The Utica Comets announced this week that former player Mike Zalewski will join the team’s coaching staff as an assistant coach, bringing a wealth of experience from his 167‑game tenure with the club.
Zalewski, a native of New Hartford, New York, spent four seasons with the Comets between 2014 and 2017, registering 24 goals and 39 assists while helping the team reach the Calder Cup Finals in 2015. His contributions extended to the postseason, where he added a goal and three assists in 27 games.
A New Chapter for the Comets
Before stepping behind the bench, Zalewski logged six NHL appearances with the Vancouver Canucks, contributing two assists, and concluded his playing career abroad, spending six seasons competing in Germany and Austria. His international stint honed his tactical understanding and prepared him for a transition into coaching.
He will now work alongside Matt Carkner, who also returns to the organization in a coaching capacity, under the direction of head coach Ryan Parent. The move signals a continued effort by the Comets to blend home‑grown talent with fresh leadership as they aim to rebuild competitively in the AHL.