Giving back to the game
Former Nhler Konopka hasn’t forgotten his roots
Canada was lacking in the latest cutting edge coaching. Sweden and Russia were beating us. They were warming up with balls and sticks and pucks, and we’re out there screaming at the kids.” Zenon Konopka
Life after hockey has been good for Zenon Konopka.
The 35-year-old Niagara-onthe-Lake native last played in the National Hockey League in 2013/14 for the Buffalo Sabres, followed by a brief stint playing pro in Poland last year.
He considered attempting to continue his career last summer, but years of pro hockey had taken their toll.
“My body was telling me that for a couple of years,” said Konopka, who began his junior career with the Thorold Blackhawks.
“Maybe sometimes I think I pushed it too far. There are certain days I have a tough time getting out of bed.”
Even while he was playing, Konopka had a hand in several business ventures that he expanded on after retirement.
He owns Prime Wine Products, owns and operates Konopka CoPacking in St. Catharines, and has also had interests in the restaurant business and a handful of other pursuits.
“It’s the next phase of my life,” he said. “I’m busier now. I used to say to my business partners, I had to go away to hockey. I always had those (interests) and that ensures a good transition.”
While he has made the transition with relative ease, he understands how difficult it can be for some.
“Maybe because I went from nowhere to somewhere it’s a little easier for me,” said Konopka, who played 346 NHL games and earned more than $4 million. “I can see how guys could struggle with it. Day-to-day life is not the same as having your life planned out for you. It’s not real; you have to think on your feet.
“I have friends still in the NHL and I persuade them to get into something because one day it will stop.”
One of his favourite ventures is his hockey academy, which he began in Ottawa when he played for the Senators and has continued the past three years in Niagara.
He said the genesis for the camps was a visit to the Seymour Hannah Sports Complex several years ago, where he saw kids running off-ice and coaches blowing whistles and screaming at kids on the ice.
“Canada was lacking in the latest cutting edge coaching,” he said. “Sweden and Russia were beating us. They were warming up with balls and sticks and pucks, and we’re out there screaming at the kids.”
Konopka quickly enlisted some help and began his clinics, which were a big hit.
“I had a good junior career and I had to go through about 10 skating coaches before I could find one that worked and could relay the message,” he said. “It’s one thing to be a good skater or coach, it’s another thing to be able to relate it to your students.”
Three years ago, he moved the camps to Niagara and they have grown in popularity ever since.
Konopka enlists skating and skills coach Lucas Lawson at the camps as well as a variety of National Hockey League players such as St. Catharines natives Riley Sheahan and Taylor Beck, P.A. Parenteau of the New York Islanders, Michael Latta of the Los Angeles Kings, Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals and European pros Matt Williamson and Mike Cichy.
Konokpa is proud of the job the coaches do.
“We take it very seriously how we articulate to the kids,” he said. “We have a top skating coach and shooting coach, and really pool a lot of resources so the kids can have the best of what’s out there.
“We evaluate on Monday. Everyone looks at a team or camp or player, but not many look at the player and have them dictate how you are going to coach. You shouldn’t have a lesson plan for the whole week.”
Konopka is even more proud that the camp offers subsidies to players who can’t afford to attend.
“I started to realize a lot of kids couldn’t come because of financial restraints, a lot more than I thought,” he said. “We started a program where (we) could sponsor a kid or two, and last camp helped 16 kids who otherwise would not be able to attend.
“(We) give every kid a chance to excel regardless of their financial situation. I’ve called in some favours, but you still have to pay expenses and it’s not cheap.”
Konopka is particularly proud as he tells the story of a player who shifted from forward to goalie and was so impressive he made his AAA team.
“I told his mom to tell him to make AAA and we’ll worry about the rest,” he said. “Everybody goes through tough times. I went through some tough times when I lost my father.”
He feels it’s vital children have the opportunity to experience the game.
“Kids are out of trouble and learn a lot of life lessons,” he said. “Kids will never forget the people they meet.”
Konopka’s first camp was held in July, but there are two more coming up Aug. 22 to 29 and Aug. 20 to Sept. 2 at Ridley. A full girls camp will be offered as well.
Konopka is grateful for the sponsorships he already has — a full list is available on his website — and is always on the hunt for more.
“We want to make a difference,” he said.
For more information, go to: http:// konopkahockeyniagara.com