Mark Kolesar

Mark Timothy Kolesar (born January 23, 1973) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played two seasons in the National Hockey League for the Toronto Maple Leafs between 1995 and 1997. The rest of his career, which lasted from 1994 to 2004, was split between the minor leagues and various leagues in Europe.

Playing career Kolesar began his major junior career with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL in 1991, having previously played for the Neepawa Natives of the MJHL. He had a quiet season during his rookie year, registering 13 points in 53 games. His scoring improved in his second year, however, tallying 60 points in 68 games. By his third year, he was scoring at a point-per-game rate, with 66 points in 59 games. This offensive production got the attention of the Toronto Maple Leafs who signed him to a contract on 24 May 1994.

Upon turning professional, Kolesar spent the 1994-95 season with Toronto's AHL affiliate, the St. John's Maple Leafs registering 35 points in 60 games. where he was named as an alternate captain. The Knights would also have continental success, beating both the Munich Barons and HC Slovan Bratislava in the IIHF Continental Cup. Although the Swiss side ZSC Lions would ultimately win the Cup, the Knights would take the silver medal, and their performance in the competition was considered to be the best by a British team at the time.

For the 2003-04 season, Kolesar initially signed with the Italian side Alleghe HC, however, he only played one game before moving back to North America to play for the Wichita Thunder of the CHL. Whilst he had a productive season, 59 points in 64 games, towards the end of the season Kolesar broke his leg. Subsequently, Kolesar retired from professional hockey.

Career statistics Regular season and playoffs Regular seasonPlayoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 1991–92 Brandon Wheat Kings WHL 56 6 7 13 36 — — — — — 1992–93 Brandon Wheat Kings WHL 68 27 33 60 110 4 0 0 0 4 1993–94 Brandon Wheat Kings WHL 59 29 37 66 131 14 8 3 11 48 1994–95 St. John's Maple Leafs AHL 65 12 18 30 62 5 1 0 1 2 1995–96 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 21 2 2 4 14 3 1 0 1 2 1995–96 St. John's Maple Leafs AHL 52 22 13 35 47 — — — — — 1996–97 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 7 0 0 0 0 — — — — — 1996–97 St. John's Maple Leafs AHL 62 22 28 50 64 10 1 3 4 6 1997–98 St. John's Maple Leafs AHL 2 0 0 0 2 — — — — — 1997–98 Hamilton Bulldogs AHL 27 2 12 14 47 6 1 1 2 0 1997–98 Manitoba Moose IHL 30 1 9 10 29 — — — — — 1998–99 Nottingham Panthers BISL 40 15 27 42 54 7 3 6 9 0 1999–00 SERC Wild Wings DEL 67 11 14 25 78 — — — — — 2000–01 London Knights BISL 47 8 19 27 30 8 4 1 5 10 2001–02 London Knights BISL 48 5 20 25 48 7 3 3 6 18 2002–03 London Knights BISL 29 10 12 22 10 18 7 13 20 16 2003–04 Alleghe HC ITA 1 0 1 1 0 — — — — — 2003–04 Wichita Thunder CHL 64 17 42 59 51 6 1 2 3 8 2009–09 Steinbach North Stars Al-Cup 16 14 12 26 – 2 0 1 1 0 AHL totals 208 58 71 129 222 21 3 4 7 8 NHL totals 28 2 2 4 14 3 1 0 1 2

Awards and achievements Benson & Hedges Cup winner (1999). London Knights All-time points leader (74)