PHPA Player Spotlight: David Kolomatis (Manchester Monarchs)

David Kolomatis is the PHPA Player Representative for the Manchester Monarchs of the ECHL. The 30-year old defensemen played three seasons with the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League and was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the 5^th round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. The Livingston, NJ native has played in Manchester since 2009, both in the AHL and ECHL and was named team captain in 2015. Kolomatis has played in over 330 AHL games and 200 ECHL games.

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

I was an alternate in previous years but always was available to help answer questions that players and/or our reps had. This year Colton Saucerman who was acting as our player rep was traded so I just took over full time after that.

Sauce had taken care of a lot of the bigger details setting up the yearly meeting and making sure guys were initially set up in the system. I was mostly left with whenever there was a trade or new transaction making sure guys received the necessary paperwork. The CamScanner app for Iphone has become one of my most used apps since taking over.

How did you enjoy playing hockey in the OHL in Owen Sound? Do you have a memory that stands out from your time playing there?

I loved my time up in Owen Sound. It’s a very small community so the interactions we all had with fans were not just at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Center. It was nice to be greeted by familiar faces whether it be at Shorty’s Bar and Grill after a game or the Boot and Blade for breakfast. I don’t necessarily have one memory but the billet families I lived with both the Rowe’s and Acton’s were the best around. As well as Dick and Gayle Stegehuis. I did not live with them but they always put on American Thanksgiving for us American born players.

You were voted by your peers around the league as the best defensive defensemen in the ECHL Eastern conference last year. How does it feel to be recognized by the guys you play with and against night in and night out?

It’s always a huge honor to be recognized by my peers. The ECHL has always been a great path to the NHL but it seems in recent years there has been a ton of guys coming up through the league to go on and make their NHL debuts. The fact that my peers think I can still keep up is a nice pat on the back.

Although being recognized for your defensive play, you produced 30 points last season and have over 40 so far this year. How would you describe your game and style of play?

I would say I try to play a complete game for being what used to be referred to as an undersized defenseman. I like to contribute offensively but know those opportunities require sound defense first.

What’s your favourite part about playing and living in Manchester?

I love the arena. The staff not just within our dressing room although they are the best in the business hands down, but also the arena staff work hard to make sure that we have one of the best facilities in the league. One looks forward to coming to work everyday.

You were named captain in 2015. How would you describe your leadership style and what are some things you do to help mentor the younger guys on the team?

I am not a very vocal person in general so I would say my leadership style tends to mimic that. I like to lead by example and rely heavily on my great assistants to be the vocal leaders. I hope that the young guys feel confident to come to me with issues same way I was with the leaders I had as a rookie.

What is your favourite sport to play other than hockey? What is your favourite sport to watch outside of hockey?

Not really going outside of the box but I enjoy roller hockey in the summertime. Its how I fell in love with the game. After school racing home to throw the blades on, toss sticks in the middle, pick teams, and just play until it got dark out. I’ll tune into football during fantasy season, but most of the time I’m watching sports it’s the Devils.

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

I actually had the chance to really consider this when I chose to enroll at Penn State almost 4 years ago. I knew I really liked the physical side of being a hockey player training wise. In the past 4-5 years I really started paying attention to the mental side of the game as well. So if I could do it all over again I would have chosen to pursue something in sports psychology.

What’s your favourite TV show or movie you have watched in the last year?

I thought Manhunt on Netflix about the Unabomber was really interesting. I also watched Greenbook on our recent flight to Newfoundland and thought that was excellent.

What’s one hidden talent or interest that most people would not know about you?

I don’t know if it’d be hidden to the guys on the team, but I enjoy reading. Most of the bus trips are spent with a book instead of the Ipad.