Komets

You can read today's story here.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Evansville officials plan to build a new 11,000-seat arena in conjunction with a major remodeling of a downtown hotel.
Work could start as early as next month on what Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel (WINE'-zap-fuhl) says will be a transformation of the city's downtown.
The plan announced Monday will put the $127 million arena on a different site than first picked after the city could not agree with property owners on a sale price. The new project will include partial demolition of the existing 470-room Executive Inn.

Just got off the phone with him and his sole goal in coming to Fort Wayne is to win a title.

"There was a team in the Central League I was talking to and I was kind of leaning toward going to England, but this fell into my lap," he said. "I look at it as a good chance for me to win a championship. At this point in my career, that's what I want. Obviously there's a winning tradition in Fort Wayne, and I'm glad to be a part of it."

Komets GM David Franke said Brad MacMillan does not need more surgery on his right hand, just to lay off the heavy bag for a while to let it fully heal.

The Komets announced Monday that seven-time Komet Defenseman of the Year Guy Dupuis has been re-signed for the 2009-10 campaign.  Dupuis, also league Defenseman of the Year the past three straight seasons, will again captain the Komets in their defense of the Turner Cup championship. 

Blair Stayzer is reporting on his Facebook page that he has signed with the Komets. I asked David Franke about this and he said, "We're talking to him, but nothing has been finalized. I expect him to sign here, that's the way it's leaning, but I don't have any paperwork yet. Then I have to get it approved from the league. I don't know when I'll get that."

You can read Colin Chaulk's reaction to re-signing here. I also talked to Leo Thomas late last night and he's thrilled.

Here's also an interestng story about local memorabilia collector Don Graham who has a ton of Komets progams he's scanning into the Allen County Library database as part of his retirement project. Don is a huge Komets fan and co-author

According to Fort Wayne-native and Dayton Gems marketing guru Matt Goshert, if you want to buy tickets to the opener in Dayton, call 937-275-7777.  Info will also be up soon at daytongems.com.

The Komets announced Wednesday that skater Colin Chaulk has inked an agreement to remain with the IHL club for his third defense of a Fort Wayne championship when the 2009-10 campaign gets underway in October.

Chaulk, 32, will be entering his 12th career year and seventh season with the Komets.  He will also serve as player-assistant coach to Al Sims for his third straight season. 

You can read a column about Ken Ullyot here, and a roundup of stuff you already know from David Franke here.

Also, Dayton is reporting the Gems will open their home schedule Oct. 16 against the Komets.

Komets are expected to announce some signings this week, including Leo Thomas. They are awaiting paperwork and final approval from the league.

Here's a quick rundown on what David Franke had to say about everyone else.

Guy Dupuis: Expects to sign.

Colin Chaulk: Expects to sign.

Mitch Woods: They are talking to him. He's also being pursued by CHL teams.

Nick Boucher: Anticipate him coming back.

Back-up goaltender: Working on it, but it won't be another No. 1.