Kypreos and Kolzig lead AHL all stars

HERSHEY, Pa. — One of the highlights of this year’s AHL All Star Game weekend was the selection of Honorary Captains Nick Kypreos and Olaf Kolzig. Both are graduates of the AHL who went on to star in the NHL.

Kypreos, who is now a hockey analyst for Rogers Sporstnet, began his professional career with the All Star Game host Hershey Bears, helping the team to a Calder Cup championship as a rookie in 1987-88. He went on to play 442 games in the NHL with Washington, Hartford, the New York Rangers and Toronto, winning a Stanley Cup with the Rangers in 1994. He was humbled at being asked to serve as an honorary captain.
“It’s one of those honors where I’ll look back in 20 or 30 years and I’ll hold it in the highest regards,” Kypreos said. “I wonder where my life would be without the AHL. The opportunities to be recognized as a winner are very rare. The AHL holds a dear place in my heart. It was instrumental in my development, not only as player, but as a person as well.”
Kypreos talked about how important it is for players in the AHL to embrace that experience to prepare them for playing in the NHL.
“You can develop your skill and have a lot of success,” Kypreos said. “But if you learn how to win at this level, it totally shapes you up for the rest of your career.   Once you have the recipe of success to win championships, you really appreciate it at the highest level.”
His recipe for success is simple and straight-forward.
“Play the game like (AHL Hall of Fame inductee) Mitch Lamoureau,” Kypreos said. “The smallest guy on the ice plays the biggest game. It’s about passion; it’s about emotion. It’s about enthusiasm and respecting the game, on and off the ice. These players are here to learn that and get to the next level.”
Kolzig (better know as Olie the Goalie), played parts of six seasons in the AHL, winning the Calder Cup with the Portland Pirates in 1994 where he was named playoff MVP. He went on to play 719 games with the Washington Capitals where he earned the Vezina Trophy in 1999-2000 and the King Clancy Trophy for his humanitarian service in 2005-2006.
“Any time you get recognized, it’s very special,” Kolzig said. “For the amount of time I spent in the AHL (begin selected as an honorary captain) was a real big honor. The AHL was huge in my development and allowed me to hone my skills. To be here in Hershey among all of the inductees and three of my former coaches means a lot.”
Using himself as an example, Kolzig also talked about the importance of players embracing their minor league experiences.
“I wasn’t ready to play in the NHL,” Kolzig said. “The AHL helped me get ready physically and mentally and gave me an opportunity to become a man. It gives you the opportunity to learn life skills and still play hockey at a high level. It prepares you to move on to the NHL.”
Kolzig also addressed the importance of players interacting with the community.
“Hockey players are a special breed,” Kolzig said. “We have ties to the community at this level. There’s a connection between community and team that just can’t be described. You’re not in the NHL, so you shouldn’t be afraid to get out and mingle with people. Most of the time those experiences are positive.”
Kolzig had a message for the All Stars and all minor league hockey players.
“Embrace your time in the minors,” Kolzig said. “Be patient, as it’s a process. Don’t take the game lightly. Give it your all so you can make that jump to the NHL quicker.”
Contact the writer at: mitch.cooper@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at: Lewis.Bleiman@prohockeynews.com