Where Are They Now? Former IceDog Mike Swift Reaches New Heights in South Korea

Mike Swift played during the Niagara IceDogs’ inaugural season in St. Catharines during the 2007-2008 year. He currently plays for the Asian High1 team in South Korea as he prepares to compete in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.

Position: Center

Birthdate: March 26,1987

Birthplace: Peterborough, ON

Height: 5’9”

Weight: 165 lbs

Throughout this summer we will be producing a weekly story featuring a former IceDog player and looking at what they have accomplished since graduating from the team.

This week’s story is on former Niagara IceDogs Center Mike Swift.

Could you talk a little bit about your experience with the IceDogs? You were around when the team made the move from Mississauga to Niagara, what was that experience like? What were your highlight moments with the IceDogs?

Moving from Mississauga to St. Catharines was a cool experience. In Mississauga we really didn’t have anywhere near the found support we found in St. Catharines. We made the playoffs in our first year and it was huge. We really wanted to win and in our first year we ended up sweeping the Toronto St. Mikes team that became the Mississauga Steelheads after we left. It was a pretty rewarding experience and a storybook beginning for our franchise in Niagara.

What was it like making the jump from junior to the American Hockey League Albany Devils?

It was a significant jump. After playing four years in the OHL and then all of a sudden you are in your 1^st training camp in New Jersey and you look across the dressing room and see all of these NHL players practicing and there is a bit of a ‘wow factor’. It was a dramatic change playing against men instead of boys.

What is it like playing for the Asian High1 team in South Korea? How is the culture in South Korea different than Canada and do you plan on playing in the Olympics next year in Pyeongchang?

It is a day and night difference playing in South Korea. Some people compare it to other professional leagues like the ECHL. Living and playing in Seoul doesn’t feel any different, because everything in Korea is in English. The signs and everything are in English and everyone understands English. Playing against Japan and China, I notice a big difference. I wouldn’t be able to play for those teams because of the language & cultural barriers. The playing style is more laid back and not as physical and as much stick battles as in junior hockey or the AHL. The focus for me is on enjoyment of the sport which is great. That said, with the Olympics coming to Pyeongchang, and having just won the Division IA World Championship and been promoted to the top tier for the 2018 tournament my excitement and training is ramping up. The switch is back on and you have to work. The last few summers were more joyful and it’s not like in the AHL when you are in the gym every day. Now the pace of my training and focus on practicing is increasing every day leading up to the Olympics next year.

How has playing in South Korea and having success helped to market the game overseas?

Six years ago no one knew anything about hockey in Korea now we’ve moved up three divisions in three years. So the excitement and engagement is definitely growing. We have a lot of great players but we finally have a great coach in Richard Park. For the players, it is really refreshing getting an experienced NHL coach like ‘Parksie’ coaching our national team. Parksie brings that experience and credibility having coached in the NHL and the players love it.

How has being an IceDog influenced your life?

Being the first Captain of the Niagara IceDogs was an honour. I remember participating in the ride along program with the city’s policemen and getting to meet everyone in the city of St. Catharines. I could really feel the impact we had as a team in the community, kick starting our hockey program and having success so that the team is still here and flourishing today. I also remember Bill and Jim Saxton and all of the billets that helped us gel as a team. We had a very close knit team, which I think helped us when we made the move from Mississauga to St. Catharines.

Funniest hockey teammates you played with? 

Scott Fletcher and Matt Corrente. We were like the three amigos. Fletch was our tough guy, so we would always tease him after fights. If he won a fight we would joke that it was because the other guy was no good and if he lost, we would say it was his own fault.

What is your funniest road memory with your IceDogs teammates?

I remember one time when we were leaving Mississauga for our first practice in St. Catharines, there was a huge snowstorm and all three of us (the three amigos) were stranded and couldn’t make the trip. When we finally got there, our coach wasn’t too happy and we got skated pretty hard that night.

What is your favourite sport outside of hockey?

Lacrosse. I played it competitively growing up and enjoy the similarities lacrosse shares with hockey.

Anything else you want to share?

I’m just really excited about the Olympics and getting to represent South Korea nationally. I’m not sure where this journey will take me, but right now I am just taking it year by year and trying to enjoy the ride.

Go Dogs Go!