Checking In with Comets' Defenseman, Mikael Diotte
Sep 16, 2026Utica, NY – Hockey is right around the corner and camp has already started for several players, including defenseman Mikael Diotte. The Quebec native is one of 25 players and eight defensemen named to the New Jersey Devils 2026 rookie camp roster and we had the privilege of checking in with the second-year pro over the summer on life away from the rink.
A native of the Montreal suburb of Sainte-Julie, Quebec, Diotte enjoys returning home each summer to be with friends and family. For the 23-year-old, getting outside and staying active is a non-negotiable all summer long. Among his favorite outdoor pursuits is biking. He shared that there are several paths he enjoys near his home, including one of favorites which runs right along the St. Lawrence River. During our FaceTime check-in with Diotte, he was just finishing up a ride on that very trail.
Like most hockey players, Diotte is a golf enthusiast but unlike most, he is relatively new to the sport. When we chatted, he admitted he hadn’t gotten out on the course as much as he would have liked so far and said he wanted to practice more and perhaps take a lesson or two as the summer went along. He did, however, get a chance to play a round with fellow Quebec natives and teammates Nathan Legare and Xavier Parent. Regardless of how he performs on the course, Diotte said that what he enjoys most about golf is that it allows him to spend quality time outside with friends and family.
Earlier on in the springtime, he had the pleasure of experiencing his hometown Montreal Canadiens’ push all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. It had been a while since the Canadiens made a deep playoff run, and Diotte said watching the city of Montreal come alive and support the team the way they did was incredible. He even got the chance to attend one of the iconic watch parties right outside the Bell Centre and take in the atmosphere himself.
At the time of our chat, Diotte mentioned that the biggest highlight of his summer had yet to happen but that he was most excited for Nathan Legare’s wedding in July.
Diotte and the Comets will take the ice at NBT Bank Arena for their Home Opener on Saturday, October 10th against the Rochester Americans. Single-game tickets for the 2026-27 season are on sale now at uticacomets.com/tickets.