A former Swift Current Bronco was back at the Innovation Credit Union iPlex this past weekend, and again, he returned on the visiting bench.

New Saskatoon Blades Head Coach Mitch Love played with the Broncos in 2001-02 and 2002-03 after time with the Moose Jaw Warriors and before departing to the Everett Silvertips.

The now-34-year-old Love was an assistant coach with Everett the last six seasons until he took over bench boss duties with the Blades.

Love said that although he was on the losing end when the Broncos beat the Silvertips 3-0 on May 13 to clinch the Ed Chynoweth Cup, it was still quite the night.

"I'll be honest with you, it's still fond and on my mind there, that May night. But at the same time being an alumnus from Swift Current here, and watching the city rally around the team and see that night, was something pretty special, even though I was on the other side of it as a coach. But new business is in order here with a new franchise, and I'm really excited to get started."

Things got started in a good way for Saskatoon, winning Friday and Saturday games last weekend 2-1 and 8-0 over the Broncos.

Love said he's taking a bit from different coaches he's worked with in the past.

"I've had real good opportunity to work with some real good coaches - Kevin Constantine being one. I really learned a lot about the defensive side of the game from him, obviously. Dennis Williams, you know, he brought a different taste and flavour to our group last year and working with him, moreso on the offensive side. So I try to blend those two things together, but at the same time also bringing my own personality and what I've learned from other coaches through Hockey Canada and whatnot, and try to implement that into our group here in Saskatoon."