I did some research and come to the conclusion that this truly is the golden age in Komets history.
The Komets are trying to win 40 or more games for the ninth time in 10 years. They will have less than 30 losses for the 10th year in a row and will earn 90 or more points for the seventh year in a row, matching the seven from 1983 to 1989. They were trying to win 50 or more games for the fifth time in six years, but they'll miss that. Before this string, they had only four 50-win seasons in their history.
They have a good chance to reach 100 points for the third year in a row, something they've done only one other time from 1985-88 under Rob Laird. That group had 98 points to end the next season. When you consider the turnover in the roster from three years ago, that's incredible.
Over the last 10 years, the Komets have had a .660 winning percentage, the have won six and now possibly seven division titles and four and possibly five regular-season titles.
Last year they tied the record for home wins in a season, and this year they will likely break the record for road wins in a season, all under the winningest coach in their history.
That's pretty amazing, and I think we pretty much expect it and take it for granted every season, but that's extremely difficult to do. Look at the Yankees
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I have noticed that there are two things the Komets have never done in the history of the club: Win the regular season title three (3) years in row and repeat as playoff champions.
I think that another first place finish would be an extraordinary achievement considering the number of man-games lost because of the injuries.
Blake...
I'm an unusual Komet fan. My first game for the Ks was around 1996; back when the Koliseum had the wooden seats and a flat ceiling. I remember watching the Indy Ice games, and while I don't remember when or if Fletch played during those years, I can swear I remember seeing him. I knew nothing about the history associated with the team. It wasn't until I started reading "Legends of the Komets" by...gee...kan't seem to remember. :)
Like I said, at the time I didn't know at the time the history of the Ks. I didn't know we are the second longest minor league Hockey in history (only to Hershey). I didn't know about guys like Bawa, Laird, or Ullyot.
All of that changed in 2003. We decided to go to every playoff game...and saw an amazing performance by Tommy Lawson....an amazing goal by Dustin Virag...and a celebration that rivaled like no other. My blood was no longer red...It was orange.
I've been a STH since that playoff run; and I haven't regretted it for one second. The games with Rockford. The rivalry with Quad City. The joining of Bloomington. RR&R Part II. Crowd Chant. Mohammed Ali. The Glenbrook Dodge Flag. The names of players and teams run through my head like a slideshow...
I will be a Komet STH until the last breath rasps from my body. But I'm not sure we will EVER have another two years like these. Wasn't something like 25-home wins in a row? I've got a story about that too, but I'll save it for now. Point is, we will NEVER see another season like that. And the wild thing is, we will NEVER see another season like this.
Both are extremely special and extremely amazing. On Wednesday, the guy behind me in 213 was checking the scores of the PH game on pointstreak almost constantly; I knew they had lost before Larry announced it...the goosebumps started shortly thereafter.
It's just amazing to me that this team has come from being mediocre to being indomitable. And I personally LOVE that there is PARITY in the league this year. Bring on PH...Bring on Kzoo. Bring on Musky. Bring on Bton....
Uh, Flint...Do you know where you are? You're in the Jungle baby...You're gonna die.
Wow. Sorry for the long post.
Brandon, you poor soul. You must be sitting in front of Burgee! Run for your life!
And thanks for letting me know you enjoyed the book. Making sure that history is never forgotten is one of the reasons I wrote it.
I hear that 213 is a pretty good place to catch a game....
204 is better....
I have the worst seat in the building for a hockey game. BUT, I am not about to give it up. Wouldn't trade it for the world. Thanks Brandan for your thoughts. I am afraid I go back to 1959 when my dad took me to see a sold out Sunday afternoon hockey game. Wire screen around the boards. If that don't make you feel old nothing will. Reading (what's the writers name?) oh yes Blake's books takes you right there. Thank you so much for writing them.
I concur with the writer. Wasn't me I snuck out early since the game was in hand! You people on the even side of the coliseum watch the game backwards twice a game! Odd side rules! Why do you think the press box is on that side!
Come on, Brandan, you know 215 is the place to be...right next to the opposing bench!
And yes, this is another amazing season...one for the books. Let's make history and repeat as playoff champs. Two in a row sounds great to me. Go K's!!!
213 is good.....but 215 is better! Especially when I am in earshot of Larry "The Doorman" Sterling.
Two in a row sounds nice! It would be a 3 peat for Coach. Now that sounds even better.
@Shawn: Traitor! :)