http://www.nhlpa.com/Content/Feature.asp?contentId=3847
Mike Komisarek, Montreal's no-nonsense, hard-hitting defenceman, hasn't forgotten that being a true professional isn't just about your on-ice performance.
For nearly 300 regular season National Hockey League games, Komarisek, who was selected seventh overall in the 2001 Entry Draft, has provided rock-steady work on the Canadiens' blueline.
And although his stock as one of the league's most dependable stay-at-home rearguards continues to grow, Komisarek's ego has not.
"It's always nice to meet fans out there and see them looking up to you and being a role model," said the native of West Islip, New York. "I remember when I was growing up, looking up to players and asking for autographs, now it's nice to return the favour."
Komisarek, who started playing competitively on Long Island, New York, eventually landed a spot with the New England Jr. Coyotes of the EJHL.
He was courted by the USA Hockey's National Team Development Program and was then awarded a full athletic scholarship to the University of Michigan.
As a member of the Wolverines, he played with fellow Long Islander, Eric Nystrom, the 10th overall pick of the Calgary Flames in 2002.
Komisarek played two campaigns with Michigan (2000-2002). He was awarded CCHA All-Rookie Team honours in 2000-01 and CCHA First Team All-Star and NCAA West First All-American Team honours in 2001-02 before making the decision to turn professional at the end of his sophomore season.
"It was probably the most difficult choice up to that point in my life," recalled Komisarek, of the decision to forego a third season with the Wolverines. "It's a great place to play and we had a great coach. But when I was approached by Montreal, I had the opportunity to pursue a career as a professional athlete. I felt I couldn't turn it down."
Not that he has forgotten his alma mater.
"I always keep a close eye on them. I'll be a Michigan Wolverine for life now and I follow all their programs, football, hockey, basketball."
The Habs are certainly glad he's wearing their colours.
A member of the United States World Junior team in 2001 and 2002, Komisarek joined the Canadiens American Hockey League affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs, for 56 games in 2002-03 and was integral in helping them reach the AHL Calder Cup final.
While the Bulldogs fell short in their bid to hoist the Calder Cup, Komisarek's performance enabled him to dress for 21 games with Montreal.
It also gave him the chance to share the ice with Players he looked up to prior to competing in the NHL.
"I've always liked players like Rob Blake and Chris Pronger," noted Komisarek, who appeared in 46 games for Montreal in 2003-04 and 71 contests in 2005-06. "Their physical nature, their presence on the ice and they also chip in offensively and score some goals."
Though Komisarek's game is based more on preventing goals, the 6'4", 225-pounder can produce on the scoresheet, including two short-handed tallies he notched in 2006-07.
But his on-ice calling card remains his physical presence, headlined by jarring body checks that teammates and opponents alike have come to respect.
Admittedly, Komisarek, who was voted the tam's candidate for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for the 2007-08 season by the Montreal chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA), prefers to take care of things in his own end first.
"I wouldn't characterize myself as being an offensive player," offered Komisarek, who contributed 17 points, along with a plus-nine rating in 2007-08. "I concentrate more on playing solidly on defense, using my body out there."
Last year was no exception.
Komisarek led the Habs in hits and blocked shots for the month of October (39 H - 40 BS), November (47 H - 49 BS), December (36 H - 40 BS), January (51 H - 31 BS) and February (61 H - 33 BS).
He also led the NHL with 227 blocked shots and finished second with 266 hits, in spite of being forced out of the lineup on March 22 with a lower-body injury, ending a streak of 196 consecutive games.
This year, Komisarek will be expected to deliver more of the same for a Montreal team intent on raising the bar after a positive 2007-08.
And while he is as intense as any competitor once the puck drops, Komisarek is quite the opposite away from the game.
"I do things like listening to music, reading a good book," said Komisarek, of his laid-back pre-game approach. "I like getting a newspaper and keeping up with world events. Those are what I keep myself busy with."
And once the 2008-09 season starts, Komisarek will be preoccupied with doing what he does best: making the sure the hits keep on coming.
Komisarek Is A Beast On The Blueline
Komisarek Is A Beast On The Blueline
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