Mike ZigomanisToronto, ON
Professional Hockey Player, Triathlete
Mike Zigomanis was originally drafted in the 2nd round, 64th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, but was unable to come to a contract agreement with the team. He re-entered the draft and was selected 46th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. Zigomanis has played 197 career NHL games, scoring 21 goals and 19 assists for 40 points.
Zigomanis played four seasons of Junior Hockey with the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League. He represented Canada at the 2001 World Junior Hockey Championships. Having terrific vision, soft hands and adept in a passing touch, and great skill on the faceoff, Zigomanis has molded his role as a third-line playmaker.
The Coyotes signed Mike to a contract extension through the 2008–2009 season on February 16, 2007. On October 9, 2008 he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins for future considerations. Zigomanis provided faceoff and penalty killing expertise to Pittsburgh, on his way to a Stanley Cup Championship.
He signed a professional tryout with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League on October 19, 2009. Zigomanis played only seven games but managed to score 13 points (all assists) before leaving for Europe on November 10, 2009, signing a contract for the rest of the 2009–10 season with Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Elitserien.
On July 15, 2010, Zigomanis signed as a free agent to return to Toronto, signing a one-year, two-way contract with the Maple Leafs.
After recording professional career highs of 61 points during the 2011–12 season, Zigomanis opted to remain with the Marlies and was re-signed to a one-year AHL contract as a free agent on July 30, 2012.
On July 10, 2013, Zigomanis signed an AHL-only contract with the Rochester Americans, the minor-league affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres, the team that drafted him in 1999
The benefits of a vegan diet include but are not limited to: better physique, improved performance, strong endurance, quicker recovery, reduced inflammation, fewer injuries, and better sleep. Make gradual changes, listen to your body, consult with nutrition experts and enjoy the process. Your body and the planet will thank you.
Areas of Expertise: Bulking, Cleansing, Nutrition, Raw Food, Toning, Weight Loss
Services: No vegan health and fitness services available.
Credentials: Professional Athlete, Triathlete
Availability: No vegan health and fitness services available.
I'm vegan for every reason there is to be vegan, for health, animals and the environment. At the start it was difficult, but now it's much easier. It was a tough transition because of the travel schedule with hockey. Once I learned how and what to cook for competition, it became easier.
Two of my favorite animal rights organizations are Mercy for Animals and PETA. I've been talking to Mercy for Animals this year. We have have been working on social media opportunities. I would love to do a campaign with PETA one day.
If I could advise someone considering going vegan I would say to start slow. Make sure you do lots of research. And listen to your body.