For Mike Komisarek, there doesn't exist a better inspiration than his parents.
Photo André Pichette, La Presse

MIKE KOMISAREK

A Late Calling

Stephanie Morin,La Presse

This past summer, Mike Komisarek found a tresure in a closet at his parent's home in West Islip, New York: an old worn-out Canadien jersey.

"I bought the jersey when I played in the Quebec Pee-Wee tournament recalls the defenseman. My parents were not very rich and everything was cheaper in Canada. We returned home with the red,white and blue jersey and a car full of hockey sticks. I was a New York Islander fan, but I grew up with a Canadien Jersey on my back. Today, it is a precious memory..."

Komisarek had a different summer than most and the old sweater wasm't for nothing. It was his first summer without his mother Kathy, who died on the 29th of November 2005, stiken by Pancreatic Cancer. She was 51 yrs. of age."It was very difficult to step foot into the livingroom, where she spent her last few days of her life. She died in this room surrounded by her family. I was with her accompanied by my sister and father. I had the time to tell her I loved her.I was lucky, especially when I think about people who are taken during tragedies like the incident at Dawson College."

Last Fall, Komisarek spent all his Sundays travelling between Montreal and New York. He would take the plane at 6Am Sunday morning, spend the day with his mother and return that night, in order to be ready for practise on Monday. "I felt guilty that I wasn't around her more often, especially as my sister Joanne sacrificed a year of studing at Boston College in order to look after my mom. But my mom wanted me to continue working."

During those difficult months, he didn't always have his mind on hockey. "It was difficult to concentrate he admits. I was think of her everyday, but now I know she no longer suffers. She fought a long battle against Cancer. They say only 10% of people with cancer of the pancreas live more than 6 months....she battled for 11 months... Today , I know she watchs over us."

For Mike Komisarek, there doesn't exist a more inspiring model than his parents. "My father,Roman, left Poland by boat for North America without a penny, only the clothing on hisa back. He knew no one. He worked as a mechanic in a garage in Brooklyn before my mother came to join him. Today, he owns his own garage."

It was here that the young Komisarek spent his weekends as a youth. "I changed oil and cleaned cars in exchange for skates or sticks. My mother always teased my Dad that he spent to much on hockey, but believe me I worked hard for my equipment."

Komisarek discovered hockey late in his youth, around the age of 11. "I was that big clumsy player who couldn't skate very well, he says laughing. I wasn't very gentle, but I loved to play. I tried basketball and soccer, but I was to rough, I was always penalized..." Little Mike ( who always stood a head over the other kids) worked on his technique on and off the ice playing street hockey.

The results of his hard work got him a scholarship to the University of Michigan. There was no question that he was going to take the junior route. "For my parents, my schooling was essential. They worked hard all their lives and they wanted me go to school to ensure my future. They didn't want me to put all my eggs in one basket."

This past summer, he worke dwith a new trainer who made him discover the benefits of Yoga.

Mike moved into Jose Theodore's old condiminium on Sister's Island. "Last year, I lived in old Montreal. This winter, I will have Poker tournaments with the guys. Everyone wants to play against me...I don't bluff very well and so they skin me!"

Chris Higgins, Michael Ryder, Aaron Downey and Garth Murray are his poker partners. A lot of the players go home to their families at night, but "Komi" and his band are at that stage yet. Fatherhood can wait. Concerning his love life, he'll only say that he is going out with a girl from Montreal for a couple of months now....

Komisarek hoped to find the time to volunteer with Cancer related causes. Last year, he shaved his head toraise funds for cancer.

MIKE KOMISAREK in Short

If he wasn't a Hockey Player : I'd be working in my father's garage.

Favorite Movie : Braveheart

Favorite Actor : John Travolta

Favorite Restaurant : Wakamono ( Mont-Royal), for sushi.

Childhood IdolIdoles : Michael Jordan, Pierre Turgeon and Pat Lafontaine.

Favorite TV Show : 24. 

Music Preferences: everything except country. I hate it!  Nickelback.  Dave Matthews Band.

Last Concert Attended : Madonna in Montréal. She was incredible !

Favorite Bar :  Saint-Laurent St.

Other Sports :  Yankees  Giants and Sunday NFL games

Favorite Book : The Five People You Meet in Heaven, by Mitch Albom. Allows me to put life into perspective.

Travel Plans : À Péking and Dubaï. They tell me that these are unique places.