Komisarek on track. Article by Faceoff.
Nov 6, 2002 19:40:00 GMT -5
Post by UberCranky on Nov 6, 2002 19:40:00 GMT -5
Is this some kind of science fiction Alternate Reality thing? *deep sigh*
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faceoff.com/nhl/news/story.html?f=/news/20021106/021106News3154038.html
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Komisarek on track
Habs prospect making huge strides in the minors
By JOSH BROWN
Faceoff.com
American defenceman Mike Komisarek has red, white and blue on the brain.
The Long Island native, who adored the New York Islanders as a child and later honed his craft in the U.S. National Junior hockey program and with the NCAA’s Michigan Wolverines is focused on cracking the Montreal Canadiens lineup.
It’s been that way ever since the Habs drafted the 6-foot-4, 240-pound blue-liner seventh overall in the 2001 NHL entry draft.
After a promising training camp, the Habs sent Komisarek to the minors to fine-tune his game with the American Hockey League’s Hamilton Bulldogs. A month into the season, the 20-year-old is finding the transition smooth. And he holds no grudges over the demotion.
“It wasn’t a disappointment,” he said. “It was an opportunity to work on some things. I’m still learning. I’m still young. Deep down inside I’m willing to do anything it takes to play for the Montreal Canadiens.”<br>
“It was an awesome experience for me to be around guys I watched playing hockey as a kid. Guys like Doug Gilmour ... it was good to see his dedication and hard work and to see what it takes to play in the NHL.”<br>
His sensible attitude, raw skill and strong work ethic have Bulldogs coach Claude Julien raving.
“You see an improvement in him every game,” said Julien. “We’re overly impressed with his vision. He sees the ice so well and finds his teammates. We’re very impressed with his first pass, it’s nice and crisp and on the tape.”<br>
Julien says there are three hurdles Komisarek must overcome in his first year of professional hockey. They are: adjusting to a demanding schedule, gaining experience and maintaining his confidence. So far Julien is pleased with his progress.
“He’s been as steady as you can find for a young defenceman. I like his poise on the power play, his shots always seem to find the net. He’s making good decisions. Overall he’s a pretty smart hockey player.”<br>
Komisarek only has four assists in nine games with the Bulldogs but isn’t too concerned. He’s more interested in developing his strongest attribute - his physical game.
“I’m not a guy who after a game looks at the score sheet to see how many goals or assists I got,” he said. “I take pride in playing well defensively. I just try to punish guys and use my body out there.”<br>
Though he was a Pierre Turgeon fan growing up, he now tries to emulate his game after mentors Rob Blake and Chris Pronger. He hopes to bring that level of skill and professionalism to Montreal one day.
“The bar is set high every year. I know going to Montreal that the fans are very knowledgeable and very passionate about their team. They are going to demand a lot out of their players. I figure if I go in there with a good work ethic, good things will happen.”<br>
He might not have to wait for long, according to Julien.
“He’s here for one reason and one reason only and that’s to become a better hockey player and become an NHLer. I can certainly assure you that he’s going to be there. He’s got what it takes."
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faceoff.com/nhl/news/story.html?f=/news/20021106/021106News3154038.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Komisarek on track
Habs prospect making huge strides in the minors
By JOSH BROWN
Faceoff.com
American defenceman Mike Komisarek has red, white and blue on the brain.
The Long Island native, who adored the New York Islanders as a child and later honed his craft in the U.S. National Junior hockey program and with the NCAA’s Michigan Wolverines is focused on cracking the Montreal Canadiens lineup.
It’s been that way ever since the Habs drafted the 6-foot-4, 240-pound blue-liner seventh overall in the 2001 NHL entry draft.
After a promising training camp, the Habs sent Komisarek to the minors to fine-tune his game with the American Hockey League’s Hamilton Bulldogs. A month into the season, the 20-year-old is finding the transition smooth. And he holds no grudges over the demotion.
“It wasn’t a disappointment,” he said. “It was an opportunity to work on some things. I’m still learning. I’m still young. Deep down inside I’m willing to do anything it takes to play for the Montreal Canadiens.”<br>
“It was an awesome experience for me to be around guys I watched playing hockey as a kid. Guys like Doug Gilmour ... it was good to see his dedication and hard work and to see what it takes to play in the NHL.”<br>
His sensible attitude, raw skill and strong work ethic have Bulldogs coach Claude Julien raving.
“You see an improvement in him every game,” said Julien. “We’re overly impressed with his vision. He sees the ice so well and finds his teammates. We’re very impressed with his first pass, it’s nice and crisp and on the tape.”<br>
Julien says there are three hurdles Komisarek must overcome in his first year of professional hockey. They are: adjusting to a demanding schedule, gaining experience and maintaining his confidence. So far Julien is pleased with his progress.
“He’s been as steady as you can find for a young defenceman. I like his poise on the power play, his shots always seem to find the net. He’s making good decisions. Overall he’s a pretty smart hockey player.”<br>
Komisarek only has four assists in nine games with the Bulldogs but isn’t too concerned. He’s more interested in developing his strongest attribute - his physical game.
“I’m not a guy who after a game looks at the score sheet to see how many goals or assists I got,” he said. “I take pride in playing well defensively. I just try to punish guys and use my body out there.”<br>
Though he was a Pierre Turgeon fan growing up, he now tries to emulate his game after mentors Rob Blake and Chris Pronger. He hopes to bring that level of skill and professionalism to Montreal one day.
“The bar is set high every year. I know going to Montreal that the fans are very knowledgeable and very passionate about their team. They are going to demand a lot out of their players. I figure if I go in there with a good work ethic, good things will happen.”<br>
He might not have to wait for long, according to Julien.
“He’s here for one reason and one reason only and that’s to become a better hockey player and become an NHLer. I can certainly assure you that he’s going to be there. He’s got what it takes."