work for the fights, but if you like pictures of Zambonis and stuff, he’s your guy.

I noticed very early on that Martin Grenier had a very big shiner under his left eye. I guess his bout with Danny Bios of Binghamton the night before was pretty serious. I also noticed he was wearing 27 this season. I am not sure why the number change. I think Brushback follows the Pack pretty closely, maybe he can chime in. Anyway, it didn’t take new Lockmonster Ryan Jorde (LOW) long to find anyone to go with, as he and Martin Grenier (HFD) got into it 5 minutes into the opening stanza.

I think Marty gave the youngster a bit of a slash, and Jorde asked if he’d care to have a dust up. Grenier obliged, and off they went. Jorde hung in pretty good against Grenier. I was really surprised, as Marty is a much bigger man than him. Jorde was throwing a lot of nice left hands, while Grenier was countering with some rights of his own. He landed a couple of really hard punches as Jorde was seen sporting a mouse under his left eye for the rest of the game. The fight had started along the boards right next to the Monster’s bench, and Jorde seemed to tire a lot faster than Grenier. The penalty box attendant for the home side reported that when Jorde came in, he reported he had broken his shoulder last season, and this was his first fight in over a year. He also reported that he was only doing his job, and that’s what he was there for. That is good to hear for us Lowell fans, as they haven’t had a true enforcer, someone who really enjoyed the job, since Trevor Gillies was there several seasons ago. All in all, I would score the fight a win for Martin Grenier, but a good showing by Jorde gets points in my book. I would look for these two to go again next meeting.

Anyone that has followed the AHL for the last couple of seasons knows very well that Hartford and Lowell do not like each other. The bad blood between the two boiled over about 8 minutes into the second period. As the play stopped, a little scrum started to the right of the Hartford goal. It started like any typical after the play scrum, face washes, guys pushing each other. I am sure you have seen it a million times. Here’s the thing: it didn’t stop. The boys just kept pushing each other, and then some gloves came off, and punches got thrown from around other guys. Eventually Dave Liffiton (HFD) and another Lockmonster newcomer Tomas Slovak (LOW) paired up, and Mitch Love (LOW) and Craig Weller (HFD) squared off as well. The Liffiton and Slovak match up looked like it was a lot of hugging, but Love and Weller seemed to be chucking and trading some decent punches. Love loves the uppercut, and tried to land a few, but it doesn’t look like he landed any. They traded two to three punches each, back and forth. Eventually, they got tired and the Zebras came in to separate them. I would say both fights were a draw, but I love line brawls like that. The only thing that would have made it better, would have been if the goalies got involved.

The last fight of the night happened in the third period when Bruce Graham (HFD) and Cody McCormick (LOW) got into it along the dasher in the Hartford end. Graham had just leveled Ryan Jorde behind the Hartford goal, and Cody took exception to the hit. He jumped Graham, and they got into it hot and heavy. I really couldn’t see the fight from my vantage point, but a friend at ringside scored the fight a win for McCormick. From what I saw, it looked like he did in fact land more punches, but again, I really couldn’t see, so maybe I am being a homer.

I love the Hartford and Lowell rivalry. These guys clearly hate each other, and I find Marty Grenier awesome to watch. He is just a massive guy, and is always in the middle of everything. Dave really enjoyed himself, and may or may not be getting season tickets as we speak. Also, big ups to Dave for donating the Best of Will Ferrell video for our troops overseas. This update is coming two days late because we went to a party after the game, where the GoonSquad almost had a go of their own. I will just say that there was a difference in political opinions in the room, and they almost came to a boil. Call it a scrum in the corner if you will. Dave accidentally got hungover, so we spent yesterday watching the Patriots and trying to drink the pain away. I hope eveyone had a good weekend. I am hoping for a Colton Orr tilt Thursday against Toronto. I would think he’d be a marked man after his tilt with Belak last time. Lowell has Albany on Wednesday. They had some bad blood last time, and I hope it continues. Any updates, can be found here. Take care all.

{ 15 Comments }