AHL PROFILE : MIKE KOMISAREK
Oct 27, 2002 15:00:52 GMT -5
Post by Viper on Oct 27, 2002 15:00:52 GMT -5
www.theahl.com/AHLProfiles02/1025_komisarek.html
Friday, October 25, 2002
Mike Komisarek
By Amy K. Nelson
SportsTicker Staff Writer
What's a college hockey coach to do?
Young players leaving college early has become the norm in basketball, but with increased salaries and hopes of making it big, the lure of the NHL has made draft day a lot younger.
Montreal Canadiens farmhand Mike Komisarek is no exception.
The 20-year-old Komisarek, a University of Michigan product, just missed the cut out of training camp this year and was sent to the Hamilton Bulldogs, the AHL affiliate for both the Canadiens and the Edmonton Oilers.
Through five games, the defenseman has recorded two assists and has a plus-1 rating, but his coach, Claude Julien, would like to see more of the aggressive play that Komisarek is known for.
"That's where Mike really has to improve," said Julien. "And I think that's why Montreal sent him down. He needs to get more comfortable on a regular basis. There's times where you'd want him to get a little more physical and he's capable of doing it.
"He's feeling his way through the league and right now we'd like to see a little more of that from Mike and I know that's where he'd like to improve."
Komisarek's blend of vision, strength and size was enough to convince Montreal to draft him seventh overall in 2001, the first collegiate player selected that year. The 6-4, 225-pound rearguard played one more season with the Wolverines, but opted to leave this past June, giving little notice to 18-year head coach Red Berenson.
"I think it was definitely a surprise to us," said Berenson. "He was planning on coming back next year when he left here at the end of June. As things developed and as Montreal came into the picture, everything changed. We were all surprised and disappointed that he made that decision."
A decision that was made despite telling the coaching staff he was definitely returning to the team for his junior season, and shortly after a talented Michigan squad reached its second straight Frozen Four appearance.
"It was time to move on," said Komisarek, who registered 46 points in 50 games during his two-year career with the Wolverines. "I think I was ready to accept the next challenge and this is something that I want to do for the rest of my life. Obviously, leaving a place like Michigan was very tough. It's a great school and even a better hockey program."
From early indications, there is a general feeling that Komisarek will eventually make it to the NHL.
"There's no doubt in my mind that Mike made the right decision," said Julien, referring to Komisarek's decision to turn pro. "Mike is what you would consider a complete defenseman. He's very good defensively, he's big and strong, and has the attributes to become a really successful defensive defenseman.
"He's definitely going to play in the NHL, it's just a matter of time and how quickly he develops. A year from now I think we'll have a pretty good idea of what Mike's capable of bringing to the table at the NHL level."
Driving Komisarek is his incessant need to succeed. Failure is not an option, and it never has been. Komisarek, who is known for his mean streak when he hits the ice, believes his will and drive is what takes over when he plays.
"I've always been a competitive kid by nature," said Komisarek. "I never liked to lose, I don't think anyone does. I've never accepted being average or mediocre. I always wanted to be the best, so I think that's something that makes me (motivated)."
Yet his customary punishing hits and hard checks has been absent thus far in the minors.
"You don't want to be running around looking for that big hit," said Komisarek. "You want to play your position well and anytime you have a chance to use your checks you do it. But I think you don't want to have the mentality of always looking for that big hit because guys are so skilled here, they move the puck so well, you'll get caught pretty quickly and the puck will end up in your net."
Friday, October 25, 2002
Mike Komisarek
By Amy K. Nelson
SportsTicker Staff Writer
What's a college hockey coach to do?
Young players leaving college early has become the norm in basketball, but with increased salaries and hopes of making it big, the lure of the NHL has made draft day a lot younger.
Montreal Canadiens farmhand Mike Komisarek is no exception.
The 20-year-old Komisarek, a University of Michigan product, just missed the cut out of training camp this year and was sent to the Hamilton Bulldogs, the AHL affiliate for both the Canadiens and the Edmonton Oilers.
Through five games, the defenseman has recorded two assists and has a plus-1 rating, but his coach, Claude Julien, would like to see more of the aggressive play that Komisarek is known for.
"That's where Mike really has to improve," said Julien. "And I think that's why Montreal sent him down. He needs to get more comfortable on a regular basis. There's times where you'd want him to get a little more physical and he's capable of doing it.
"He's feeling his way through the league and right now we'd like to see a little more of that from Mike and I know that's where he'd like to improve."
Komisarek's blend of vision, strength and size was enough to convince Montreal to draft him seventh overall in 2001, the first collegiate player selected that year. The 6-4, 225-pound rearguard played one more season with the Wolverines, but opted to leave this past June, giving little notice to 18-year head coach Red Berenson.
"I think it was definitely a surprise to us," said Berenson. "He was planning on coming back next year when he left here at the end of June. As things developed and as Montreal came into the picture, everything changed. We were all surprised and disappointed that he made that decision."
A decision that was made despite telling the coaching staff he was definitely returning to the team for his junior season, and shortly after a talented Michigan squad reached its second straight Frozen Four appearance.
"It was time to move on," said Komisarek, who registered 46 points in 50 games during his two-year career with the Wolverines. "I think I was ready to accept the next challenge and this is something that I want to do for the rest of my life. Obviously, leaving a place like Michigan was very tough. It's a great school and even a better hockey program."
From early indications, there is a general feeling that Komisarek will eventually make it to the NHL.
"There's no doubt in my mind that Mike made the right decision," said Julien, referring to Komisarek's decision to turn pro. "Mike is what you would consider a complete defenseman. He's very good defensively, he's big and strong, and has the attributes to become a really successful defensive defenseman.
"He's definitely going to play in the NHL, it's just a matter of time and how quickly he develops. A year from now I think we'll have a pretty good idea of what Mike's capable of bringing to the table at the NHL level."
Driving Komisarek is his incessant need to succeed. Failure is not an option, and it never has been. Komisarek, who is known for his mean streak when he hits the ice, believes his will and drive is what takes over when he plays.
"I've always been a competitive kid by nature," said Komisarek. "I never liked to lose, I don't think anyone does. I've never accepted being average or mediocre. I always wanted to be the best, so I think that's something that makes me (motivated)."
Yet his customary punishing hits and hard checks has been absent thus far in the minors.
"You don't want to be running around looking for that big hit," said Komisarek. "You want to play your position well and anytime you have a chance to use your checks you do it. But I think you don't want to have the mentality of always looking for that big hit because guys are so skilled here, they move the puck so well, you'll get caught pretty quickly and the puck will end up in your net."