The Komets announced Wednesday that center Mathieu Curadeau and rookie defenseman Alexandre Dulac-Lemelin have been added to the roster for 2008-09.
Curadeau, 23, skated his rookie season last year with the Komets ranking second with 34 goals and adding 25 assists for 59 points in 70 games. Curadeau earned the IHL rookie of the Week honors twice during the season and collected the IHL Rookie of the Month award for February, 2008. He was also named to the IHL 2007-08 All-Rookie Team.
The center appeared in all 13 Komet playoff games in Fort Wayne's run for the 2008 Turner Cup Championship scoring five goals and 11 points.
"Due to Mathieu's breakout season we were able to secure a two-way contract for him with Norfolk of the American Hockey League which is the #1 affiliate of Tampa Bay", Komet's general manager David Franke said. "Mathieu will attend Norfolk's training camp starting September 21st and if he doesn't start the season in Norfolk then he'll be with the Komets and eligible for call-ups during the season."
Dulac-Lemelin, 22, completed three seasons of play in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 2003-2006. The rookie defenseman also skated 14 games with Cincinnati in the ECHL last season registering four assists. Dulac-Lemelin checks in at 6-foot, 4-inches and 193 pounds and was a ninth round pick by Montreal in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
The Komet's 2008-09 roster grows to 21 players including 11 forwards, nine defensemen and one goaltender. Curadeau becomes the 11th Komet returnee from last season's championship squad. Training camp begins Monday, Oct. 6 at the Coliseum.
Comments
I wish Mathieu not but the best. He sure earned his shot after what he gave the Komets last season. It will be fun following him all the way to the NHL. I am afraid we will not see much of him in the "Jungle". We can hope so but I don't think so. Smart move on David's part. I hope we can get more help from Mike Butters and Norfolk. It looks like we need another offensive minded defensman and a strong scoring center and we will be set. With two veteran slots open we should be in great shape. The nut "Savage" still thinks Port Huron is the best on paper. I really don't think to much of him or his blog. GO KOMETS! Less than six weeks. Let's get it on!!!!!
Not only is this a great deal for Mathieu, but in the long term this is good for the Komets and the IHL. Players will realize that the IHL can create opportunities for advancement and will want to play in this league.
The ECHL is NOT the only way to get noticed by the AHL or NHL. I wish Mathieu well and I think he will get plenty of playing time in Norfolk.
i agree with the above statement, its also who you know, Sims knows a lot of hockey people as well as all the ties the Komets have.
I also agree Savage is a nut, i think we should petition to have the city of Flint renamed to Franke just to wrankle his feathers, Better yet Fort Franke.