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Tailing the Komets

Komets sign three

The Komets announced Wednesday that Danny Lapointe and Tom Mele will be returning to the Komet lineup when the 60th anniversary camp begins Oct. 10.  Rookie Jordy Trottier has also been given a spot in the training camp.

Lapointe, 26, will be returning after an abbreviated Fort Wayne stint last year of 36 games (6g, 16pts).  "Danny was a good find for us last season," Komet general manager David Franke said.  "He came in and solidified our third line.  Let's see what he can do in a full season with the Komets."  Lapointe also skated all eight playoff games scoring a goal and two points.  2011-12 will be the center's fifth pro season.  Lapointe made his pro debut in the CHL in 2007-08 with Oklahoma City and Rio Grande Valley.  He split time with Dayton and Bakersfield in the ECHL during 2008-09 and then split the 2009-10 season with Dayton and Flint in the IHL.

Mele, 25, made his pro debut during the 2011 CHL playoffs making two appearances with the Komets.  The forward completed four seasons with American International of the NCAA last year and joined Fort Wayne under amateur status for post-season play.  "We liked what we saw last year in practice and the two playoff games he played", Franke said.

The Komets also invited rookie forward Jordy Trottier to the Fort Wayne training camp.  Trottier, 22, skated the past two seasons with Bentley University in the Atlantic Hockey Association scoring three goals and nine points in 46 games over the two campaigns.  Trottier played junior hockey in the NAHL three seasons 2006-2009.  He was the third leading scorer with Mahoning Valley with 18 goals and 46 points in 56 games during 2008-09 and named a 2009 Top Prospects All-Star.  Trottier is the son of former IHL player Monty Trottier who played under former Komet player and coach Ron Ullyot with the Indianapolis Checkers during 1985-86 before retiring.  Jordy Trottier is also a nephew of NHL Hall-of-Famer Bryan Trottier.  "Jordy has moved back to Indianapolis for family reasons and wanted a chance to play in Fort Wayne," said Franke.  "He will get every opportunity to make the club."

With the addition of Lapoint, Mele and Trottier, the Komets' preseason roster reaches 12 players.

Posted in: Komets

Comments

Hit Somebody!!!
Wed, 07/20/2011 - 10:48am

Wow....not sure what to make of things now. I know they are bringing in what they say to be 35 players for training camp. But originally it was said only 4-6 guys from last season would return. Dustin Molle, APOD, and DeAngelis still are not announced on the Komet roster.

I will insert these new signings into my pre-season lines:

Chaulk, Smith (listed at Center), &&&&
Lapointe, PC, &&&&
Auger, Schrock, Mele
McIlrath, Trottier

Milam, &&&&
Cescon, &&&&
&&&&, &&&&

Boucher, &&&&

With 4 Centers on the roster that all seem to be signed players for the year, not just the camp, Gotta believe Smith and Chaulk will be on the same line. Kinda like when Vene and Chaulk were.

Wonder if they will find some scorers? I mean legitimate 30+ goal guys.

Sebastian Thiniel?
Kevin Ulanski?

teresa215
Wed, 07/20/2011 - 12:07pm

I am happy to see Danny Lapointe back. He was one guy who wasn't afraid to take a hit or lay it on someone. Still need a couple of snipers though. Hopefully the Franke's are working on that.

andy sherman
Wed, 07/20/2011 - 12:09pm

Not a fan of any of these signings. We lacked scoring and depth last season...why bring back the same player up front that didn't score much last season?

RunningKomet
Wed, 07/20/2011 - 12:15pm

I agree, Hit. We were told there would be major changes to next year's squad after last year's shortcomings. Maybe the Frankes have short memories. It is starting to look like the more things change, the more they stay the same. Hopefully we get a lot more new blood in here for camp or else it'll be losing streaks until January when the STHs get hit up for our playoff ticket money. I am hoping roster spots arent guaranteed this year for past vets and that they have to be earned so we arent stuck watching the same coasting we saw for 60% of last season.

JungleMonkey
Wed, 07/20/2011 - 12:30pm

Who's to say that any of these guys even make the team? If the center position is that competitive that Lapointe doesn't make the team, I'll be happy. Not to say I wish anything bad on Lapointe, but if you can find 3-4 better centers you've done a good preseason job.

Lapointe did win his fair share of faceoffs centering the 3rd line.

We never really seen Mele in action so I can't have an opinion of his abilities.

Sounds like Jordy will get a chance but I'd think its going to be a longshot.

Hit Somebody!!!
Wed, 07/20/2011 - 1:15pm

Here's hoping he is the Jorde brought to camp.....LOL

There, I have fear of Jorde finally.

Hit Somebody!!!
Wed, 07/20/2011 - 1:16pm

Should have read:

the only Jorde....

Sorry.

RunningKomet
Wed, 07/20/2011 - 3:04pm

Thats what I was trying to say, JM, Im hoping nothing is guaranteed. LaPointe is one of the few from last year that Id like to see back. For a time last year, he was automatic in faceoffs.

mightbite
Wed, 07/20/2011 - 3:09pm

If these guys make the team=we are in trouble.

Hockey Fan for Life
Wed, 07/20/2011 - 3:30pm

To many guys back from last season already. Not impressed with management.

Mr Snufflupugus
Thu, 07/21/2011 - 12:05am

Don't mind the bringing back of these guys. None were part of the "comfortable" crew that won cups and all are under 28.

Orange_koolaid
Thu, 07/21/2011 - 12:22am

Mightbit@$. You have every right to express your opinion, just as I do. However, please quit with the over zealous pessimism. Let's together call Franke & co. and discuss reality why we can't have Sidney Crosby or Alex Ovechkin on our roster every year. I don't support mine or anyone's decisions everytime but offer help to the organization with your drive for success instead of venting on a blog. Go Komets. Whoever makes the team.

mightbite
Thu, 07/21/2011 - 3:06am

OK@$, just saying if these 3 guys make a line we are in trouble :(
We would have more goals scored with: Mirasty-Penner-Bonneau + more fights :)

JR1
Thu, 07/21/2011 - 7:52am

First, these signings would look a whole lot better if the K's had some proven snipers already onboard...

Personally, I like brining LaPointe and Mele back... LaPointe is a great faceoff guy and is capable of anchoring the third line. In fact, LaPointe, Auger, and Schrock as a third line could some some damage, IMO. I would also like to see what Mele can do....they were very high on him last season (players and management alike) and liked his potential. I like his hustle and willingness to go into the corners.

Time will tell; but as more high end players start to land elsewhere you have to start wondering how desirable playing in Ft Wayne actually is.?.?.?

Ryan C
Fri, 07/22/2011 - 6:25am

I don't have any problem with the signings. Lapointe was awesome on the face-off and played hard. Mele looked very promising. These are preseason camp spots anyhow. And I can assure anyone that management is looking for goal scorers and they are the ones who know who is available, who will come to came and who they can afford.

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