Laredo is def coming back. Bloomington has their new owners coming into town next week. So we should be hearing new things soon out of Bloomington. Also there is still a chance Quad City could be back.
Another 1-0 victory for the Canucks last night. At least they didn't wait quite as long to score the game winnier. The third period has been kind in Vancouver. Weird series. It boggles the mind to see Boston win 8-1 one night and lose 1-0 another. As it is, I could easily see Tim Thomas taking home the Conn Smythe. No one on the Canucks has been all that valuable to their team on a consistant basis. Next game is Monday in Boston's house of pain. Sure, Vancouver could win it all then, but I can't help but think they'd be better off just telling the league they forfeit that one and get some extra rest before next Wednesday!
mightbite
Sat, 06/11/2011 - 4:59pm
I glad for QC, but I hope they change their coach=boring hockey.
breslyn
Sun, 06/12/2011 - 8:01am
I bet the Frankes are really wishing they didn't sign that two year contract w/ PC. Sorry for my negativism, but what a waste of space.
Chaulk on the other hand really made a difference last year after he came back.
JR1
Sun, 06/12/2011 - 9:11am
Interesting article out of Rapid City quoting both the Commisioners of the CHL and ECHL saying that there are no merger talks now nor will be in the forseeable future for the last 2 "AA" level leagues....
Even though a contract was signed, it doesn't mean Drouin can't be cut. No contract is guaranteed.
In my uneducated opinion, the wisdom of his signing is totally up to attitude and desire of Drouin. His contract was signed before the "CHL" season began, and after the "IHL" playoffs had concluded. If my memory is correct he had a pretty good IHL playoff run, a pretty mediocre CHL season, and then a pretty good CHL playoff run.
What does that tell me? Well, the easy thought is that he is really motivated and gives it everything he has during the playoffs. Add to that his often quoted ( and usually criticized ) less than 100% effort comment regarding the regular season games, and logic guides you along in the same direction. When he wants to be, he can be the best player on the ice.
In my opinion, P.C. Drouin needs to channel that "playoff motivation" in each and every game. Can he? I think so if, and when, he realizes that this season is one with a lot judgment and expectations that will attach themselves to it. ( If I remember correctly, wasn't his playoff spot in jeopardy and then was added as the 10th forward)? If true, you would think he'd learn something from it.
Many things have changed since the last off season. The players now know the style of hockey played in this league. They now know the type of officiating that will be demonstrated. They now know the rigors of travel associated with being a member of the CHL. They now know the quality and skill of the opposition that this league offers. No surprises allowed anymore.
For P.C. and other players, they should realize that this league ( and it's teams ) will all be better because the talent pool has increased with the declaration of so many free agents. The Komets seem dedicated to jumping in that market to strengthen their roster. They have announced their "summer camp" for young players. They have been quoted as saying they would like to bring 30-35 players in training camp. Most importantly, for a forward looking for or keeping a job, they have admitted publicly that they need to score more goals.
If a players' motivation and personal expectation can't match those goals and challenges, then I would suggest that they just stay home.
I think the Franke's feel a little embarrassed by last year. I think they'll go 100% to make sure it doesn't happen again. Each player would be smart to realize they had better match that desire.
By the way, I think for the most part, the same goes for Curadeau. I hope they sign him. He had great stats during the CHL playoffs. He has the speed, the shot, and the skill to be an impact player. I'd like to see him get another chance without all the hype and pressure that came along with his signing last year.
Am I wrong or off base?
andy sherman
Sun, 06/12/2011 - 9:34am
Curadeau was the highest paid player on the team last season. I can't imagine him coming back unless taking a huge pay cut. What player want to do that.....?
KometKrazy
Sun, 06/12/2011 - 9:35am
I think you are right on Alan. I think there will be about a 50% roster changeover from last year. They need more scoring and speed. I just hope Lardner doesn't retire and DeAngelis comes back. But those are big "IFS".
JR1
Sun, 06/12/2011 - 10:45am
If it means staying employed in minor league hockey, Curadeau will take a pay cut... I'm not saying I would want him back next season because there are alot of good free agents on the market right now and he didnt exactly play himself into a lock for next season...
We were hearing rumors last season that DeAngelis wanted to play overseas next season, so I look on him resigning as slim to none...
I would like to see a 50-70% turnover from last season's team... Time for some new faces...
andy sherman
Sun, 06/12/2011 - 1:04pm
a 50% turnover is typical....I would guess we see 5-7 players back only....
mightbite
Sun, 06/12/2011 - 2:36pm
De Angegis will not be back.
Dayton has signed a MAJOR HEAVYWEIGHT.
Komets will sign Jamie Milam & Todd Robinson & Jimmy Bonneau.
I want more Mirasty jerseys.
This is all I will tell as of now.
JR1
Sun, 06/12/2011 - 3:50pm
You Tease!!! :)
Hit Somebody!!!
Sun, 06/12/2011 - 7:11pm
The CHL is in major trouble if the CHL isn't talking with the ECHL.
The ECHL is winning the battle for AA hockey markets currently.
And it seems to me that this coming CHL season could be a disaster with uncertainty of ownership, insane travel, gas prices, and fans not showing up at the games league-wide.
We shall see.
JungleMonkey
Sun, 06/12/2011 - 7:36pm
My guess... the ECHL is waiting out the eventual failure of the CHL and then cleaning up the leftovers. They make more money that way. In a merger, the dont get the million dollars per team to join.
Hit Somebody!!!
Sun, 06/12/2011 - 7:46pm
Total Agreement J-Monks.
The only Super AA League is the AA League left standing.
ECHL is it.
Not enough AA markets left to patch together and survive in this economy to make another go at the IHL3.
The Komets either swallow pride with tails between legs and buy a dormant ECHL Franchise at a discount for 2012-2013, or they move to the AHL.....or down to the FHL (A).
These seem to be the options.
Hit Somebody!!!
Sun, 06/12/2011 - 7:51pm
Of course this is with my assumptions about the future of the CHL which is in major struggle mode right now with teams that are barely making it and changing ownerships seemingly every year....
The Insane travel and expense to do so will bankrupt the CHL. Fort Wayne probably isn't willing to take a loss to keep 10 other teams affloat. JMO
Anyone else see any different options for our Komets in the future?
I don't.
Hit Somebody!!!
Sun, 06/12/2011 - 8:12pm
This is a question for Blake:
Is the IHL still alive? Is it still considered to be a league with teams and is it still active in some way?
The reason why I ask is because the new ownership in Bloomington is a new CHL franchise....not the Prairie Thunder IHL franchise.
Now I read that QC ownership, new ownership Club 9, is not interested in being in 2 leagues and wants in the CHL.
What is Dennis Hextall's current role with the IHL and with the Komets?
Is the IHL still active?
Can it be with essentially 3 franchises left? Dayton, Eville, FW.
Thanks in advance.
Silly Season
Sun, 06/12/2011 - 9:04pm
Now there is talk of Mississippi leaving the CHL for the SPHL.
Hit Somebody!!!
Sun, 06/12/2011 - 9:10pm
Saw that too.
WHAT A MESS.
Mr Snufflupugus
Sun, 06/12/2011 - 11:05pm
Comparing the Dallas Mavs to the Komets...
Dallas...veteran team hungry because not one player on that team had won a cup. Went out and beat a younger and more star studded tem.
Komets...full of overpaid veterans who consider raising the cup an afterthought to their post playing days at this point because 4 cups in less than 10 years makes it old hat to them.
I don't think they need to keep the roster clear of guys who have ever won a cup. I do think they need to clean house of the ones that did it here.
JR1
Mon, 06/13/2011 - 5:10am
I agree with alot of what you just posted Snuff; but would add Komets coaching/management into that as well... As we have all discussed on here before, they didnt do thier homework when it came to the playing style, tempo, and what type of player to bring into a younger, more developmental style league like the CHL...
While the players deserve thier fair share of the blame for a dismal season, management deserves a good portion also.....
IMO...
RunningKomet
Mon, 06/13/2011 - 8:56am
Heard on the radio today that the Komets got some award for being the top franchise and bringing in the highest attendance rate of all the CHL teams. They quoted an average attendance of a little over 7200 for the Ks this season. Just think how much we'll rock that one next season when we're one of 8 teams in the league. The CHL is going to look like the IHL2 pretty soon, just with thousands of more miles of travel. Do we own any teams in Texas yet??
Alan
Mon, 06/13/2011 - 9:31am
I'm sure Blake is working on a story regarding the league, Komets, and the direction of both.
Now with the meetings over I hope some player announcements will soon follow. I like the players Mightbite listed. I'm a little unfamiliar with Jimmy Bonneau except he was signed by the K's last season but played in the AHL. My recollection is that he is a power forward, with size to finish checks. Can someone clue me in on him?
As far as the posts from Snuff and JR1 are concerned, it's too early to tell what philosophy management is leaning toward. One thing I'm pretty sure of is that management and coaches didn't do their job recruiting players for last years' camp. I don't think they are going to make that mistake again. Player announcements will help us to figure out their thinking.
I think you will see at least eight or nine new faces this year. My opinion is that no matter how many Cups have been raised in the past, this years' team will be put together with speed and skill first. That will be the important thing, not the "name" of the player or the history attached to them.
To Andy sherman, Curadeau's stats certainly were a disappointment last year. If he was the highest paid player, I think he certainly expects to play for less this year. He could be the best player here with what he brings to the table, bit you get paid on production, not for potential especially when you know that the roster is going to be torn apart.
JungleMonkey is right. I've posted before that their is no reason, sense of urgency, or even a sniff of a desire for the ECHL to talk merger with the CHL. Why should they? All the ECHL has to do is outlast the CHL and then pick the bones. Only when both leagues are strong, or both on the verge of failure, will true negotiations take place.
Mr Snufflupugus
Mon, 06/13/2011 - 10:36am
JR1 you are correct. I think they realize that too.
I give them the benefit of the doubt because of their track record that they will learn and adjust.
That doesn't mean if they fail to win a cup next year I will consider it a failure.
What I would like to see is a hungry team that playes games 1-20 as hard as they do games 50+
This past couple of years the veteran leadership of this team has taken a "been there, done that, we'll turn it on at the end and coast" attitude towards the first 1/4 of the season.
I doubt Tab Lardner, Colt King and several other quality vets in this league looking for a cup would handle the early season the same way. Tab played hard just about every game from the moment he got here. In Snuffs dream world he is the captain of your 2011-12 Komets, Colt King and 3-5 other 28-32 year old vets are brought in to lead the younger guys, Boucher is kept and a 25 and under goalie is brought in for development and away we go towards a rebuilt Komets team.
Alan
Mon, 06/13/2011 - 12:42pm
Blake, I posted a couple of hours ago. It hasn't shown up. Can you help?
Silly Season
Mon, 06/13/2011 - 3:30pm
It's now official, the Mississippi Riverkings have moved to the SPHL. Another CHL team bites the dust.
Y2K
Mon, 06/13/2011 - 3:59pm
14 teams is still better then the 6 or 7 in the IHL
Comments
Laredo is def coming back. Bloomington has their new owners coming into town next week. So we should be hearing new things soon out of Bloomington. Also there is still a chance Quad City could be back.
http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=547873
http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=547915
Mallards saved once again.
Another 1-0 victory for the Canucks last night. At least they didn't wait quite as long to score the game winnier. The third period has been kind in Vancouver. Weird series. It boggles the mind to see Boston win 8-1 one night and lose 1-0 another. As it is, I could easily see Tim Thomas taking home the Conn Smythe. No one on the Canucks has been all that valuable to their team on a consistant basis. Next game is Monday in Boston's house of pain. Sure, Vancouver could win it all then, but I can't help but think they'd be better off just telling the league they forfeit that one and get some extra rest before next Wednesday!
I glad for QC, but I hope they change their coach=boring hockey.
I bet the Frankes are really wishing they didn't sign that two year contract w/ PC. Sorry for my negativism, but what a waste of space.
Chaulk on the other hand really made a difference last year after he came back.
Interesting article out of Rapid City quoting both the Commisioners of the CHL and ECHL saying that there are no merger talks now nor will be in the forseeable future for the last 2 "AA" level leagues....
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/sports/article_5f2cc07c-94ac-11e0-b371-001cc4c002e0.html
Even though a contract was signed, it doesn't mean Drouin can't be cut. No contract is guaranteed.
In my uneducated opinion, the wisdom of his signing is totally up to attitude and desire of Drouin. His contract was signed before the "CHL" season began, and after the "IHL" playoffs had concluded. If my memory is correct he had a pretty good IHL playoff run, a pretty mediocre CHL season, and then a pretty good CHL playoff run.
What does that tell me? Well, the easy thought is that he is really motivated and gives it everything he has during the playoffs. Add to that his often quoted ( and usually criticized ) less than 100% effort comment regarding the regular season games, and logic guides you along in the same direction. When he wants to be, he can be the best player on the ice.
In my opinion, P.C. Drouin needs to channel that "playoff motivation" in each and every game. Can he? I think so if, and when, he realizes that this season is one with a lot judgment and expectations that will attach themselves to it. ( If I remember correctly, wasn't his playoff spot in jeopardy and then was added as the 10th forward)? If true, you would think he'd learn something from it.
Many things have changed since the last off season. The players now know the style of hockey played in this league. They now know the type of officiating that will be demonstrated. They now know the rigors of travel associated with being a member of the CHL. They now know the quality and skill of the opposition that this league offers. No surprises allowed anymore.
For P.C. and other players, they should realize that this league ( and it's teams ) will all be better because the talent pool has increased with the declaration of so many free agents. The Komets seem dedicated to jumping in that market to strengthen their roster. They have announced their "summer camp" for young players. They have been quoted as saying they would like to bring 30-35 players in training camp. Most importantly, for a forward looking for or keeping a job, they have admitted publicly that they need to score more goals.
If a players' motivation and personal expectation can't match those goals and challenges, then I would suggest that they just stay home.
I think the Franke's feel a little embarrassed by last year. I think they'll go 100% to make sure it doesn't happen again. Each player would be smart to realize they had better match that desire.
By the way, I think for the most part, the same goes for Curadeau. I hope they sign him. He had great stats during the CHL playoffs. He has the speed, the shot, and the skill to be an impact player. I'd like to see him get another chance without all the hype and pressure that came along with his signing last year.
Am I wrong or off base?
Curadeau was the highest paid player on the team last season. I can't imagine him coming back unless taking a huge pay cut. What player want to do that.....?
I think you are right on Alan. I think there will be about a 50% roster changeover from last year. They need more scoring and speed. I just hope Lardner doesn't retire and DeAngelis comes back. But those are big "IFS".
If it means staying employed in minor league hockey, Curadeau will take a pay cut... I'm not saying I would want him back next season because there are alot of good free agents on the market right now and he didnt exactly play himself into a lock for next season...
We were hearing rumors last season that DeAngelis wanted to play overseas next season, so I look on him resigning as slim to none...
I would like to see a 50-70% turnover from last season's team... Time for some new faces...
a 50% turnover is typical....I would guess we see 5-7 players back only....
De Angegis will not be back.
Dayton has signed a MAJOR HEAVYWEIGHT.
Komets will sign Jamie Milam & Todd Robinson & Jimmy Bonneau.
I want more Mirasty jerseys.
This is all I will tell as of now.
You Tease!!! :)
The CHL is in major trouble if the CHL isn't talking with the ECHL.
The ECHL is winning the battle for AA hockey markets currently.
And it seems to me that this coming CHL season could be a disaster with uncertainty of ownership, insane travel, gas prices, and fans not showing up at the games league-wide.
We shall see.
My guess... the ECHL is waiting out the eventual failure of the CHL and then cleaning up the leftovers. They make more money that way. In a merger, the dont get the million dollars per team to join.
Total Agreement J-Monks.
The only Super AA League is the AA League left standing.
ECHL is it.
Not enough AA markets left to patch together and survive in this economy to make another go at the IHL3.
The Komets either swallow pride with tails between legs and buy a dormant ECHL Franchise at a discount for 2012-2013, or they move to the AHL.....or down to the FHL (A).
These seem to be the options.
Of course this is with my assumptions about the future of the CHL which is in major struggle mode right now with teams that are barely making it and changing ownerships seemingly every year....
The Insane travel and expense to do so will bankrupt the CHL. Fort Wayne probably isn't willing to take a loss to keep 10 other teams affloat. JMO
Anyone else see any different options for our Komets in the future?
I don't.
This is a question for Blake:
Is the IHL still alive? Is it still considered to be a league with teams and is it still active in some way?
The reason why I ask is because the new ownership in Bloomington is a new CHL franchise....not the Prairie Thunder IHL franchise.
Now I read that QC ownership, new ownership Club 9, is not interested in being in 2 leagues and wants in the CHL.
http://qctimes.com/sports/hockey/professional/minor/article_c275ca4a-948c-11e0-9f88-001cc4c002e0.html?mode=comments
This is getting confusing.
What is Dennis Hextall's current role with the IHL and with the Komets?
Is the IHL still active?
Can it be with essentially 3 franchises left? Dayton, Eville, FW.
Thanks in advance.
Now there is talk of Mississippi leaving the CHL for the SPHL.
Saw that too.
WHAT A MESS.
Comparing the Dallas Mavs to the Komets...
Dallas...veteran team hungry because not one player on that team had won a cup. Went out and beat a younger and more star studded tem.
Komets...full of overpaid veterans who consider raising the cup an afterthought to their post playing days at this point because 4 cups in less than 10 years makes it old hat to them.
I don't think they need to keep the roster clear of guys who have ever won a cup. I do think they need to clean house of the ones that did it here.
I agree with alot of what you just posted Snuff; but would add Komets coaching/management into that as well... As we have all discussed on here before, they didnt do thier homework when it came to the playing style, tempo, and what type of player to bring into a younger, more developmental style league like the CHL...
While the players deserve thier fair share of the blame for a dismal season, management deserves a good portion also.....
IMO...
Heard on the radio today that the Komets got some award for being the top franchise and bringing in the highest attendance rate of all the CHL teams. They quoted an average attendance of a little over 7200 for the Ks this season. Just think how much we'll rock that one next season when we're one of 8 teams in the league. The CHL is going to look like the IHL2 pretty soon, just with thousands of more miles of travel. Do we own any teams in Texas yet??
I'm sure Blake is working on a story regarding the league, Komets, and the direction of both.
Now with the meetings over I hope some player announcements will soon follow. I like the players Mightbite listed. I'm a little unfamiliar with Jimmy Bonneau except he was signed by the K's last season but played in the AHL. My recollection is that he is a power forward, with size to finish checks. Can someone clue me in on him?
As far as the posts from Snuff and JR1 are concerned, it's too early to tell what philosophy management is leaning toward. One thing I'm pretty sure of is that management and coaches didn't do their job recruiting players for last years' camp. I don't think they are going to make that mistake again. Player announcements will help us to figure out their thinking.
I think you will see at least eight or nine new faces this year. My opinion is that no matter how many Cups have been raised in the past, this years' team will be put together with speed and skill first. That will be the important thing, not the "name" of the player or the history attached to them.
To Andy sherman, Curadeau's stats certainly were a disappointment last year. If he was the highest paid player, I think he certainly expects to play for less this year. He could be the best player here with what he brings to the table, bit you get paid on production, not for potential especially when you know that the roster is going to be torn apart.
JungleMonkey is right. I've posted before that their is no reason, sense of urgency, or even a sniff of a desire for the ECHL to talk merger with the CHL. Why should they? All the ECHL has to do is outlast the CHL and then pick the bones. Only when both leagues are strong, or both on the verge of failure, will true negotiations take place.
JR1 you are correct. I think they realize that too.
I give them the benefit of the doubt because of their track record that they will learn and adjust.
That doesn't mean if they fail to win a cup next year I will consider it a failure.
What I would like to see is a hungry team that playes games 1-20 as hard as they do games 50+
This past couple of years the veteran leadership of this team has taken a "been there, done that, we'll turn it on at the end and coast" attitude towards the first 1/4 of the season.
I doubt Tab Lardner, Colt King and several other quality vets in this league looking for a cup would handle the early season the same way. Tab played hard just about every game from the moment he got here. In Snuffs dream world he is the captain of your 2011-12 Komets, Colt King and 3-5 other 28-32 year old vets are brought in to lead the younger guys, Boucher is kept and a 25 and under goalie is brought in for development and away we go towards a rebuilt Komets team.
Blake, I posted a couple of hours ago. It hasn't shown up. Can you help?
It's now official, the Mississippi Riverkings have moved to the SPHL. Another CHL team bites the dust.
14 teams is still better then the 6 or 7 in the IHL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeL9SwmT_wA&feature=related
Alan:
Here is a Jimmy Bonneau fight with Jon Mirasty