AHL Utica Comets

Comet Tales: Mike Zigomanis Player Profile

November 23, 2013 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release


Mike Zigomanis owns a Stanley Cup ring, was coached by Wayne Gretzky, and has been able to skate for his hometown team - the Toronto Maple Leafs. Having played in his first NHL game with the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2002-03 season, hockey's best known vegan is second amongst Rochester Americans in scoring with 15 points in 17 games. Just what does keep the veteran of 500-plus AHL contests motivated?

When returning to The AUD for a second game in one week, Zigomanis and his Rochester teammates find themselves in fourth place with 18 points in the Western Conference's North Division. Trailing three teams including the Toronto Marlies, the club who Zigomanis had skated with for the past four seasons. The Toronto native clearly provides veteran leadership to the Buffalo Sabres affiliate. "Things have been good for the team. We got off to a rocky first couple of weeks," says Zigomanis, who cenetered for two seasons with the Wayne Gretzky coached Phoenix Coyotes (2006-08).

At the onset of this AHL campaign, playing one game a week, according to Zigomanis factored into the Amerks not getting into a playing rhythm of their choice. "Once you start playing a lot of games, as a hockey player you become tougher mentally and physically," Zigomanis said.

Ironically for Zigomanis, who was originally drafted by Buffalo in 1999, after 13 pro seasons he is finally playing for the organization. Back in 2001, due to a typographical error on the signed contract faxed to the NHL offices, there wasn't enough time to make the necessary corrections before the 5pm deadline. Zigomanis would have to re-enter the draft. He was selected by Carolina in the second round.

Prior to turning pro, Zigomanis played four seasons in the OHL with the Kingston Frontenacs. One of his teammates was Sean Avery. "We had some good teams then. In my third year, along with Sean, we had Andrew Raycroft in goal," Zigomanis tells.

His experiences playing for five NHL clubs, including earning a Stanley Cup ring with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009, along with teammate Matt Ellis as the oldest players on the Amerks, is a major contributor to Rochester's early success. Zigomanis possesses a plethora of years of ice time to share and offer advice to Sabres prospects. When questions may pop up about ownership of his Stanley Cup ring, Zigomanis tends to use that as a symbol of motivation.

"I keep the ring in a safe box. I've only taken it out a couple of times," Zigomanis explains. "My career has had its ups and downs a couple of times, like a roller coaster. I'm still playing, that's most important."

Last Friday in The AUD, Zigomanis scored a goal and gained an assist on Luke Adam's second tally of the game. Keeping a tight defense around the Amerks' center should only increase Utica's scoring capabilities, and increase their opportunity for a home victory.

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