Player Rep Spotlight: Alex Kromm (Tulsa Oilers)

Alex Kromm is the PHPA Player Representative for the Tulsa Oilers of the ECHL.  Kromm played four years at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where he was an Assistant Captain during his Senior year and helped lead the team to an NCAA III National Championship.  Since turning pro in 2016, Kromm has played in over 330 ECHL games across 7 seasons. 

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

As I am more of a Veteran player on the Oilers I was voted in as Player Rep by my teammates.  As a PHPA Player Rep, a couple of my responsibilities include relaying information about the rights of the players to my teammates and working with the PHPA to assist with my teammates’ needs.

Why did you choose to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and what did you enjoy most about your time there?

I chose to go to UW Stevens-Point because the coach at the time, Chris Brooks, had coached professionally prior, and it seemed like the right place for me to go if I wanted to continue my playing career after University.  Also, our Assistant Coach at the time, Tommy Upton, was a hell of a salesman.  I really enjoyed the friendships I made there plus winning the National Championship.

Your Grandfather coached in the NHL and your Father played in the NHL.  How did their influence and experience help you throughout your hockey development as you made your way to the professional level?

I was very fortunate having my dad Richard and late Grandfather Bobby there to guide me through my hockey career.  They both have incredible hockey minds and taught me from a young age the fundamentals of the game, as well as different strategies and philosophies within the game.  It was always nice having them there to bounce different scenarios off of and get their feedback on different areas of my team’s games as well as my individual performances.

This is your second stint with the Tulsa Oilers.  What attracted you to come back?

Tulsa is the one place I always felt I had a home in this league.  I have a good relationship with our Coach Rob Murray and have always been grateful to him for treating me with respect as a player and giving me an opportunity here.

If you were not a professional hockey player, what career path do you think you would have chosen?

Trades

Who is your favourite band / musical artist?  

Nickelback

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received from someone?

Control the controllables. Attitude, effort, actions.

Favourite hockey players growing up?

Darcy Tucker and Peter Forsberg.

What do you enjoy doing during the off-season to unwind?

Golf

If you’re cooking, what are you making?

Steak

Who was the funniest / most entertaining / most uplifting player on the Tulsa Oilers this past season?

Adam Samuelsson

Favourite road city to play in?

Boise probably for me, although Newfoundland was a great spot as well!