Komets blew a 2-0 second-period lead and lost 3-2 to the Dayton Gems on Saturday night. Leo Thomas scored both goals for Fort Wayne and Nick Boucher made 32 saves. Komets were out-shot 38-26. Fort Wayne was 0-6 on the power play, Dayton was 1-4.
Couple of notes from the box score, P.C. Droun and Tab Lardner didn't have any shots on goal, and the Komets have had 12 shots on goal over the last two third periods. Komets play three more road games next weekend which starts a string of 11 games in 22 days.
Comments
Less leagues = more quality players fighting to be apart of that $2,000 less salary cap...I have a VERY hard time buying that reasoning, Blake
I think a lot of good players who weren't going to make what they did last year said screw it and decided to go on with their lives. I guess I'm having the hard time seeing the supposed increase in quality players. Now, players playing harder and skating faster, I wll grant you. Just have not seen the skill level yet where it should be. The first year of IHL2 was far superior to anything we're watching now. It all ebbs and flows and evenutally evens out. It's just AA hockey, it can only get so high or so low.
Last year's Komets didn't win the Huber, but yeah, I think they would have been competitive. I'm not sure that they won't be anyway once spring 2011 is in sight.
And I have to agree that just paying the players more doesn't always translate into fielding a better team. Ask teams like Florida about that. Sometimes, if a team is a less desirable location for whatever reason (in the IHL's case, you could say it's exposure), they wind up paying players more than they are probably worth just to get them to play there. Not sure you can make that argument with the Komets, though. They are known as a good organization that treats it's players very well and has a large, supportive fan base. But other former IHL teams... maybe.
Truth is this team has a very spoiled fan base. The annual fears of losing a team, team name changes, mass player changes and lack of year after year success is what most minor league fan bases deal with.
This team is not good as it is currently constructed and systemed. I do believe Al Sims became complacent and did not do his homework this summer.
On the rink thing, I never subscribed to the fact that the smaller rink gave this team fits. When you are older and slower a smaller rink can be helpful.
We'll see in the next stretch of games if Sims adapts his systems to this league. He isn't stupid. He didn't forget how to coach over the summer. But clearly they are not prepared for this league. That has to fall on the coach. He has earned the right to try and right the ship. To fire him now makes no sense. Who are you going to bring in? And Midseason coaching changes rarely do anything at this level.
So maybe we GASP don't make the playoffs or we sneak in. I do believe changes will be made to this roster and I believe Sims will adapt. Time will tell if my faith is well founded.
I would say it's both teamwork and leadership, since the two go hand in hand. For any group to work effectively together, they need strong leadership at their core.
Some great posts, folks. The money paid is only a problem for the vets, as Blake points out. They are used to making a certain amount and this league does not have room for that level of pay. On the other hand, most hockey players once they get on the ice are there to win. Problem being it is difficult to have the positive side of playing the game , win over the negative of not earning what you think you are worth.
The younger guys are happy to be playing and making a living at what they love to do. That energy translates into to excitment. Their difficulty will come if they stick around for a couple or three years and aren't able to advance to the next level.
It might be time to bring in more young guys, replace some vets and get the energy level up. They will most likely handle the travel schedule and you may find some diamonds.
Snuff, I agree on one pont. I believe Colin sill has some playing to do, and this wouldn't be the best fit.
I disagree, however, on the rookie coach statement. I don't believe Dale Hunter has coached a Pro team, so he would be a "rookie" coach. So I think there are some guys coaching at the Major Junior Level who could come in a do a job.
Don't get me wrong, I don't think replacing Al is the answer. I think getting younger is.
Again I preface all my comments with the fact I only listen to games and read what Blake prints. Being there in person may give me a different perspective.
Now, folks when are the best games going to be played in Fort Wayne so we can come down. Sometime in February would be good. Don't want cold withdrawal or anything. LOL.
I think the Frankes need to stop meddling with what they THINK will work and get their hands on players and coaches that DO work. Trade for players within this league that are on the top teams, if this is possible. Does this not make sense? For instance, they THINK that a certain player will do good, that hasn't really played in this league, (or if they have, they have bounced all over, what does that tell you), but they don't, and there are players in this league that already have proven that they are good, so why not go after them?? We want top performers. We don't want some theoretical team that looks good on paper. I think the Frankes are wasting their time with most of these players.
Last night I was speaking to my daughter about the K's, their poor start, and what I thought was wrong.
Lost Chaulk, Syro, Shafranov, Hukalo, and Bertram. Replaced them with Patrosso, Naurato, Curadeau, and Cescon. It seemed, at the time, like the K's would do well as they brought back eleven players from the Turner Cup team. Plus these additions would help make up for the goals lost by the players mentioned above. Even Al Sims was quoted saying he thought the K's would score more this year than last year.
Recruited David Cianfrini, Matt Ward, Joe Bluhm, Tyler Fletcher, Brant Marple, and Brad Pawlowski. This was a terrible job of recriuting as only three of the six made it to the regular season and of those three, they played a total of thirteen games all together totaling no goals and no assists.
Is this the best the Franke's and Al Sims could attract to training camp? If so, then they had better start working for next year as there is always talent to be gotten. ( Other teams have attracted the talent, just take a look at Bloomington and Dayton for example). By the way, remember how some on here were "worried" about the late start Dayton, Bloomington, and even Quad City had gotten regarding recruiting? Take a look at the standings.
David Franke needs to get to work on scheduling either a third or fourth exhibition game for next year. Two games doesn't give enough time to evaluate a players skill.
Unfortunately the present K's are playing in a most disappointing fashion. I'm going to pick on P.C. Drouin here ( although I could have singled out just about any of them). P.C. Drouin has played 16 games and has totaled one goal. That goal came from the point.
The lack of goal scoring has just killed the K's ( no secret ).
Colorado ( first place) has a goals against average of 3.00. The komets (last place) have a goals against average of 3.00. The difference is that Colorado is scoring 3.61 goals a game vs. the Komets 2.19. So folks, that is the difference being in first place and being in last place.
Better recruiting, more exhibition games to highlight your young players are key. But better recruiting is essential.
Mike,
I didn't say that the Komets needed to hire a guy who has coach professional hockey. I said they needed an experienced coach. I think you'd agree with me that London is run with the quality as if it was a professional franchise. I think an experienced CHL (Juniors) coach would be great for this league as he would have a keen insight into the up and coming pool of talent that goes undrafted.
For what it is worth, here is Hunters coaching record. I am not sure he'd ever leave London for a CHL team but he is worth talking about. And now that the Komets are connected to an NHL team it might make it more attractive to coaches.
G W L T OTL PTS
LDN 2001
Snuff, no argument here. I was just commenting on the word "rookie". The problem you have with Hunter is he and his brother own the team (London). I don't know if he really wants the Leaf's job or any other. As you point out the Knights have been successful.
I agree there should be some candidates out there. I also agree that a guy who has had some success in Major Junior hockey, perhaps with a little pro playing experience could come in to do the job.
A little off topic but I didn't realize that Dale had not been part of any of the International Junior teams. Not under 18 or World Junior. That is interesting for a guy who may want to take the "next step".
It is an excellent point you make about analyzing talent. These guys (Dale Hunter etc) take a look at 14 and 15 year old kids and forecast pretty accurately what they will do 3 and 4 years down the road.
We're on the same page Snuff. We're clear on the "rookie" thing, my bad.
I have wondered the same thing about Hunter not being a part of the international program. Makes you wonder if he burned a bridge somewhere.
If they were going after a "rookie" head coach I'd love to see a guy like Troy Smith get interviewed. But as track records go, and Blake or someone can answer this, when was the last time the Komets hired a first time head coach? They seem to stick to veteran experienced coaches.
Justin Sawyer "was" available but has signed with Odessa
In a career that stretches back to 2001 Sawyer has scored something like
Sorry about that, squeezed the trigger a bit early. Anyway, Justin has scored something like 13 goals in all those years. I can't see how he can help a team that is suffering from a lack of scoring.
No-Touch, again the questions begs, who do we have that anyone would want bad enough to give up a 1st line goal scorer for? At best it would be one of out goalies. Toss a coin on which one.
A few rookie head coaches we've had in the past stand out in my mind, they include Chin, D-Ray, and of course Gabby. I'm sure there have been more. One the other hand that was in the old AAA IHL which makes a big difference.
Steve at that rate he would fit in :)
PIM is his game & not a to bad D-man
I know this is the place to throw around ideas and opinions on the Komets and hockey in general so I just have to throw one out there. If tomorrow the breaking news was that the Komets had fired Sims...would that really give everyone a sincere good feeling about the team and their chances of stringing together a winning streak? No one is saying they are wanting one person in particular to replace him so I am leaving that open...I am just curious as to how most would answer this. Also this is assuming there were no other changes made...just the firing of Sims.
I don't think that is the answer.
The answer is in cutting some dead-weight and replacing it with some players that want to come in and play 100% and care about what they are doing.
Deadweight=players who are pouting, players who are not hustling, players who don't want to be here.
Bring in hungry players, set the lines, and let's play some hockey.
Anyone not willing to hustle, make a body-check, dig out a puck in the corner, etc......they shouldn't be a Komet. I don't care if you are Mr. Komet himself.....there is no room for lolly-gaggers.
At least put a team on the ice that goes hard every night.
I truly hope that management is thinking the smart way and not keeping some of the guys around simply because of "ties". Or because they are thought of as Mr. Komet himself. I REALLY hope they are above that type of business but....doesn't seem that way so far. Hopefully I am very wrong!
I in no way WANT Sims fired. As I said he didn't get stupid and forget how to coach. I do believe he was lazy this summer. But he has earned the right to finish out this season and be evaluated after it is over.
Laziness and just getting too comfortable seems to have gotten to him and maybe a few other otherwise great players..this past summer. I agree..after this season IF things have stayed this crappy....huge and honest evaluations should take place.
What would I think if the breaking news were Sims getting fired? That's easy. "Stick a fork in 'em. They're done."
Some questions and comments:
1. Does Sims sign the players to the roster in the offseason, or does David Franke and where should the buck stop?
2. How do we know that Sims wasnt asking for more of a roster turnover since he has coached in the CHL before; but the Frankes signed an IHL laden team to try and make the last 3 years of the IHL2 look more legitimate? Let's face it, their baby (the IHL2) got trashed in most hockey circles, I can see them wanting some vindication this season in one of the "other" AA hockey leagues...
So far what I am seeing is that youth, speed and effort trumps pure talent on most nights in AA hockey. How much longer do the K's wait for the vets to "buy" in to what has to be done in this developmental league? Does it depend on the casual fan? If they continue to come out, do they take their lumps this season and retool in the offseason or do they not take that risk of losing them and start to retool now? Are there some players on this roster un-moveable as some fans fear?
I would like to reiterate, that I am having more fun this season than previous seasons following the K's because this year if they right the ship and get back to thier winning ways we wont hear the cheating BS from previous seasons...
Steve - I would keep it simple. I don't know the specifics, just using logic really, and I know how that must sound. I would look at the top scorers and points leaders.
I'm available, just sayin'.
On the Sims question, IMO thinking about getting rid of him is ridiculous. The reasons have already been stated.
JR also asks some good questions (as usual). I've seen David do very well with teams in the past and I've seen him screw things up even more, but we have to go back a ways for that. The first couple of years under the Franke ownership Al was the team, he did the recruiting, taught the fans who bought the team how to be owners, etc.
I have no idea how much involved he is now with things off the ice, but I certainly would want to know more before I start screaming for his head to roll. If this season continues and finishes as bad as it has started I would still want Al here next season unless there is something I don't know about.
No-Touch, hang in there, you never know. Maybe they'll give you a shot come mid January... :-)
I went and seen my first ECHL game this past Saturday. Toledo vs. Bakersfield, had hopes of catching Pascal Morency in the game. Unfortunately he was a scratch. However I did get to meet the Hanson Brothers from the movie Slapshot, which was quite a treat.
I will have to say the level of play was pretty close to the same as the CHL. This particular game was a bit sloppy, but was still a pretty good game. Got to see Eric Lizon, who we all remember from Rockford. He is a very good player, that I would enjoy very much if he played for the Komets. Another player who doesn't take a shift off and really plays the body.
I don't know how much trading takes place between the 2 leagues, but he would definitely be worth a look. He's not a big points guy, but he knows how to plant his but in front of the goalie.
There is no trading between the leagues. Each is it's own. For a player to switch leagues he would have to pass through waiver claims and not have one single team pick him up. At that point he could go form the ECHL to the CHL. But there are no inter-league trades.........
RK....I had "lesser" league in quotes....I don't honestly think that at all. Just to clarify. I think they're pretty close, the CHL being a little faster, as there are more younger player (since there are fewer vets allowed, of course...).
I'm ok with this season so far. Truth be told, I expected some adjustments this year. In theory and on paper, yeah, we should be winning....but we did not keep the exact same team, and neither did each of the other former IHL teams. Different coaches, lines, etc....it's just all new each season, so I don't really think the chemistry can ever quite be the same on any one team. 11 players is only about half the team, seems like a lot, but mix in the new guys, and the other half of the team has to learn the system, coach and all that. Seems like it would make a pretty big difference to me. I've never played or coached, though, so I guess I don't know firsthand or anything...
I think everyone expected an "adjustment" period for the new league; but I dont think anyone expected it to take this long.