Michael Franke: There's going to be change

Interesting article. I had to read it twice and probably will again when I get some time. It's hard to get any type of feel for what is said in the article because there are so many questions, and as we've been told, that must just be how hockey is at this point all over. I guess my only question is with all the uncertainty, how can anyone even begin to state that we will see something "at least" as good as what we have now and almost guarantee something better? The article does seem to touch on all of the bases that have been discussed on here over the past month or so. Either way, this is a good method of keeping the idiots busy for a few minutes while they read it.

Bob Chase couldn't have said it better ;)

Great article...

Like Frozen mentioned, alot of answers to some of the questions and speculation that have been discussed (and bashed) for the last few months on this blog... Its nice to hear actual answers instead of just the same old company line leaving loyal fans to follow on blind faith...

I appreciate the K's front office commitment to the on ice excellence that the Komets fans have enjoyed these last few years. As long as I have a hard working team to pull for, I am happy...

With the games this time of year getting a lil stale as the playoff teams start to save up for the playoffs, the "unknown" factor to this offseason and the possible major changes to the minor league hockey landscape are very exciting to contemplate...

I did have one question from the article... Is the first right of refusal for hockey at Perani arena an agreement with Perani Arena, the old owner Doc Shuikary, or the existing management group that was brought in by the bank that repo'd Perani???

It's written into the team's lease with the building so it doesn't matter who runs the building. When the new owners took over the building, they also inherited the lease.

Thanks, Blake. The lease was the important thing, not the owners.

Well, there is a little more than a week left in the season. While the regular season champion hasn't been crowned just yet, it is becoming more clear. The Komets must play like they need to win every game, and still have some help from other teams also.

I, for one, am going to watch these guys and silently remember to appreciate and applaud their efforts. (Even though some may only give 75%, LOL). I'm only kidding. I appreciate Drouin. He probably has the most skill on the team. I know, I know, sometimes he may not always show it, but he was the leading scorer last season and has contributed over 20 goals this season. Speaking of twenty goals. I am hoping that Shaf, O'Conner, and Shrock all score tonight. They are all on the verge of getting their twentieth goals also. Minor league hockey is changing and who knows how many present Komets will be playing hockey next season, let alone playing with the Komets? Lets give them a boost.

The article with Michael Franke was real interesting. I was glad to hear him just come right out and speak to all of us regarding the future of the Komets, the league, and minor league hockey. The news was a mixture of hope, reality, and uncertainty. I thought it was very honest and I think that is what we, as fans, are really asking for. Just keep us informed the best you can. We are all adults and if the news is bad, well, we can take it. This is the age of instantaneous news. Twenty-four hour news channels and the internet are all examples of a world that is much smaller and so much more well informed.

Lastly, I will be appreciating Bob Chase. He has been calling Komet games since I was a little boy. He is an icon in the broadcasting business and some of my best memories of the Komets have come from my bedroom radio, as a kid, listening to Komet games. I know that sometimes he can drive me crazy, but that is kind of the "atmosphere" of him calling the game. ( Give the score more often, Bob)! The players, coaches, and seasons have come and gone. The one thing that has been consistent is Bob Chase's voice describing the action.

We are all human and that makes us all vulnerable. Some day Bob Chase will not be able to continue broadcasting. That day hasn't come yet and because it hasn't we all have a chance to stop and listen. We have the opportunity to file into our memories his style, the sound of his voice, and the excitement he exudes over the airwaves.

To Komet fans I would say that when you see something or hear something you don't like or appreciate, make it known. Lets just do it in a respectful, mannerly way. To Komet fans I would also say to remember to appreciate over 50 years of Fort Wayne Komet Hockey, the owners who provide it to you, the players who sacrifice for you, and the "Voice of the Komets, Bob Chase, who describes it for you.

Let's start our "March to the Cup", tonight. Anybody with me?

If we make changes the league will be as good or better, wheeew! i was worried that they were going to go the single A CHL.

Steve scratches his head, gives Blake a wink, and moves his fingers away from the keyboard.

The CHL is not single A, that league has more affiliations and call-ups to the AHL then the IHL could ever hope for.

Great article Blake......the sooner they make they change, the sooner I'm ready to re-purchase my season tix.

On the topic of callups, the ECHL just had its 441st former player make to the NHL. The current IHL is never gonna see that.

Thanks for clearing that up Blake. I wasnt sure when a building like that is repossesed by the bank if the lease agreement transfers over or if they have to be resigned with the new operating party...

Thanks Blake and thanks Mr. Franke. This is what we were waiting to hear. I can live with this either way. I will support the Komets. I now have to believe from this, and from a little birdie I heard from today.....we won't be in the IHL, and we won't be disappointed....I think anyway. My guess......CHL or ECHL. The process has started with the teams in the IHL. That is all I will say.

I agree with Michael Franke that the problems in minor league hockey affect more than the IHL. If minor league hockey is going to survive, it is going to require the leadership of all leagues, including the NHL, to consider change. For minor league hockey to survive, teams in existing leagues are going to have to think more regionally. Teams in New England and along the east coast could form one league. Midwest teams should form another league. Teams from other parts of the country should create other leagues to minimize travel expenses. I am not smart enough to figure out which leagues would be AAA and which ones would be AA. But something needs to be done.

Same song, different thread

I'm telling you its this depression we are in.

Schebig, you done washin socks? I want to go shootin next week sometime.

Am I alone with this thought?? Why have we not heard a word from the Commish Hextall on all this stuff?? Why is he so silent ?? Where the heck has he been??

If I were to guess Tim I would say he might be involved in any possible talks, discussions, or negotiations going on with other leagues, if that falls under his job description. That sort of thing might also be up to the Board of Directors and Chairman, not the Commish, I don't know. He might also be doing whatever a commissioner does to run the current league we're in.

I'd also guess that, as usual, no league official in any league is going to say anything until it's a pretty well done deal, if he is involved.

In other words, who knows?? :-)

All I got was... "there are a lot of idiot owners in minor league hockey that don't know anything. We are the smartest owners in the industry."

Just like all anybody gets from you JM is that you are the smartest blogger in the world.

Steve, did you want to add anything or any comments to my post?