In his early years, Kostopoulos graduated from Fairwind Senior Public School in 1993.[citation needed] As a youth, he played in the 1993 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Toronto Red Wings minor ice hockey team.[1] After playing much of his minor hockey in the GTHL with the Toronto Marlboros and Mississauga Reps, Kostopoulos played one year with the Brampton Capitals of the OJHL (OHA).[citation needed] He was a 2nd round pick (18th overall) in the 1996 OHL Priority Selection by the London Knights.
On November 10, 2008, Kostopoulos was suspended for three games for a hit on Toronto Maple LeafsdefencemanMike Van Ryn during the game between the teams on November 8. He was given a boardingmajor penalty and ejected from the game. Kostopoulos also forfeited US-$33,000 in pay.[5] Kostopoulos responded about the incident by saying," First and foremost, I sincerely regret the injuries suffered by Mike Van Ryn...this is an unfortunate turn of events. I was just trying to get in on the forecheck and get the puck. I didn't anticipate him turning and couldn't stop. I was trying to finish my check and obviously it did not end up well. I never intend on injuring another player. I feel bad. I hope he is going to be all right and resume playing as quickly as possible."[6] NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell said in announcing the suspension that while Van Ryn was not in a defenceless position, his injuries—including a concussion—were significant enough to warrant suspending Kostopoulos.[7]
Kostopoulos was again suspended for a January 7, 2011, hit which broke Brad Stuart's jaw. Kostopoulos was assessed a minor roughing penalty during the game, but then served a six-game suspension for making primary contact with the head.[8]
On January 23, 2013, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL announced Kostopoulos had signed with the team on a Professional Try Out.[9] On March 5, 2013, the Pittsburgh Penguins signed Kostopoulos to a one-year two-way contract[10] but was claimed off waivers by the New Jersey Devils the following day.[11]
On September 3, 2013, Kostopoulos signed a one-year AHL contract to continue to play with and lead the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.[12]
Coaching career
On April 4, 2018, Kostopoulos announced he planned on retiring at the conclusion of the 2017–18 season, his 19th professional year.[13] After retiring, he joined the Penguins organization as a player development coach.[14]
Personal life
Kostopoulos was born in Mississauga, Ontario, on January 24, 1979.[15] He names his brother Chris, a coach in Texas, as his biggest influence in hockey. Kostopoulos has three nephews, Cameron, Tyler, and Josh who live in Texas with his brother Chris.[16] Kostopoulos also has one half sister, Laurie Bodley. They spend their offseasons in Oakville, Ontario.[16]
Kostopoulos and his wife Lisa have two children together.[17][18]
His mother is Cheryl Kostopoulos, who is of English heritage, and his father is George Kostopoulos, who is Greek.
He is of Greek descent, and in 2008 was the grand marshal of the Hellenic Community of Montreal's Greek Independence Day parade.[19] Kostopoulos is involved with the Canadian Cancer Society as well as Garth Brooks' Teammates For Kids Foundation.[16]
