This is a game where no one should be all that happy.
I warned yesterday of my fear of this game being a "trap" game. During the first 25 minutes of the game I actually thought to myself how wrong I was. The Komets played with hustle, desire, and spirit. Then came the final 35 minutes of play.
Everything I feared started to come true. A 4-0 lead seemed to be too large to lose. It is a 60 minute game, fans and P.A. guy. Play got loose by the Komets, and Bloomington got going. The fans started chanting the "you suck" diddly at the Blaze goaltender after the fourth goal. It is a 60 minute game, not 25 minutes!! The Komet players started to get beat to all the loose pucks and again started to lose the faceoffs. I'll admit that the ref didn't help matters any as he was pretty inconsistent with some of his calls. Who, among you, wasn't concerned when Smith took a four minute minor for spearing? The fact remains that hockey is a 60 minute game and, believe it or not, the other team has pride in itself too.
I warned yesterday Bloomington is a pretty good hockey team. How many of you think that when they come back on New years Eve, they won't dwell on the fact that they lost, but will only be inspired by their near come back?
Blake states "defensive lapses" are increasing. It isn't all the fault of the defensemen. Colin Chaulk scores a goal and still is a minus three for the game. That isn't good.
Speaking of defensemen. How many shifts did Starenky skate? One, maybe. I know, or think, that Sims may be afraid to use him as he seems to pick up a bunch of rather needless penalties. OK, I get that. But why have a player you are afraid to use? Overworking the other parts of the defensive corp doesn't make much sense.
Go to Cohn's blog and read what Chaulk had to say about the three days off, family, Christmas, and how at least they still got the two points. Pretty interesting.
Very glad to see Bennefield score a goal last night. Hopefully he isn't far away from going on a real streak.
Missouri comes in on Thursday. They've added a defenseman and gotten one of their other players back from IR. They played in Wichita last night and have to make a long trip to get to Fort Wayne for tomorrow's game.
I have no idea which Fort Wayne team is going to show up, the 25 minute team, or the 35 minute team? Do you? I doubt if you do, and there lies the problem.
breslyn
Wed, 12/28/2011 - 12:16pm
I am wondering who will go on the IR with Auger and Rizk come back...
What is the meaning behind this article Blake? If any of this comes true this could leave us on an island with the Central Hockey League. While I continue to be satisfied with the play of the CHL it just isn't that exciting anymore without rivals coming to the Coliseum.
What continues to hold us back on not joining the likes of Chicago, Cincinnati, Kzoo, and Toledo in the ECHL North Division? The fans would have natural rivals and be able to take road trips while making it back the same night.
It is hard for me to understand just how the ECHL cost more when the travel cost would clearly be less expensive in the proposed North Division. And while the ECHL has affiliated players they only cost around 500 a week towards the cap (aka Aquino). That saves money also if you know how to bring in the right affiliate with solid prospects.
It is frustrating reading articles like the one mentioned above and then sifting through peoples post on here with the understanding we are virtually in a league like the IHL2 all over again with the drama it has brought upon itself.
reiterfan
Wed, 12/28/2011 - 1:14pm
Boucher is the all star starter just put up on chl.
Mike in Toronto
Wed, 12/28/2011 - 1:57pm
Alan, there is no excuse for what happened during the game. But, as you say be careful with teams like Bloomy. One point though, Colin was +3.
Alan
Wed, 12/28/2011 - 3:02pm
Thanks for the correction, Mike in Toronto. When I was reading the game stats, I guess I couldn't distinguish a - from a +. That was my fault and I am glad you pointed it out so there would be no confusion.
How are you doing, Mike. Have you decided which games you may be taking in?
You are a hockey guy. Let me ask you a question. For some time now when a player scores on a rebound, the original shooter is credited with an assist. It happened last night as Bennefield took a hard shot, the puck rebounded (quite a ways) out to Chaulk and he fired it home. Chaulk got the goal. of course, but Bennefield got an assist.
My thinking would've been Chaulk scores unassisted as the goaltender got credited with a save and then gave up the goal on the next shot without any interaction from any other Komet player. In other words there were two separate plays. What am I missing on my reasoning?
Mike in Toronto
Wed, 12/28/2011 - 3:16pm
Alan, I think we are coming for the Feb 18th weekend games. They are very busy during that time.
If the defending team does not control the puck the referee will normally reward the assists. If the puck came off the pads and the defender handled the puck with control then it would or at least should be unassisted.
It would be the same if a pass went off a defenders skate etc. As long as there is no control.
And Colin's +- was suffering enough. LOL.
KometsfanX
Wed, 12/28/2011 - 3:55pm
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't there seem to be a CHL Goalie of the Week curse? Didn't the same thing happen to Boucher when he got GOW? He came out the next game and stunk it up? Or am I just wrong?
Blake Sebring
Wed, 12/28/2011 - 4:52pm
Well, Andrew, get used to reading them because it probably won't change for a while.
It's all about keeping your options open so you can take the best deal, not get stuck with one. I don't know what the Komets are going to do and they are not answering questions about that right now.
No. 1, no way does Evansville go junior hockey. Ron Geary can afford to lose more money than the entire USHL is worth, and he wants to win a pro championship.
No. 2, yes, ECHL makes SOME geographic sense, but it depends on what the expansion fee is. Is the ECHL willing to waive the fee?
No. 3, what are the true expenses of owning an ECHL team? Are they higher or lower than CHL? Travel cost can't be that much less when you are making trips to Florida and South Carolina, etc, even if you do it once per season. There's also some huge playoff costs if you are lucky enough to get that far. That has to be taken into consideration. Same is true with the CHL.
What do I think will happen? I think many owners are kind of hoping there's some kind of merger between the CHL and ECHL, or a crossover schedule or something like that. I have no idea if it will happen.
I think the Komets could end up in the ECHL, they could remain in the CHL or there's option No. 3. It's way too early for anyone to know at this point and no one wants to show their cards so they can get the best deal.
Hit the post
Wed, 12/28/2011 - 5:16pm
More ice time for Starenky and maybe a game off for Frankie?
Turnovers are more difficult to improve upon than bad penalties.
Having attended numerous games, he certainly hasn't looked like the all star of last year.
Alan
Wed, 12/28/2011 - 6:08pm
Thanks, Mike in Toronto. Yea, Colin kind of started off slow, didn't he. His plus/minus is rising and I am glad to see him shooting more. I've always said that he is a player who seems to make everyone else on the ice better.
Some tough decisions are going to have to be made if Auger and Rizk are going to play. I know what I would do but it wouldn't be popular so I'm going to keep it to myself.
I think this team could get even better with a few tweaks here and there. Doubt if the Franke's will do it, though. They like their vets and I can think of two that could go, free up some salary cap and find themselves a power forward.
Toughness may be in demand on Thursday. Just sorted through the Missouri roster and it looks like they've got themselves some guys that sit in the box as often as they sit on their bench. Funny statistic about (D) David Simoes who they just signed. He's played one game and has thirty-two minutes of penalties. There has got to be a misconduct or two in there somewhere.
Blake, as far as Andrew Eamon's comments and your retort, it just seems as if this stuff will never go away, does it? The junior leagues have gotten real aggressive and I wonder if they've ever given thought to the fact that the more professional teams ( or leagues) they run out of business, the less opportunities there are for their graduates.
How many ECHL teams are at the end of their contracts after this year? The ECHL would have no incentive to become partners with the CHL or anyone else until they are faced with league adversity. They are expanding next year. It seems the rest are shrinking.
offthepost
Wed, 12/28/2011 - 7:41pm
Andrew...I wouldn't put much faith in that article. The originator is obviously full of crap...bloomington indiana? The reporter couldn't even do enough homework to know that the bloomington team being referred to in the article is in ILLINOIS ! Who ever wrote the article is not very informed and should really get the facts straight prior to writing such an article
Blake Sebring
Wed, 12/28/2011 - 7:46pm
It's amazing how many times I see that mistake made, though.
chuckitt
Wed, 12/28/2011 - 10:43pm
i still think the frankes plan of aa alignment by geography is the best bet for hockey to survive. echl and chl should merge and realign. winners of each region and a few wild cards would then meet in the playoffs to determine a champion. costs would be reduced and natural rivals would emerge. each aa team then could be associated with an ahl team to house some of their players and give some of ours a camp to tryout in. something has to give one of these days and some of the egos that wont buy into this will have to cave in or go under.
offthepost
Wed, 12/28/2011 - 11:16pm
I know how easy it is to confuse the two bloomingtons with Indiana being more recognized due to Indiana university but writing a story for a hockey magazine that in depth is unacceptable and irresponsible reporting. The other problem with that article is that anyone who really knows and follows hockey knows that although the ushl is the top level tier 1 Jr hockey league in the USA..its not close to the level of overall talent and play of the Canadian Jr leagues..so..yeah I'm calling out the accuracy and credibility of that article...maybe some truths but also some fiction
Comments
This is a game where no one should be all that happy.
I warned yesterday of my fear of this game being a "trap" game. During the first 25 minutes of the game I actually thought to myself how wrong I was. The Komets played with hustle, desire, and spirit. Then came the final 35 minutes of play.
Everything I feared started to come true. A 4-0 lead seemed to be too large to lose. It is a 60 minute game, fans and P.A. guy. Play got loose by the Komets, and Bloomington got going. The fans started chanting the "you suck" diddly at the Blaze goaltender after the fourth goal. It is a 60 minute game, not 25 minutes!! The Komet players started to get beat to all the loose pucks and again started to lose the faceoffs. I'll admit that the ref didn't help matters any as he was pretty inconsistent with some of his calls. Who, among you, wasn't concerned when Smith took a four minute minor for spearing? The fact remains that hockey is a 60 minute game and, believe it or not, the other team has pride in itself too.
I warned yesterday Bloomington is a pretty good hockey team. How many of you think that when they come back on New years Eve, they won't dwell on the fact that they lost, but will only be inspired by their near come back?
Blake states "defensive lapses" are increasing. It isn't all the fault of the defensemen. Colin Chaulk scores a goal and still is a minus three for the game. That isn't good.
Speaking of defensemen. How many shifts did Starenky skate? One, maybe. I know, or think, that Sims may be afraid to use him as he seems to pick up a bunch of rather needless penalties. OK, I get that. But why have a player you are afraid to use? Overworking the other parts of the defensive corp doesn't make much sense.
Go to Cohn's blog and read what Chaulk had to say about the three days off, family, Christmas, and how at least they still got the two points. Pretty interesting.
Very glad to see Bennefield score a goal last night. Hopefully he isn't far away from going on a real streak.
Missouri comes in on Thursday. They've added a defenseman and gotten one of their other players back from IR. They played in Wichita last night and have to make a long trip to get to Fort Wayne for tomorrow's game.
I have no idea which Fort Wayne team is going to show up, the 25 minute team, or the 35 minute team? Do you? I doubt if you do, and there lies the problem.
I am wondering who will go on the IR with Auger and Rizk come back...
http://www.thejuniorhockeynews.com/USHL%20Expansion%20update%20December%2023,%202011.html
What is the meaning behind this article Blake? If any of this comes true this could leave us on an island with the Central Hockey League. While I continue to be satisfied with the play of the CHL it just isn't that exciting anymore without rivals coming to the Coliseum.
What continues to hold us back on not joining the likes of Chicago, Cincinnati, Kzoo, and Toledo in the ECHL North Division? The fans would have natural rivals and be able to take road trips while making it back the same night.
It is hard for me to understand just how the ECHL cost more when the travel cost would clearly be less expensive in the proposed North Division. And while the ECHL has affiliated players they only cost around 500 a week towards the cap (aka Aquino). That saves money also if you know how to bring in the right affiliate with solid prospects.
It is frustrating reading articles like the one mentioned above and then sifting through peoples post on here with the understanding we are virtually in a league like the IHL2 all over again with the drama it has brought upon itself.
Boucher is the all star starter just put up on chl.
Alan, there is no excuse for what happened during the game. But, as you say be careful with teams like Bloomy. One point though, Colin was +3.
Thanks for the correction, Mike in Toronto. When I was reading the game stats, I guess I couldn't distinguish a - from a +. That was my fault and I am glad you pointed it out so there would be no confusion.
How are you doing, Mike. Have you decided which games you may be taking in?
You are a hockey guy. Let me ask you a question. For some time now when a player scores on a rebound, the original shooter is credited with an assist. It happened last night as Bennefield took a hard shot, the puck rebounded (quite a ways) out to Chaulk and he fired it home. Chaulk got the goal. of course, but Bennefield got an assist.
My thinking would've been Chaulk scores unassisted as the goaltender got credited with a save and then gave up the goal on the next shot without any interaction from any other Komet player. In other words there were two separate plays. What am I missing on my reasoning?
Alan, I think we are coming for the Feb 18th weekend games. They are very busy during that time.
If the defending team does not control the puck the referee will normally reward the assists. If the puck came off the pads and the defender handled the puck with control then it would or at least should be unassisted.
It would be the same if a pass went off a defenders skate etc. As long as there is no control.
And Colin's +- was suffering enough. LOL.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't there seem to be a CHL Goalie of the Week curse? Didn't the same thing happen to Boucher when he got GOW? He came out the next game and stunk it up? Or am I just wrong?
Well, Andrew, get used to reading them because it probably won't change for a while.
It's all about keeping your options open so you can take the best deal, not get stuck with one. I don't know what the Komets are going to do and they are not answering questions about that right now.
No. 1, no way does Evansville go junior hockey. Ron Geary can afford to lose more money than the entire USHL is worth, and he wants to win a pro championship.
No. 2, yes, ECHL makes SOME geographic sense, but it depends on what the expansion fee is. Is the ECHL willing to waive the fee?
No. 3, what are the true expenses of owning an ECHL team? Are they higher or lower than CHL? Travel cost can't be that much less when you are making trips to Florida and South Carolina, etc, even if you do it once per season. There's also some huge playoff costs if you are lucky enough to get that far. That has to be taken into consideration. Same is true with the CHL.
What do I think will happen? I think many owners are kind of hoping there's some kind of merger between the CHL and ECHL, or a crossover schedule or something like that. I have no idea if it will happen.
I think the Komets could end up in the ECHL, they could remain in the CHL or there's option No. 3. It's way too early for anyone to know at this point and no one wants to show their cards so they can get the best deal.
More ice time for Starenky and maybe a game off for Frankie?
Turnovers are more difficult to improve upon than bad penalties.
Having attended numerous games, he certainly hasn't looked like the all star of last year.
Thanks, Mike in Toronto. Yea, Colin kind of started off slow, didn't he. His plus/minus is rising and I am glad to see him shooting more. I've always said that he is a player who seems to make everyone else on the ice better.
Some tough decisions are going to have to be made if Auger and Rizk are going to play. I know what I would do but it wouldn't be popular so I'm going to keep it to myself.
I think this team could get even better with a few tweaks here and there. Doubt if the Franke's will do it, though. They like their vets and I can think of two that could go, free up some salary cap and find themselves a power forward.
Toughness may be in demand on Thursday. Just sorted through the Missouri roster and it looks like they've got themselves some guys that sit in the box as often as they sit on their bench. Funny statistic about (D) David Simoes who they just signed. He's played one game and has thirty-two minutes of penalties. There has got to be a misconduct or two in there somewhere.
Blake, as far as Andrew Eamon's comments and your retort, it just seems as if this stuff will never go away, does it? The junior leagues have gotten real aggressive and I wonder if they've ever given thought to the fact that the more professional teams ( or leagues) they run out of business, the less opportunities there are for their graduates.
How many ECHL teams are at the end of their contracts after this year? The ECHL would have no incentive to become partners with the CHL or anyone else until they are faced with league adversity. They are expanding next year. It seems the rest are shrinking.
Andrew...I wouldn't put much faith in that article. The originator is obviously full of crap...bloomington indiana? The reporter couldn't even do enough homework to know that the bloomington team being referred to in the article is in ILLINOIS ! Who ever wrote the article is not very informed and should really get the facts straight prior to writing such an article
It's amazing how many times I see that mistake made, though.
i still think the frankes plan of aa alignment by geography is the best bet for hockey to survive. echl and chl should merge and realign. winners of each region and a few wild cards would then meet in the playoffs to determine a champion. costs would be reduced and natural rivals would emerge. each aa team then could be associated with an ahl team to house some of their players and give some of ours a camp to tryout in. something has to give one of these days and some of the egos that wont buy into this will have to cave in or go under.
I know how easy it is to confuse the two bloomingtons with Indiana being more recognized due to Indiana university but writing a story for a hockey magazine that in depth is unacceptable and irresponsible reporting. The other problem with that article is that anyone who really knows and follows hockey knows that although the ushl is the top level tier 1 Jr hockey league in the USA..its not close to the level of overall talent and play of the Canadian Jr leagues..so..yeah I'm calling out the accuracy and credibility of that article...maybe some truths but also some fiction