Mingling with Mikael: Meet Comets’ Defenseman, Mikael Diotte
Dec 22, 2025Utica, NY – Last week, we chatted with Comets’ defenseman and second-year pro, Mikael Diotte.
Born in Sainte-Julie, Quebec, situated just 19 miles from Montreal, Diotte grew up in the heart of hockey country. He started skating a bit later than most kids do, at the age of six. He said he first tried his luck at goalie but quickly realized he might be better suited as a defenseman.
Mikael’s grandmother played a pivotal role when he first got into hockey, bringing him to and from the rink every day. He also has fond memories of spending time on the outdoor rink with his dad and younger sister. His dad played hockey growing up but stopped during his early teenage years, which makes Mikael very much a trailblazer in the Diotte family.
Although playing hockey at a high level may be novel, the Diotte’s have for long had a passion for the game and for one team in particular, the Montreal Canadiens. Heavily influenced by his grandparents, Mikael acquired a love for the Canadiens at a young age and enjoyed the occasional trip to the Bell Centre to watch some of his favorite players, like former Montreal defenseman P.K. Subban, whom he says is one of the reasons he started playing hockey. Although not on the Canadiens, Sainte-Julie native and superstar defenseman Kris Letang was another player that Diotte admired growing up. When the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup in 2009, Letang brought the sacred trophy back to Sainte-Julie and Mikael had the pleasure of meeting him. He says it was Letang who inspired him to eventually wear #58 himself.
Throughout his youth hockey days, Diotte had the fortune of not having to travel far with hockey being so prevalent in Quebec. During his first four years, he played right in his hometown of Sainte-Julie, and after that, the furthest games were still within a half hour from home.
Even when he went on to juniors, Diotte was able to stay within an hour of home. He landed with the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), a team he was a fan of growing up which made it a dream come true. Diotte spent four full seasons with the Voltigeurs, from 2020-2024. His last year was his best. Not only did he record 42 points in 59 games, but his team won the QMJHL championship, known as the President’s Cup, defeating his teammate Matyas Melvosky’s team, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, in four games.
To cap it all off, Diotte signed his first pro contract with the New Jersey Devils in March of 2024. “It was crazy. At the start of the season, I didn’t know what was coming. I went to NHL training camp but didn’t get any feedback or news from any teams. I was just going into that last season without any expectations. I just tried to play my best and the Devils offered me something I couldn’t refuse and I was so excited to come here.”
When Diotte made his professional debut in Utica last season, he said the physicality and speed of the AHL game were some of the biggest differences compared to his experience in the QMJHL. Unfortunately, just seven games into his first pro season, Diotte underwent an injury that required surgery and would sideline him for the remainder of the season. “It was a roller coaster of emotions. A great year the previous year and then came here, had a good start to the season. After surgery, it was pretty much just rehabbing and working out. It was a really long year; my girlfriend wasn’t here (in Utica) until Christmas. The first three months were hard.” Despite the hardship, he persevered and has shown up this season with a positive attitude and a commitment to constantly improving.
Away from the rink, Diotte is a big fan of Utica’s cuisine. He recently took up golf and is also an avid biker during the summer.
Diotte and the Comets return from the holiday break on Saturday when they play host to the Toronto Marlies at 6 pm for the “RED OUT” game. For tickets, please visit uticacomets.com/tickets or call 315-790-9070.