From a Komets' press release:
The Komets announced Tuesday that forward Matt Firman and defenseman Mathieu Gagnon have agreed to terms and become the first players to be named to the 2013-14 roster.
Firman, 23, made his pro debut with the Komets last season after completing four seasons with Colgate University in the ECAC. The Fayetteville, New York native led Fort Wayne rookies with 14 goals and 30 points and was named the Komets' Rookie of the Year.
Gagnon, 20, also made his pro debut with the Komets last season after serving stints in juniors with Whitecourt (AJHL) and Shawinigan (QMJHL) during the 2012-13 regular season. The Montreal, Quebec native led Whitecourt with 259 penalty minutes while ranking second among defensemen with 16 assists and 19 points. Gagnon finished the season with the Komets scoring one assist and accumulating 22 penalty minutes in six games.
Comments
Excited by the Gagnon signing. In the few games he played, he was not afraid to mix it up and was high energy. Need more players like him. Firman needs to build strength and be more agressive, but not a bad signing. Getting Vaskivuo to come back be huge. He could score 30 goals with the right line mates (Rizk? Marino? Auger?). Hopefully, physical D-men are on the K's radar as well as a big time goalie. Intereting to see who the 4-veteran spots go to.
I these a lot! Two great guys!
Firman needs to bulk up some. Great start with these two.
I like both signings..... Gagnon is as tough as they come and I believe Firman is on his way to beconing a 25 goal scorer....
I am underwhelmed by the first two signings. Why go after a third line forward and a rookie d-man who spent a good portion of his final junior season in the Alberta Junior League for your first signings? In my mind this is confirmation that the Frankes do not yet understand the talent that is required to play in this league. I understand that Gagnon's toughness addresses a problem from last season but if he cannot play at the skill level necessary for this league it is very difficult to be tough from the bench or press box. I hope that I am wrong, but so far I don't see any reason to be in a hurry to buy any tickets.
Could be, however, in my opinion, the rest of the 'talent' is shopping themselves. These are still bottom tier players, which is why they agreed at an instance to their contract offer. What other team has signed 'talent' so far? Nada.
Gagnon is going to camp in Bridgeport. Based on his six games here I have no idea why.