Player Rep Spotlight: Tommy Apap (Florida Everblades)

Tommy Apap is the PHPA Player Representative for the Florida Everblades of the ECHL.  Apap, a Michigan native, played four seasons for Michigan State University and served as team Captain in his senior year.  At the conclusion of his senior season, he turned pro after signing with the Indy Fuel of the ECHL.  After spending parts of two seasons in the American Hockey League with the Milwaukee Admirals, Apap joined the Florida Everblades at the start of the 2023-24 campaign.

How did you become a PHPA Player Representative and what are some of your roles and responsibilities?

I actually became a PHPA Player Representative last year. Greg Rallo, one of my coaches in Milwaukee, told me about his experience as a Player Rep and explained to me the benefits he gained from his experience. He explained the difference the PHPA made and your responsibilities as a Player Rep and I was pretty intrigued. I have learned a lot as a Player Rep with how everything works and I’m glad I did it.

Having grown up in Michigan, what was it like playing four seasons at Michigan State University?  Was this something that you were always aspiring to do?

Yes, ever since I could remember, my dad had me in MSU clothes and had me bleeding Green and White. We grew up huge Spartan fans because of him, so being able to play for MSU was a real dream come true for me. I’ll never forget the first game I got to play at Munn Ice Arena and seeing my family in the stands; it was pretty surreal. I’m so lucky and so grateful that I had the opportunity to play there. I have such a gratitude towards the school for everything it has given me in my four years there and even since I graduated. It is awesome watching the success the hockey program is having this year.  I really think they can win the whole thing with what they have brewing.

You were named Captain of the team in your senior season at Michigan State, served as Assistant Captain the two seasons prior, and are now an Assistant Captain with the Florida Everblades.  How would you describe your leadership style?

I love being around the guys and talking a lot in the locker room, but I wouldn’t say I’m a super vocal leader. I just try to play and practice hard every time I go out there. I know I don’t have the most skill compared to other players so I try to lead by working hard whenever I am out there. I have had a lot of great captains on teams that I have played for throughout the years, so I like to take note of things they did that I appreciate and try to do those things when I am in a position to lead.

How did you first get into the sport of hockey and who/what influenced you to participate in the sport?

My dad had my siblings and I in skates as soon as we could walk. He would put up a rink in the backyard every year and playing out there with my family and friends is where my love for the game grew. The memories on the backyard rink are ones I’ll always cherish.

Following your final season with Michigan State, how did you end up signing your first professional contract with the Indy Fuel?

I knew I wanted to try to play after college and Indy was a team that got in contact with me pretty quickly. I signed there and ended up having a great experience. Great spot to live and play and they treated us well.

What’s your favourite thing to do on a day off in Florida?

I’d say my favorite thing is when my fiancé and I take our dog to the dog beach.  Usually some of my teammates go too with their families and dogs so it’s a blast seeing them all buzz around on the beach and in the water.

What is your favourite place that you’ve travelled to in Europe and why?

My favorite place I’ve been to in Europe is probably Italy. I’ve only been once and there’s a ton of places I haven’t been to but going to Rome was a very cool experience. There’s so much history there and of course incredible food; it’s definitely a city I’d like to visit again.

It was noticed that you’ve been horseback riding before. What was your first experience like riding a horse?

Hahaha, yes, I have been. My roommates and I went in the fall my senior year at MSU.  Our academic advisor, Melissa, loves horses so she took us to the place where she rides, and we had a blast. That was the only time I’ve been, but I would definitely go again.

You seem to be a big Detroit Lions fan. How exciting was it to see them win their first playoff game in 32 years?

It has been pretty incredible honestly. Every year we think things are going to change as Lions fans but they never have until Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes came in and changed the culture. It has been so cool to watch this team be successful and have everyone from the state of Michigan rally around it. I can’t even imagine the craziness and excitement in the city if they win the Super Bowl and I think it’s going to happen.

Would you consider yourself a coffee connoisseur?  What did you take away from working as a Sales Rep for Elmhurst? 

Hahaha I would consider myself a coffee connoisseur. Either that or just an addict. I normally just drink black coffee, but I’ll mix it up on a rare occasion. I was only a Sales Rep for Elmhurst for a quick stint while in college, but I did enjoy it and I still drink it. Their milk goes great with smoothies too.

If you weren’t a professional hockey player, what would you be doing for a living?

I would love to still be involved with hockey when I’m done playing or at least involved with athletics. I’m not sure exactly what I’d like to do but I would like to coach or scout or something in that realm, if possible.

Who is your role model?

My dad is definitely my role model. He was someone I would always look to for advice. He loved watching me play and talking hockey and I loved it too. He pushed me to always work hard to improve but it was always in an instructive way.  My dad battled ALS for ten years before passing away in December of 2019.  While he was sick, he remained positive every single day. He never complained about having the awful disease that takes away your independence and freedom before it takes your life. Instead, he would say “it’s a good day for a good day” and that really stuck with our family. He showed me that you can only control what you can control so you might as well make the most of each day. I miss him every day but I’m very grateful for every day I got to spend with him.