Player Rep Spotlight: Kris Myllari (Allen Americans)

Kris Myllari is the PHPA Player Representative for the Allen Americans of the ECHL. Myllari played four seasons at Penn State University where he was an Assistant Captain in his senior year. He turned pro in 2020 and split the 2020-21 season between three teams, including the Allen Americans where he has remained ever since. Earlier this year, Myllari was named Captain of the Americans.  We asked Kris the following questions…

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

I became our PHPA Player Representative when our previous Rep left for Europe. I did so because I wanted to be there to try and help my teammates know their rights and help them with problems throughout the year.

How did you enjoy your time at Penn State University and what would be your favorite memory from your experience there?

I loved my time at Penn State University. I was able to earn a degree from an incredible university while creating friendships that will last a lifetime.  On top of that, we were able to win two Big Ten championships which were my favorite memories.

You majored in Business Management at Penn State.  If you weren’t a professional hockey player, where would you be working? 

I am not sure where I would be working but I minored in finance.  Some of my favorite courses were in the financial field and I would like to pursue a job in that field.

During the 2020-21 season, what was it like to play for 3 different ECHL teams (Utah, Kansas City, Allen)?

The 2020-21 season was a wild experience due to what was going on in the world. Playing for three teams that year taught me a lot about myself as a player and a lot as a person. Playing for three teams all within the same division also made the experience even more unique as I played against many former teammates.

For the majority of your professional hockey career, you have played for the Allen Americans. What makes this organization so special in your opinion and how do you enjoy living in Allen?

Allen as a city is incredible to live in.  The weather and lifestyle is incredible.  This organization from coach Chad Costello to our new owner Myles Jack have a similar goal of winning championships and making sure their players are taken care of.  Chad is one the most passionate coaches I have ever played for and will do anything he possibly can to help advance his players as athletes and humans.

Last season you were voted by your peers as the Best Defensive Defenseman in the ECHL’s Western Conference. What do you think were some key parts of your game that allowed you to excel defensively and earn recognition from your peers?

I think defensive awareness is one of biggest strengths to be able to process plays at a high speed and stop scoring chances. Any award you receive especially one that is voted on by your peers is a very humbling experience and any defensive award is a testament to your team defence as well.

This season you have already surpassed your career high offensive numbers. What do you attribute to your uptick in offensive production?

All of the credit for that goes to my teammates and coaches. I’ve been given a great opportunity on the powerplay to play with some special hockey players and be in great offensive opportunities. I have been lucky enough to cash in on a couple of them.

You served as an Assistant Captain with Penn State and Allen, and this year you’ve been appointed the Captain of the Americans. How would you describe your leadership style?

I think my leadership style is based on leading by example. I am not the most talented hockey player, but I try to excel at the little things. Whether it be blocking a shot or simply taking a defensive role to try and help the team win. Our team is blessed with many leaders, so it is a very easy group to be a part of.

You were named to the 2024 ECHL All-Star Classic. How did you enjoy the event? If you could’ve participated in the skills events which one would you have chosen and why?

I unfortunately declined to play as we had a game this year and we were fighting for every point at the start of the year. If I could have done a skills event, I would have done the hardest shot as I would say that would be my best event.

In your opinion, who is the funniest player on the Allen Americans this season? Who’s the most serious?

I think the funniest guy on the Americans is Liam Finlay and the most serious is Mikael Robidoux.

Do you have any pre-game rituals? What’s the weirdest/craziest pre-game ritual you’ve ever seen a teammate do?

I personally do not have any pregame routines but the craziest one is probably guys hopping in the cold tub between periods.

If you could invite a celebrity to be your teammate for a game, who would it be and why?

If I could pick any celebrity to be a teammate for a game, it would be Sidney Crosby. I would choose him just to pick his brain on leadership, hear some stories, and learn from an all-time great.

How do you like to spend your time during the off-season?

I like to spend my offseason visiting with family, playing golf, going up to the cottage.