Recently I sat down with Owen Sound defenseman David Kolomatis and talked about his time in the league, being an OHL All-Star and what it takes to be the captain.
DB: You had a great year in Owen Sound, doubling your point total. How do you feel about the parts of your game that aren't reflected in the stats?
David Kolomatis: A lot of the behind the scenes stuff happened this year. The captaincy was awarded half-way through the season to me and anytime your coaching staff and your players feel that you are a leader on the team it's obviously a huge honor. It's also a lot of responsibility that maybe a lot of people don't see. In difficult times and what-not get put onto you. You have to deal with harder interviews and make sure everybody is accountable it all comes back on your shoulders.
DB: Was it sort of bittersweet in the way that you were awarded the captaincy losing the guys you did? (Team captain Scott Treguna and leader Wayne Simmonds were traded mid-season to Kitchener and Sault Ste. Marie, respectively)
DK: Yeah, they were great players that we had and even though Simmer [Simmonds] didn't wear a letter he was obviously a leader in the locker room. Tregunna, to try and step in and fill his shoes was a huge responsibility, but it was something I was willing to take a hold of and I wanted to give it a shot.
DB: What kind of leader would you say you are?
DK: I try and lead by example with my play in practice, my play in games is just a no-nonsense and hopefully guys hopped on board.
DB: You came up with a few guys, Bobby Ryan and Bobby Sanguinetti and there's a bit of a New Jersey connection there.
DK: I'd say that was just good scouting on the part of [former Owen Sound GM] Mike Futa. He was awarded the head scouting position with the LA Kings. He did a great job with me. He was great, sticking with me through the whole process even though I didn't commit to camp right away. With the New Jersey connection [Ryan and Sanguinetti] would give me a call here and there telling me what was going on and how they were feeling, how much fun they were having up there. It made me want to give it a shot.
DB: Was it an easier transition to the OHL having Bobby on the team?
DK: Oh yeah, I mean he was the star player so to have a connection there that we grew up in teh same state and both being Americans on the same team was really helpful.
DB: What's the feeling of being an American in the CHL, in the OHL?
DK: Most people's expectations are if you've ever seen Youngblood, then that's what happens. (Laughs) It's far from that. There were no difficulties because I was American.
DB: What was different for you in your second year in the OHL?
DK: You can't use that excuse, "Oh, you're young, you're still learning". You know what it's like ref-wise, what the calls are going to be. You can't use that as an excuse. People are looking at me to make a difference in games and that's what I've got to do.
DB: You were selected to the OHL All-Star Game, what was that like?
DK: The whole overall experience of the All-Star Game, playing on the same team as [consensus #1 prospect for 2008 NHL draft] Steven Stamkos, playing against [#1 prospect for 2009 John] Tavares, these are huge names you're going to be more accustomed to hearing as they get drafted. It was an awesome experience and it turned out that I played alright so I can't complain.
DB: You mentioned Stamkos and Tavares, you were the guy this year as well as next year who sees the big minutes against those guys, the oppositions top guns. Has that changed your game at all?
DK: It's made me more defensive minded. I know I can't be all over the place when these guys are on the ice. They are a force you have to deal with. It's tough not getting into the offensive zone every shift because I like to think of myself as a good skating, offensive defenseman. Playing against those guys slows the game down and makes you think a lot harder.
DB: What players have you tried to model your game on?
DK: I guess the smaller defenseman like [Red Wing's Brian] Rafalski. He's a great passer, puck mover and that's what matters at the next level. Being able to make that first pass crisp on the tape and get out of the zone. As long as I keep playing defense it's not that much fun to play defense 'cause I'd rather play offense. So get it out of the zone as quick as possible, solid passes.
DB: Which opponents have impressed you?
DK: I can tell you the hardest I've ever been hit was by James Neal who is in the Dallas Stars organization now. He caught me with my head down and he finishes his checks. He's a hard worker, he does his job out there and he knows his role. He plays his game to-a-T.
Skill-wise, probably Marc Staal. He was unbelievable for Sudbury. He could take over a game with his play. It was nice to see him get a spot with the Rangers this year.
DB: How did the team react losing Tregunna and Simmonds?
DK: I think a lot of kids were happy they were getting more ice-time, but they didn't realize what a key-role those Tregunna and Simmonds played. Penalty kill, power play situations. I mean, the power play had been a given that when we went out there we were going to score goals. I think it was tough for some of the younger kids to adjust to upping their ice-time and pressure situations they were not usually thrown into.
DB: What expectations do you have of yourself going into your third year in the OHL, your first full year as captain?
DK: I definitely have to work on my leadership as a whole. Coming in half-way through the year was difficult because everybody looked up to Tregunna. He was an overager and he commanded respect. I just have to work on getting better every day.
My plus/minus, -25. It doesn't matter what team you're on, that's not acceptable.
DB: What are you doing to improve this summer?
DK: I'm in the gym as much as possible putting on some more muscle. Skating-wise I'm with [Kolomatis's former coach] Danny O'Brien as much as he can fit me in. Danny demands the best out of you and that's it.
DB: What was your summer routine when you were younger?
DK: I went to Danny's camp [O'Brien's Total Stickhandling in New Jersey] but that's about it. I would usually hang up the skates in the summer time. As I got older you can't do that anymore. Too many guys are working out and getting into shape. You've gotta keep up with them.
DB: You're running a camp with Danny this summer.
DK: I was once one of those little kids who went to the games waited after for autographs, so it's nice to be able to be on the other side.
DB: You're not known as a brawler, I think a lot of people were surprised to see a five minute major next to your name in two straight games.
DK: Well, it certainly wasn't a pump-up situation for the team. I got caught hitting a guy from behind and he turned out to be one of the tougher guys in the league so he didn't take too kindly to it and we went at it. But, it's part of the game and if it helps the team out, even better.
