SPOTLIGHT ON: Kristoff Kontos
Sudbury Wolves forward Kristoff Kontos pays attention to detail. It is something he will not take a pass on, literally.
Whether he’s playing his heart out for the Wolves in an Ontario Hockey League game or taking in a National Hockey League game and dreaming of becoming a big league player, Kontos’ mind is always paying attention to every little detail going on in the game and with players on both sides of the ice.
This is the way Kontos operates and it makes a huge difference in his game on a daily basis.
“I take most pride in my passing. I think that it is an important skill that goes unnoticed. When you watch an NHL game live, you can hear the tape-to-tape passing and you can see how fast the game is because of the way they move the puck,” Kontos said. “I think you need to be able to pass well to get to the next level and that is why I am always working on my passing abilities. Personally, I try to work hard and have attention to detail when I’m on and off the ice.”
Kontos is driven to succeed and to make the NHL one day. It comes naturally to him. His father, Chris, played for the Sudbury Wolves in the early 80s before embarking on a NHL and international professional career that lasted until the 1997 season. The younger Kontos has the desire to make a bigger mark on the game than his father did.
“I think what motivates me the most is the dream of playing in the NHL. There is nothing I want more then to be able to play in front of a huge crowd with the best players in the world,” Kontos said. “It’s pretty cool knowing my dad played here early on in his career. Not many guys can say the same thing, but I don’t think I have to try and carve my own path because I am trying to do the same thing he did. I think as long as I work hard and keep developing it doesn’t matter what path I take as long I’m moving towards my goal. I think in a way it’s pressure. People are always comparing me to him and looking for similarities between us, but I look at it as motivation because I do want to be better then he was. It’s a goal I’ve always had.”
The initial rush of playing for the same team as his father hasn’t exactly worn off with Kontos – it always gives him something to think about and gets his energy going in the right way. Kontos has learned to appreciate playing for the same team as his father once did as a real benefit.
“When I was first drafted here I thought it was somewhat ironic I would be going to the same place as my dad, but I think I am very fortunate to be able to play in such a great hockey town. Sudbury has a great development program and I am happy to be apart of it,” the Penetang native said.
Kontos still relies on his dad for inspiration.
“It is definitely a blessing having a NHL player as a dad. He has been able to teach me things that took him his entire career to understand, and at the same time guide me towards becoming a pro player,” the 6-foot-1, 203-pound centre said. “He also pushes me to want to become a better player and has given me someone to look up to.”
Kontos has made great strides in his game from his rookie season. In 2009-10, Kontos was a raw rookie and saw very little ice time and managed three goals and five points in 68 games. In 2010-11, Kontos took advantage of increased ice time and responsibility from the Wolves coaching staff and responded with 10 goals and 32 points in 67 games.
“He’s a high-end skilled kid,” Sudbury head coach Trent Cull said. “His vision and passing are second to none. He can really set up plays. He’s a level-headed kid. He has stepped up this year and played in all situations for us and done a good job.”
Kontos has certainly earned admiration from his teammates for his devotion and skill.
“He’s a great room guy for us and he does a good job on the ice,” Wolves forward and San Jose prospect Michael Sgarbossa said. “He has good hands, good shot and knows how to make good plays. He stepped up his game a lot this year and everyone noticed. He’s a guy who will just keep getting better and better.”
Kontos is fired up to improve on last year’s progress and he is raising the bar for himself.
“My goal for this season is to really prove myself as a top player in the league. I want to be able to show that I am ready to take the next step towards becoming a pro player,” he said.
Kristoff Kontos was asked the follow questions about the Sudbury Wolves experience to answer in his own words.
Q: What has your time with the Sudbury Wolves meant to you in your life?
A: It has been huge for me, being able to play hockey at such a high level has helped my development on the ice and it has given me the opportunity to understand what it’s like to be a pro player.
Q: Putting on a Sudbury Wolves jersey,how does that make you feel?
A: It makes me feel good about how I am developing as a player. Being able to make it to this level reminds me that I am one step closer to my goal of playing in the NHL.
Q: What have you loved most about your experience with the Sudbury Wolves?
A: Just the feeling of being a pro and being on the ice every day, moving away from home, playing in front of thousands of people … all of these things make me feel like I am closer to being in the NHL.
Q: What do you love about the franchise, coaching, city and fans?
A: This franchise has been here a long time and they have a great understanding of how to do things properly. The coaching is great. We have lots of experience in that department and the fans are right up there with the league’s best.
Q: What did you think of the first round win over Ottawa? What stood out the most for you?
A: I think our win was amazing, to be part of something like that is something I will never forget. For myself, it was definitely the most fun I’ve had during my career. I think what stood out the most for me was how we were able to just focus on our game and how we played as a team. Everyone bought into the system and I think that’s where our success came from.
Scott Haddow is a freelance writer and photographer in Greater Sudbury.
