Michigan sophomore defenseman Mike Komisarek has decided to sign a pro contract with the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens, passing up his final two seasons of collegiate eligibility.
“We’re very disappointed to have Komisarek leave the team at this time,” said Wolverine coach Red Berenson of the 6-foot-4, 242-pound blueliner. “He has had two solid years at Michigan and he leaves a huge hole on our team that cannot be filled at this late date.”
“Mike is a solid defenseman who has improved several aspects of his game over the past season,” said Canadiens general manager Andre Savard. “He reads the play well, he has a good shot and is very efficient in handling passes. Also, we really like his physical game.”
Komisarek, 20, was the first collegiate player chosen in the 2001 NHL Draft, seventh overall by Montreal, following a freshman year in which he was named to the CCHA All-Rookie Team. He had four goals and 16 points in 41 games.
As a sophomore, Komisarek was named All-American and voted the CCHA’s Best Defensive Defenseman after totalling 11 goals and 30 points in 40 games. He was also named to the All-CCHA First Team. His efforts helped Michigan to an NCAA semifinal appearance, where the Wolverines fell to eventual champion Minnesota.
Komisarek leaves Ann Arbor with career totals of 15 goals and 46 points in 81 games along with 145 penalty minutes.
“I know there’s going to be an adjustment from the college level to the pro style of game,” Komisarek said. “I’m going to do everything I can do to make that team come camp.
“But if I do have to spend some time in Hamilton [Montreal AHL affiliate], to learn a few things, learn the pro style of game, then so be it.”
