I noticed Evansville put out a press release calling the Komets their archrival.
OK, that's just hype because there's been nothing happening to consider calling it a rivalry. The regular-season games haven't been that good or memorable and the teams haven't met in the playoffs. The IceMen have two things going for them in this case: 1. Fic who has the passion; 2. More players than any other CHL team that Fort Wayne fans probably recognize.
Other than that, so what? What makes you want to (or not) watch those games more than any other games on the schedule? Now, there's probably more potential there for a rivalry, especially with the whole same state thing going on, but it's certainly not a rivalry yet. Dayton is much closer and easier to get to, but that's not one either, even though Fort Wayne-native Brian Gratz's presence helps.
If the Komets played Rapid City more, I could see that becoming a rivalry, but they don't. No amount of marketing can force a rivalry to blossom, either.
Here's the rivalry recipe:
* Competition: The closer the teams in terms of quality, the better.
* Proximity: Never hurts to have fans traveling to both teams' arenas.
* Characters: Somebody needs to stir the pot and focus the fans' ire.
* Tension: Either bragging or outrage over an incident between games.
* Familiarity: It's much more fun if fans recognize opposing players.
* Consistency: One of the teams can't have another rivalry with another team.
* Dislike: There can't be any fraternization between players or fans.
* Crossover: It adds to the intrigue if one or two key players switch sides.
* Playoffs: Real rivalries are nurtured when it's win-or-go-home.
* History: You can't have a rivalry that's been around less than five years.
That last point rules out every current opponent except two: Bloomington and Quad City.
As for Bloomington, is Indiana football a rival ro Ohio State? Does Indiana State threaten Purdue? Formerly having cool jerseys does not make you an opponent to respect.
Is Quad City a rival? No, there has to be a certain amount of respect on both sides for a rivalry. Or at least a credible threat. Quad City has to pull a few more Ball States before that happens. There are certain Mallards players to respect, but not necessarily the team overall.
Not sure about that? OK, quick who's coaching the Mallards this year? Who owns them? Who's the GM? Rightfully so, their beat writer, Craig DeVrieze, has more name recognition than anyone on the ice. If they Mallards were a rival, you'd be interested enough to know all of that information.
The Komets don't have a rival, and you certainly can't make a rivalry after one year as the IceMen may like. That said, the Komets are also not the primary rivals for anyone else right now. They have to earn that spot again with someone.
Shoot, there's a stronger rivalry between some teams' bloggers than there is between the actual teams. Then you've got QC fans whose bloggers are so desperate for attention they'll do and say almost anything to get a reaction. Pulling stuff like that ruins credibility, and means they are the kid jumping up and down and waving their hand in the air that the teacher ignores to call on someone else.
Must be horribly sad to be so insecure. Oops, sorry, didn't mean to rub it in. Here's a tissue and a sucker.
Comments
Start planning to bid for a game-worn Brandon Warner jersey again this season.
Off topic here but I was doing a google image search and found this:
http://www.classicandexotic.com/johnharrowpages/hockeypage.htm
(Scoll down to about the middle of the pictures. Fort Wayne on one side and Komets logo on the other. Iron Man is on top of the head.) The mask looks pretty sweet!
I am curious if this is Bouchers new mask or someone elses.
Chaulk is one of the summer employees. Only some of his pay counts against the cap. Who is to say that PC and Leo are the higher paid? Maybe the reason they were brought back was because of a discounted price becuase it is obvious they were not going anywhere else. Plus they both have something to prove and may have that fire they seem to have lost.
Hit where did Komet Warrior say the spaceman was going to be man? Next to the other cut-out from the past?
Hope so.
Rutherford signed with Florida of the ECHL
Hit...you have insider info on FTS? Share the love brother! This thing has been driving me nuts since Day 1! Been close a few times, but no luck yet..
TheBauer, according to the EXIF data in the photos the one with Fort Wayne on it was last modified March 5, 2010 and the other with Komets on it was last modified Feb 4, 2010 so it obviously isn't a new helmet..
Those dates also probably are the dates the photos were sized for posting on the site, the originals could be much older.
I want to say that's Kevin Reiter's from his first trip through, but it might be Sebastien LaPlante's. I can check at work tomorrow.
NO inside info at all. I am just as nuts trying to find them like you or the next guy or gal. I thought the 9/11 one would be at a firehouse or at the Police or Firemen memorial. Just a hunch. Glad they didn't end up putting it there, would be crazy to have all these nutzo people showing up at these locations.
I have one all ready, so I am less crazy about finding one, it is very fun trying to deciphor the clue and find the spaceman though. I have learned more about FW than I ever knew about this great city. Has been alot of fun.
That is Laplantes iron man mask
Thanks for the info on Rutherford, Mark. I thought I had seen something about him before.
Charlie I, your post regarding the contracts of P.C. and Thomas seem to forget one thing. That is the fact that P.C. is on the second year of a two year contract. As for Thomas? Maybe he did sign for less.
It's important to me to make sure everyone understands that I think P.C. and Thomas could be wonderful players if they do make the team. Thomas was leading the team in goals scored up to the point when he injured his ankle. Problem that I have is I sometimes question their commitment each and every game. ( Sometimes each and every shift).
I know that there is one month to camp, but I am left wondering about the basic premise of the front office. First they state that goal scoring was a weakness last season and that will be a priority. Then they announce that they will get younger and will limit the returnees from a season ago. So what happens? No real snipers (well, maybe Chaumont) signed, and many of last years roster signed and invited to camp. I can't figure the direction they are taking.
To somewhat prove my point the Komets have invited Brandon Warner to camp. It's going to sound like I'm picking on him and I don't want to, but he is the perfect example to prove my point. First, Warner was not put on the playoff roster. The roster included Klug who was brought in late. The roster included Phillips who had an injury and didn't even play. Therefore, Warner wasn't deemed good enough to be included and was left off the roster which included an injured defenseman who couldn't play. Then, this pre-season he was left off of the protected list. If camp spots are getting precious, why include him?
Some may argue that Warner's value could be the fact he can play both as a defenseman and a forward. I would submit to you that Jamie Milam can do it also and do it better.
I love the way the Franke's have put the defense together. Great job!!
They are so close to having a real nice team. Don't wait for Christmas to make it happen, please.
I have let this roster absorb into my brain for a while now...and I am not as worried about the players they ahve or have not brought in. I like Auger, Chaumont, Smith and some of the younger players that show promise in camp. There are alot of guys on our rosters that played alot of games in the OHL. That shows me that we have some higher caliber young players in camp than we have had in previous camps. OHL players for the most part are the cream of the crop in hockey, those guys feed into the higher levels of hockey, and we have quite a few of those guys in camp.
If they (mgmt/coaching) go by what they preached about no one's position is a lock and there is competition in camp....well, I think you might see some new faces on the regular season roster, and the Komets will have a new crop of players capable of scoring alot of goals.
Watch for a player in the likeness of an Aquino fall into out laps late too. Meaning, an NHL contracted player or player cut from an NHL camp that catches on in FW.
We will be ok guys and dolls.....I like the makeup of this roster. We will have a defense in place that can move the puck and add alot to the offense as well as being strong in the D-Zone.
Can't wait to start the season.
Hit, that was a great post. The points you've made are all valid and well thought out.
Your fact that the K's have some guys coming to camp that performed in the OHL is well taken, and I agree with the logic there.
I must admit that I had missed the post dated September 10th where mightbite told us that a sniper and tough guy has been signed.
Finally, I agree with you. I can't wait for the season to start also.
i Disagree with Hit, we will be more than ok! we are going to win this thing!!!!!!
Go Komets, Evansville stinks.
Looking forward to a rematch mighty, Colts over Texans next time 18-0.
Schebigs feet stink.
Talk is cheap.... And we've heard alot of it since shortly after the season ended this past spring...
We're gonna have to wait and see what this roster looks like going into the regular season, I guess. I'm not a fan of so many guys from last season being brought back and would rather see a much younger, more agressive team take the ice next season.
I'm not sure that I want to see promising young players sent packing for some veterans last hoorah....
When is Bloomy going to bring in a coach?
Are they this years version of the Flint Generals?
We're at 28 players on the roster right now without Warner. The rules say we can have 30 for camp. How are they going to fit in a scorer and a tough guy?
Uninvite Warner?
Ahh, let's hear it for wishful thinking...
Anyone paying attention to QC this offseason should know that they have gotten into a much better situation with Club 9. Things might be looking up for QC hockey for the first time in several years. No, it doesn't mean there will be a rivalry instantly. It just would have been nice to maybe highlight some positives about QC for Komets fans who care about the stability of the teams in their proximity. There hasn't been much good news anywhere outside of FW with the old IHL teams. QC has a new coach, new owners with DEEP pockets. They are hosting a preseason set of games with 4 CHL teams at a cost of $5 per day. They hired Kerry Toporowski as an advisor. They signed Justin Chwedoruk, who used to be a fan favorite here 4 years ago. The coach is hosting a set of hockey clinics for kids this weekend. Is any of this stuff happening in Bloomington? Sorry I am so desperate for attention.
Good news in QC indeed.
Will the Mallard fans find their way back to the Hockey Barn?
That is the most important question here.
PS: Tell QC that BWs is ready to go this year. Fear the BWs!!!