First, I want to extend my thoughts, prayers, and well wishes to Sean Venedam and his family as he goes through his recuperation and physical therapy. The greatest offensive explosion I've ever seen by a player was his three consecutive hat tricks in December of 2004.
Secondly, I think it is a wonderful opportunity for Al Sims and the Komets to get a first hand look at so many players during the Ontario camp. Getting two, three, or four players from this camp may upgrade the talent level and take care of the "developmental player" requirement in a hurry.
I'm left wondering how a team can evaluate a player thoroughly when your camp is only about a week long and you are looking at thirty to thirty-five players. Also, I wish that the K's could schedule three or four pre-season games (instead of two) as a way to make sure that each youngster is judged fairly. Just my thoughts.
Y2K
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 2:14pm
Training camp is roughly 2 weeks...Starts October 10th
BlueLineBaby
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 3:32pm
You don't ever get to evaluate a player thoroughly. You do the best you can with the background info you have, what you see on the ice, and what you get in the interview. It's also not only Al doing the evals. He has Graham there, he also has a couple other guys doing a little bit here, a little bit there (read: Chaulk, the owners, and the trainers). All those guys know their piece to look for, have been in this game for a very long time, and will give their input on the guys in the camp. Sims is not going to be at that Canadian camp alone....my guess is Chaulk goes with....it's in Ontario, his hometown. And Chaulk is a great guy to evaluate players. Who better than someone who has been on both the playing and coaching end, much more recently than Sims, even?
And honestly, I'd love for there to be a couple extra preseason games too. Only because I'd just like there to be that little extra time for a couple guys who you just KNOW would make the team over another guy or two. But those preseason games are not big sellers....we all know that does not go over well with the advertisers, the Coliseum, and the owners.
Y2K
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 5:10pm
Don't forget that Sims, Chaulk and whoever else are probably also talking with former teammates of players along with coaches.
zanderson84
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 8:02pm
What Alan said about Sean Venedam....one of my top 5 favorite Komets ever. The 3 straight hat tricks is something that may never be topped in Komets lore. I also remember a Sunday playoff game hat trick in 03. Hustle and team player to a T.
Mike in Toronto
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 9:48pm
You can't teach fundamentals to players at this age. Skating first, stick handling second, passing third and shooting fourth. That is how we were taught as youngsters. The stick skills came more as you grew bigger and stronger.
So if all the fundamentals are there you can refine your search, much like google. We need some goals!!! This player can fly, handles the puck not bad, passes well and sees the ice, and he can shoot BBs. Voila. Maybe? Can he do it in traffic with a defenceman in front of him and a back checker coming hard. Oh, how big is he? Is he physical in the drills? Answer, he is over 6 feet and he can muck it up a bit.
A few exhibition games to determine if he can do in the game what he did in the camp. Without more time (re: everyone's good point about number of exhibition games) it can be a crap shoot whether the player can make it at all.
That's why you can't win every year. However in Fort Wayne you have good ownership that are working hard to do just that.
They are looking at every angle. A great thing, I believe.
Go Sean.
Hit Somebody!!!
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 11:59pm
Saw on JC's site that rumor has it the Komets are signing Stephon Thorne....OHL player that plays with alot of edge...I call it piss and vinegar.
All youtube videos I have seen shows me he throws him hard and often, sticks up for teammates, doesn't let anyone push him around, takes the body, and can play hockey as well. Reminds me of a Danny Stewart type player.
You are right Hit, he'll be a favorite.BUT if we get the other guy from overseas :) :)
Hit Somebody!!!
Sat, 08/06/2011 - 2:45am
What other guy?
Mr Snufflupugus
Sat, 08/06/2011 - 9:26am
A perfect AA 3rd line player. Young, aggressive, can give you energy and 10-15 goals.
His biggest problem is something that will drive fans in this town crazy...sometimes he forgets that as a forward he still needs to backcheck. But.... he is very young and these habits can be corrected if he is willing to work.
mightbite
Sat, 08/06/2011 - 11:14am
Throne-Schrock-New guy=3rd line.
I will not tell who he is :( as this has became stressful
RunningKomet
Sat, 08/06/2011 - 11:40am
mightbite: Is your new last name "Franke" now? You're going to bait everyone, then say you'll tell us in 7-10 days? What is so stressful about typing a name? Less than a week ago you were bragging about all the signings you've broken and now the stress has become just too much to bear.
Hit Somebody!!!
Sat, 08/06/2011 - 12:34pm
I thought Lapointe was the 3rd line center???
Things ought to be interesting because now I am seeing that if Thorne is brought in and is the type of player in this league that he was in the OHL, he would have to make the team.....He was the captain of his OHL team, plays with a serious edge, has offensive game, body checks like mad, and can skate well.
So what is interesting is....guys like Auger, Mele, PC, etc. cannot just assume they have a job. Because if Thorne has anything to do with things in camp, he will fight someone to the death to make the team, so to speak.
Komets39
Sat, 08/06/2011 - 1:22pm
Is the tough guy from overseas Eric Yngwe that was mentioned in the article Blake wrote the other day ? I saw he had 125 PIM in 30 games.
The Komets used to have THREE preseason games. Two at home, one on the road. The first two usually featured mostly new guys to watch them in game action. The third one was a game for the familiar players. Believe me, the Komets can afford one more game at the Coliseum.
You can watch guys practice all you want but until you see how a player reacts in game situations then all you are doing is guessing. I don't care who is evaluating. I don't care how many are evaluating. When you have 35 guys in camp it becomes difficult.
I'm not saying having 35 in camp is wrong. Last year they had only about 25 in camp and that was a fiasco. I'm just saying that there is only so much time, so much ice, and a lot riding on the decisions.
I'm not talking about the Ontario camp. I'm talking about the Komets preseason training camp.
Bob
Sat, 08/06/2011 - 2:40pm
If I remember, back in the mid to late 1990s the number of preseason games was anywhere from 3 to 5 games. I think in the 1998-1999 season there were actually 5 games because they played Cincinnati twice in preseason.
Alan
Sat, 08/06/2011 - 2:44pm
So here we are. Another minor league off season.
The Evansville IceMen have a bunch of players signed and announced but no place to play. The Bloomington Blaze have a place to play but no announced signings.
KometKrazy
Sat, 08/06/2011 - 4:40pm
Ladies and Gentlemen introducing the Bloomingsville IceBlaze. They have no signings and no place to play.
Blake Sebring
Sat, 08/06/2011 - 4:46pm
Komets have tried to schedule three exhibition games over the last few years with no luck because they haven't been able to find someone to play the third game.
Komets39
Sat, 08/06/2011 - 6:15pm
I saw this over on the Elmira board and they said Tristin Llewellyn signed with the Komets.
He is a 6'2'' 210 pound defensemen who played college for the Michigan Wolverines.
I feel it is not fair to Blake-Justin to tell about player signings before they are announced.I get my info. from a player agent.He gives me info. when I ask or he calls. The stressful part is when Blake-Justin-Franke says NO.The contracts are already signed & approved by the league and they still say NO.
No goal scores signed as of now.
KometKrazy
Sun, 08/07/2011 - 6:27am
I think the Komets will get a goal scorer or 2 before the season starts. But if not they can just put 3 or 4 defensemen on the ice and just keep the other team from scoring and win a bunch of games 1-0. Just kidding. I am interested to see how some of these younger players that they have signed from lower leagues do. Maybe 1 or 2 of them may turn out to be the snipers we need. You gotta start somewhere.
Comments
First, I want to extend my thoughts, prayers, and well wishes to Sean Venedam and his family as he goes through his recuperation and physical therapy. The greatest offensive explosion I've ever seen by a player was his three consecutive hat tricks in December of 2004.
Secondly, I think it is a wonderful opportunity for Al Sims and the Komets to get a first hand look at so many players during the Ontario camp. Getting two, three, or four players from this camp may upgrade the talent level and take care of the "developmental player" requirement in a hurry.
I'm left wondering how a team can evaluate a player thoroughly when your camp is only about a week long and you are looking at thirty to thirty-five players. Also, I wish that the K's could schedule three or four pre-season games (instead of two) as a way to make sure that each youngster is judged fairly. Just my thoughts.
Training camp is roughly 2 weeks...Starts October 10th
You don't ever get to evaluate a player thoroughly. You do the best you can with the background info you have, what you see on the ice, and what you get in the interview. It's also not only Al doing the evals. He has Graham there, he also has a couple other guys doing a little bit here, a little bit there (read: Chaulk, the owners, and the trainers). All those guys know their piece to look for, have been in this game for a very long time, and will give their input on the guys in the camp. Sims is not going to be at that Canadian camp alone....my guess is Chaulk goes with....it's in Ontario, his hometown. And Chaulk is a great guy to evaluate players. Who better than someone who has been on both the playing and coaching end, much more recently than Sims, even?
And honestly, I'd love for there to be a couple extra preseason games too. Only because I'd just like there to be that little extra time for a couple guys who you just KNOW would make the team over another guy or two. But those preseason games are not big sellers....we all know that does not go over well with the advertisers, the Coliseum, and the owners.
Don't forget that Sims, Chaulk and whoever else are probably also talking with former teammates of players along with coaches.
What Alan said about Sean Venedam....one of my top 5 favorite Komets ever. The 3 straight hat tricks is something that may never be topped in Komets lore. I also remember a Sunday playoff game hat trick in 03. Hustle and team player to a T.
You can't teach fundamentals to players at this age. Skating first, stick handling second, passing third and shooting fourth. That is how we were taught as youngsters. The stick skills came more as you grew bigger and stronger.
So if all the fundamentals are there you can refine your search, much like google. We need some goals!!! This player can fly, handles the puck not bad, passes well and sees the ice, and he can shoot BBs. Voila. Maybe? Can he do it in traffic with a defenceman in front of him and a back checker coming hard. Oh, how big is he? Is he physical in the drills? Answer, he is over 6 feet and he can muck it up a bit.
A few exhibition games to determine if he can do in the game what he did in the camp. Without more time (re: everyone's good point about number of exhibition games) it can be a crap shoot whether the player can make it at all.
That's why you can't win every year. However in Fort Wayne you have good ownership that are working hard to do just that.
They are looking at every angle. A great thing, I believe.
Go Sean.
Saw on JC's site that rumor has it the Komets are signing Stephon Thorne....OHL player that plays with alot of edge...I call it piss and vinegar.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX21D-71EdQ&feature=related
All youtube videos I have seen shows me he throws him hard and often, sticks up for teammates, doesn't let anyone push him around, takes the body, and can play hockey as well. Reminds me of a Danny Stewart type player.
Should have typed "throws em".....
But I like this kid.....He destroys this guy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHQymDQ70ms&NR=1
Mighty will love this kid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBYois7ojhk&feature=related
One punch and boom!!!!
Mighty....get a load of this kid...wowsers!!!
I might call him Baby Mac!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vG_nLkvTJY
You are right Hit, he'll be a favorite.BUT if we get the other guy from overseas :) :)
What other guy?
A perfect AA 3rd line player. Young, aggressive, can give you energy and 10-15 goals.
His biggest problem is something that will drive fans in this town crazy...sometimes he forgets that as a forward he still needs to backcheck. But.... he is very young and these habits can be corrected if he is willing to work.
Throne-Schrock-New guy=3rd line.
I will not tell who he is :( as this has became stressful
mightbite: Is your new last name "Franke" now? You're going to bait everyone, then say you'll tell us in 7-10 days? What is so stressful about typing a name? Less than a week ago you were bragging about all the signings you've broken and now the stress has become just too much to bear.
I thought Lapointe was the 3rd line center???
Things ought to be interesting because now I am seeing that if Thorne is brought in and is the type of player in this league that he was in the OHL, he would have to make the team.....He was the captain of his OHL team, plays with a serious edge, has offensive game, body checks like mad, and can skate well.
So what is interesting is....guys like Auger, Mele, PC, etc. cannot just assume they have a job. Because if Thorne has anything to do with things in camp, he will fight someone to the death to make the team, so to speak.
Is the tough guy from overseas Eric Yngwe that was mentioned in the article Blake wrote the other day ? I saw he had 125 PIM in 30 games.
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=7224
The Komets used to have THREE preseason games. Two at home, one on the road. The first two usually featured mostly new guys to watch them in game action. The third one was a game for the familiar players. Believe me, the Komets can afford one more game at the Coliseum.
You can watch guys practice all you want but until you see how a player reacts in game situations then all you are doing is guessing. I don't care who is evaluating. I don't care how many are evaluating. When you have 35 guys in camp it becomes difficult.
I'm not saying having 35 in camp is wrong. Last year they had only about 25 in camp and that was a fiasco. I'm just saying that there is only so much time, so much ice, and a lot riding on the decisions.
I'm not talking about the Ontario camp. I'm talking about the Komets preseason training camp.
If I remember, back in the mid to late 1990s the number of preseason games was anywhere from 3 to 5 games. I think in the 1998-1999 season there were actually 5 games because they played Cincinnati twice in preseason.
So here we are. Another minor league off season.
The Evansville IceMen have a bunch of players signed and announced but no place to play. The Bloomington Blaze have a place to play but no announced signings.
Ladies and Gentlemen introducing the Bloomingsville IceBlaze. They have no signings and no place to play.
Komets have tried to schedule three exhibition games over the last few years with no luck because they haven't been able to find someone to play the third game.
I saw this over on the Elmira board and they said Tristin Llewellyn signed with the Komets.
He is a 6'2'' 210 pound defensemen who played college for the Michigan Wolverines.
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=81008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB_j0DUggwo
Another guy who can throw bombs too.
Oh but where is the sniper everyone wants?
Check back in 7-10 days Snuff.
Plus you are asking the wrong people...
We want to know the samething.
Frankes want the same thing, so ask them....
I feel it is not fair to Blake-Justin to tell about player signings before they are announced.I get my info. from a player agent.He gives me info. when I ask or he calls. The stressful part is when Blake-Justin-Franke says NO.The contracts are already signed & approved by the league and they still say NO.
No goal scores signed as of now.
I think the Komets will get a goal scorer or 2 before the season starts. But if not they can just put 3 or 4 defensemen on the ice and just keep the other team from scoring and win a bunch of games 1-0. Just kidding. I am interested to see how some of these younger players that they have signed from lower leagues do. Maybe 1 or 2 of them may turn out to be the snipers we need. You gotta start somewhere.