Mike Komisarek is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on January 19, 1982, in West Islip, New York, and grew up playing hockey in the Long Island area.
Komisarek played college hockey at the University of Michigan, where he was a standout defenseman. He was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, 7th overall.
Komisarek made his NHL debut with the Canadiens in the 2002-03 season and quickly established himself as a physical, hard-hitting defenseman. He was known for his tough, physical play and his ability to shut down opposing forwards.
In the 2005-06 season, Komisarek emerged as a key player for the Canadiens, playing in all 82 games and recording 13 points and 134 penalty minutes. He continued to be a mainstay on the Canadiens' blue line for the next several seasons, earning a reputation as one of the toughest defensemen in the league.
In 2009, Komisarek signed a five-year, $22.5 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He played two seasons with the Leafs, but injuries limited his effectiveness and he struggled to live up to his contract.
After leaving the Leafs, Komisarek played briefly for the Carolina Hurricanes and the AHL's Charlotte Checkers before retiring from professional hockey in 2014.
Throughout his career, Komisarek was known for his physical play and his willingness to stand up for his teammates. He was a fierce competitor and a respected leader in the locker room.
Off the ice, Komisarek was involved in several charitable organizations, including the Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation and the Mike Komisarek Foundation, which supports children's charities in the Long Island area.
Overall, Mike Komisarek had a successful NHL career, playing in over 600 games and earning a reputation as one of the toughest defensemen in the league. While injuries and other factors may have limited his effectiveness in his later years, he will always be remembered as a fierce competitor and a respected leader on and off the ice.
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