NEW YORK -- Leafs defenceman Mike Komisarek faced his childhood buddy, New York Rangers forward Christopher Higgins, for the first time last night.
The two friends grew up on Long Island together and their families are still close.
"We used to drive up and down the East Coast to hockey tournaments in the Higgins' 1985 station wagon," Komisarek said with chuckled. "The thing had wood panelling on the side of it. I think they retired it, thankfully."
FORMER HABS
Prior to this season, the only NHL team both Higgins and Komisarek had played for was the Montreal Canadiens. Now, thanks to Bob Gainey's off-season housecleaning, Higgins is a Ranger while Komisarek is a Leaf.
"I'll get in his face, give him a whack, let him know I'm there," Komisarek said after Toronto's morning skate.
MIKE.ZEISBERGER@SUNMEDIA.CA
