Mike Comrie, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, spent a decade in the National Hockey League (NHL) showcasing his skills as a center. Born on September 11, 1980, in Edmonton, Alberta, Comrie grew up in a family with a strong hockey background. His father, Bill Comrie, was a co-founder of The Brick furniture chain, which provided the family with the means to support Mike's early hockey endeavors.
Comrie's journey to the NHL began with his collegiate career at the University of Michigan, where he played for the Wolverines. His performance in college hockey caught the attention of NHL scouts, and he was drafted 91st overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. Comrie joined the Oilers in the 2000-2001 season, quickly establishing himself as a promising young player. In his rookie season, he recorded 22 goals and 20 assists, demonstrating his offensive capabilities.
During his time with the Oilers, Comrie became known for his scoring ability and agility on the ice. However, his tenure with the team was not without challenges. Contract disputes led to his trade to the Philadelphia Flyers in December 2003. His stint with the Flyers was brief, as he was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes in February 2004. Comrie's time in Phoenix allowed him to further develop his game, and he continued to be a reliable scorer.
The 2004-2005 NHL lockout saw Comrie playing overseas for Färjestad BK in Sweden, where he continued to hone his skills. Upon returning to the NHL, he played for the Coyotes until he was traded to the Ottawa Senators in 2007. His time with the Senators was highlighted by a strong playoff performance, where he contributed to the team's run to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Comrie's career continued with several team changes. He signed with the New York Islanders for the 2007-2008 season, where he served as an alternate captain and was a key player for the team. After a brief return to the Ottawa Senators, Comrie rejoined the Edmonton Oilers for the 2009-2010 season, bringing his career full circle back to his hometown team.
In the latter part of his career, Comrie signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins for the 2010-2011 season. Unfortunately, injuries began to take a toll on his performance and playing time. Hip surgeries and other health issues limited his ability to play consistently, leading to his retirement from professional hockey in 2012.
Throughout his NHL career, Comrie played in over 500 games, scoring more than 150 goals and providing numerous assists.
🏒