Dave:
How did you first get involved in
hockey? What inspired you to bring your game to the pro level?
Zenith: My parents, mostly my dad, commuted me 45mins-1hr away
from our small town to play Bantam AAA when I was 14-15 and this was
when I kinda got serious. Then the process started. I got invited to a
WHL training camp after that last year of Bantam and made the team as a
16 yr old, only 3 per team usually. Then played there in Tri-City's for
4 years, splitting my last year with Spokane and then got drafted to the
Vancouver Canucks. Later in my career to be traded to Columbus.
Dave: What part of your game do your feel will need the most improvement if you are to make it in the NHL?
Zenith: I need to play absolutely consistent hockey everyday. Be very reliable in my own end as a dman and chip in to get a few points along the way.
Dave: What do the Columbus brass tell you about your chances? Are they encouraging and motivating?
Zenith:
This is a very positive oriented organization. I
noticed this the moment I got traded here last year. They give you a fair
chance among the other prospects and this is all you can ask for as a
player
Dave:
How disappointing was it to have such an early
exit from the playoffs last season?
Zenith: Any exit is disappointing. We had one of the best team I felt to go really far if not to Calder Cup last year. It definitely was a shocker to us to lose to Rochester after being up 3-0 in the series.
Dave: Because of that disappointment, do you feel this year's team has something to prove?
Zenith: Yes. You always want to do better then the year before, that's how you grow as an organization.
Dave: Have you kept in touch with any of the departed defenseman from last season ( Walser, Cull, Traynor, etc.)?
Zenith: No
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Dave: How do you like living in Syracuse? How is it similar to you hometown? How is it different?
Zenith:
Syracuse is a nice community. You
have your basic living necessities here, the Mall, Movies and good
restaurants.
Dave:
What do you do when not playing
hockey? Hobbies?
Zenith: I am interested in a lot of things. To name one is too
hard. Fishing in the summer, mixed with golf and Relaxing at my parents
cabin.
Dave: What are the details of
your contract?
Zenith: This is year 2 of
my two year deal.
Dave:
If you could have any one of your former teammates back
from any team to play with this season, who would it be and why?
Zenith: Its a tough question, I have two good friend I played with so lets say two guys, Josh Holden and Bryan Allan. Bryan was my d partner for 2 years and Josh has been someone whom I kept in touch with since he left the Vancouver organization.
Dave: How do you compare playing in Syracuse now, versus playing here during the Vancouver era?
Zenith: The teams are totally different, but in a good way. I would say I like it now vs. back then.
Dave: Who is your favorite ( answers in red)
a) Pro athlete?
- Mike Wier
b) Hockey player while you
were growing up? - Wayne Gretzky
c) Non athlete celebrity?
- OCC "American Chopper" Cast
d) Musical artist? - I don't have just one
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Dave: If you were not playing hockey, what sport would you play? Do you think you would be good enough to be a pro at it?
Zenith: Fishing. Yes, if you want confirmation, ask my good friend Scott Robert (fishing buddy).
Dave: Who has been the greatest influence on your career thus far?
Zenith: My family, support and involvement since day one.
Dave: Do you have any brothers or sisters? Are they athletes? Have family members come to see you play?
Zenith:
2 older brothers, both athletes in there respective activities.
My parents were just here.
Dave: Who do you hang out with
on the team?
Zenith: Most of the guys
Dave: Who do you most admire on the team?
Zenith: The guys with babies. They have to show up everyday, even if the little one(s) kept them up all night.
Dave: How do you feel about the fans? Are you comfortable signing autographs? Are you usually noticed in public?
Zenith: I love signing autographs for fans. The odd time I get noticed but think I'm Tim Jackman (boo).
Dave: What would you like to do when your playing days are over?
Zenith: Run a business of some sort.
Dave: Do you read any of the stuff on the internet, whether it be positive or negative and let that affect your play?
Zenith: No, I rarely read the Sports section in the newspaper either. It is just people's opinions and that's about it.
Interviewers note: I would like to thank Zenith Komarniski for taking
the time to do this interview.