The Komets announced Wednesday that the preseason roster has reached 21 players with the addition of four defensemen and one forward. Defenseman Dustin Molle has re-signed and will be joined in training camp with his brother Byrant. Also agreeing to terms are defensemen Tristin Llewellyn and Dave Starenky and winger Stephon Thorne.
Dustin Molle, 25, joined the Komets in January last season and scored a goal and five assists while accumulating 42 penalty minutes in 39 games. In addition to being named the Komets' Rookie of the Year, the Ancorage, Alaska native was awarded the Bud Gallmeier Memorial Trophy for Community Service.
Bryant Molle will join his brother Dustin at the Komet blue line when training camp begins Oct. 10. Bryant Molle, 24, completed four years of play in the CCHA at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks last season and also appeared in two games with Alaska in the ECHL.
Llewellyn, 22, made his pro debut skating 33 games and scoring five assists, six points and 29 penalty minutes with Elmira in the ECHL last year after a four-year stint with the University of Michigan Wolverines in the CCHA. The defenseman also appeared in four playoff games with Elmira.
Starenky, 25, made his pro debut in the CHL in 2006-07 registering 57 penalty minutes in 16 games. Last year the Calgary, Alberta defenseman ranked fifth in the LNAH with 210 penalty minutes with St. Georges.
Thorne, 21, will be making his rookie debut after completing three years at Brampton in the OHL. The left winger posted 11 goals and 22 points in 61 regular season games as captain of the Brampton Battalion during 2010-11.
The Komets' preseason roster of 21 includes 12 forwards, eight defensemen and one goaltender.
Comments
Thanks for the update, Blake.
Have the Frankes mentioned anything in regards to what they are looking for to fill the other goalie position? Another vet, young guy, what?..... Just curious.
I'm on vacation this week. I know they are talking to a TON of players who are going to AHL camps and won't all make it. I think that's where the scoring will come, too. There are a million goalies out there right now and there will be a quality guy coming to town.
So far there are twenty-one players signed or commited to come to camp. Eight of them are defensemen. I believe they will try to get at least three or four more defensemen to camp. Five defensemen are "locks" to make this team ( Cescon, Milam, DeAngelis, Mangos, and D. Molle ). So, as far as the defense goes, there would be eight players vying for two spots. ( I believe they will start the season with seven defensemen ).
I think they will bring in two or three goaltenders to compete for one spot on the roster. If they are planning on a thirty-five man training camp, that would leave about seven spots to fill.
Everything done lately has been with the defense in mind. I think they have done a superb job getting the blueliners lined up.
Now it is time for the offense. I've typed it so many times the keyboard can type my thoughts without my help.
Relying on AHL cuts could be a good way to go, but it can backfire also. ( For instance, Jimmy Bonneau could be an AHL cut but I wouldn't classify him as an offensive forward.) He has his role, but it isn't as a goal scorer.
We are about eight weeks away from training camp. Two or three snipers could be the key to a championship season. The Komets are keeping their cards close to the vest. Time will tell if they are on to something and we will "see" if their strategy works.
Speaking of training camp. I thnk it's a shame that people can't watch the team during camp. I know the reasons why with insurance costs the way they are and our "sue" crazy society. I just wish we could sign a waiver and be forced to sit in the sections behind the protective netting. Just a thought.
Sorry, but two more thoughts.
1) I wish that Curadeau, and whoever needs to, will "kiss and make up" so that he would come back. Again, too much talent just to be let go without another try.
2) I'm going to use some reverse psychology now. So here goes....Please, please, puh-leeze Komet management, do not sign any scorers. They are highly overated as all they do is raise their sticks to draw attention to themselves after a goal. Plus the Coliseum could save up to 10 dollars a year by not having to change the red lights so often.
(CUT AND PASTE WARNING)
Very VERY pleased with these signings. I am sure some will cry that these aren
Alan, I am with you on wishing they could bring Curadeau back. Last year was such a huge disappointment for him, and many on the team, but if you could bring him back without all the pressure of replacing Chaulk he could relax and add that scoring that everone wants. He got going a little bit in the playoffs, and I think playoff Curadeau was more than worth bringing back.
Alan.....Great post..both of them. I believe you will need no therapy this next week. Although i may check in on you to make sure. I too am looking forward to seeing what the next several weeks brings. I believe it will be an exciting season for Komet Hockey.
I need to find me a Hodgman jersey :)
If they bring Curadeau back I wouldn't pay him a cent until April because he committed robbery last year until then.
Let Curadeau ride into the sunset. Why should he get another chance when so many of the others, who weren't supposed to be the team's offensive leader, are not getting that chance. He failed miserably last season; none were worse than he, not even Drouin.
CURDY sign in cincinnati in echl !!! Watch out Curadeau this year !! For a defensive player
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=69008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JuiTHuLR4Y
For you mightbite
Thanks TAus, it would be nice to have both of them :)
Why would it be nice to have both? So they can take a roster spot from a guy that will actually help the team win as opposed to strictly entertain the fans?
Amen on letting Curadeau go....for that matter, let's bring back Warner. He had a "disappointing" season last year, too.
Blake, at the end of the regular season David Frank said Brandon Warner would not make the playoff roster. But he said that he would have a spot on next seasons team. As of now Brandon name is not included. What happened to the promise David made?
Curdy never said he'd lead the team in scoring. I wish the people that made these ridiculous statements had to answer to them.
Same guy said "Lance Galbraith is more talented Andy Bezeau". Lmao.. That nonsense still makes me laugh.
Bryant Molle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEItJ7lDGzc
Stephon Thorne (My Future BFF): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBYois7ojhk&feature=related
Same Guy Who Said this: "Smith, 29, captained the Mudbugs last season, and he tallied 20 goals and 50 points in 57 games. Franke compared him to former Komets forward Sean Venedam, who was instrumental in the 2003 UHL championship."
Andy, chill a little, as a fan everyone has who they would love to see in a K's jersey. It doesn't matter who the player is if they are entertained and enjoy the what they are watching then you get your monies worth. You cannot have a champion every year and even though that is the goal, it will not turn out that way. As a fan, I want to see a combination of hits, fights and great scoring plays. If they win, so be it.
It's too early to see who will end up on the team and the way things are shaking down, a lot of competition for the roster spots. Hat's off to the team and who they have signed so far.
After the way Warner whined about not being on the playoff roster and Krug was put on after only about 7 games with the Komets, I wouldn't invite him to camp at all. Its the priority of the team owners to try and put the best team on the ice and Krug was 5 times better than Warner. Let him ride off into the sunset as well.
Or maybe an offer was made to Warner and he doesn't want to come back....??
Looking at the roster as it stands now, there wouldn't be a place for a guy with Warner's skillset on defense.
Andy S,
You stated: "Sign some impact players that will help the team win on a nightly basis and not ride the pine all night except to run around to try to get into a scrap for the fans."
Whether you like it or not, a lot of fans come to the games for the physical aspect of the game, including fights. The last time I checked the Komets exist because of the fans. Hockey is entertainment. Sure everyone wants to win but they come to be entertained! In my opinion, a lot of the other bloggers have a good point about having someone to stand up to guys like Sawyer, Goulet, Lizon, etc. These are guys that play a fairly regular shift, not "ride the pine". Other teams are able to find them, why can't we? I get frustrated that we always seem to have guys like Mac and Schrock who are 5'10" or 5'11" being asked to fight guys that are 6'5" or 6'6" all season.
I say we definately need some goal scoring but we also need a true heavyweight to protect the skill and keep other teams from taking liberties with our guys. It is just part of the game and part of what makes it entertaining to the fans.
If Curadeau did sign with Cincinnati I would wish him well. If he did sign there, then Jason Skalde saw something in him that most of us has missed. I will get off this subject now.
Snuff, although I don't agree with a lot of your posts I will give you credit for being consistent. I'm always a little curious why you rail against any player who has worn the Komet jersey. Your argument about these guys resting on their laurels sounds good but one I can't totally buy into. Sure there are guys who maybe coasted some. No one wants a player like that. You seem to throw the same "blanket" over everyone. However, all organizations have that problem at some point. Here is a question for you.
I am curious. Who on this roster, so far, do you think are good signings? Or maybe it would be easier to tell me who you don't like. Give me real reasons, ( not just because he is young, old, etc), give me logical thoughts.
Your rant about Chaulk, a couple of threads ago, was way off base. I'm glad that Mike in Toronto came to his defense. Colin Chaulk makes everyone on the ice better. He is a player that the other players respect and listen to. I am glad he wears the Komet jersey. I know he gets called for a lot of hooking and "stick" penalties. He needs to work on that but maybe that is one reason he is in "AA" hockey. There are way too many good points to his game, his attitude, and his teaching ability to dwell on a negative. He was, and still probably is, a "AAA" player in an "AA" league. My only complaint is that I wish he would shoot more.
I'm not sure how Hodgman got into this discussion except for rumors. However, I would take Hodgman in a heartbeat. I would take Aquino in a heartbeat. I don't quite understand how mere mention of a players' name can automatically bring out such negativity. I look at talent, and in my opinion, either would be an upgrade for the offense. I don't care about their age.
Totally off the subject, bit does anyone have any idea how that Ontario camp is going? I believe it is this week, isn't it? I bet the K's pluck a couple of players from it.
As I close my thoughts, I want to give a shout-out to Jack. It was terrific talking to you on Tuesday and getting caught up on stuff.
Alan....
I have already gone on record as to which signings (see above and elsewhere) I like.
As to your opinion my comments on Chaulk or others may be off base...well you are entitled to your opinion. Believe me I am aware that my opinions will not sit well with a large portion of the fan base. But as a fan I have a right to want to see what I want to just as much as anyone else.
And please....let this be the LAST time I address this.
You, Mike et all do not need to sell me or list me all of the virtues of Colin Chaulk. I know.... he is a great AA player, a great leader....a great teacher..... single handed stopped the great flood of 2002 simply by using a vulcan mind meld....
I will give him all of the above. I HAVE ...many times stated that I appreciate everything he has done for the team and the community.
That doesn't mean I have to want to see him back year after year. That is my opinion. That is my desire as a fan. To see you, Mike and everyone else rush to his defense is touching but it isn't needed. I did not attack the mans character, his family values or even his play on the ice other than as you pointed out....those penalties...arrrgh.
I like 99% of what this organization does. The one thing I have a problem with is their desire to reach back to the past to fix problems. The Komets were not going to win a championship last year with Colin Chaulk or without him. He was not the "missing piece" to lead them to the promised land. So knowing that I wanted them to look in a fresh direction when it came to building this team for the future. Not bring back another 30+ player. He did make the team better, and he did make most of you happy with his return. So from a biz standpoint I was happy. But as a fan it frustrated me.
So....in closing...I hope he scores 25, nets 50 assists, leads the league in +/- and leads them to a cup. Since he is here I will certainly be rooting for him to succeed. This isn't anything personal, a chip or anything else.... just what this fan personally wants to see.
Have a great day all. Too nice outside to be sitting indoors.
Out of curiosity, Snuff, do you have any all-time favorite Komet players? Or are they all just has-beens?
In case you wanted to know, I have two: Colin Chaulk and Robbie Laird. Different eras, but the best of the best in my book!
Snuff, I can tell you're a little frustrated by your response back to me. My intention was not to cause you anger or frustration, but to merely try to understand your reasoning. I know you have challenged me to look up through past posts your favorite signings. I have thought it through and I really can't think of any time you've commented on a particular player. Maybe you have commented on their youth and how you like that trend of signings, but not necessarily a reason based on talent, experience, or any hockey facts.
As far as Chaulk goes, you were the one who brought him up in your post a day or two ago. It is your right to have any opinion you want, but by expressing that opinion, you should be ready to accept those opinions who may not agree with you.
OK, I won't bring his name up again in any response I may have for you in the future.
Lets go Komets, get me some scorers regardless of their age.
Teresa...
Eric Boguniecki, Kelly Hurd, Ian Boyce, Sean Venedam, Kelly Perrault to name just a few.
Alan, your post did not frustrate me as much as the assumptions by some that I have something out for the guy which I don't.
I don't know how else to explain my reasoning other than how I already have. I want to see fresh talent here. That goes for youth and vets. The 3 peat crew had their run. I am ready to move on. Above I explained why I didn't want Chaulk resigned last year. You may not agree with my reasons but I think they are clear.
Fine..on the signings.... very happy they returned LKS, Lapointe and Frankie. Pretty happy they returned Boucher (hoping the backup is a young goalie Boucher can mentor while Nick plays 55 games this year)
Wished they had been able to bring back Tab.
As far as the rest go I am glad to see what may be the youngest training camp in years.
I will be happy if they end up like the Mudbugs and have six 20-25 goal scorers. You have 3-4 of those now I think with Chaulk, Lapointe and LKS and if PC can ride his wheelchair onto the ice you may have a fourth.