So you guys better respond on here to let me know whose jersey cost the most tonight.
Also "me" suggested we start a topic (again) on what you guys think about what would happen if the Komets joined the USHL, a junior league? We could renew the rivalry with Indianapolis for one thing and see younger players. Now, there's no way the Frankes would do this, but it's fun to talk about.
Take it away "me'' and make your case.
Comments
You will LOVE the HOF, we went 2 summers ago and enjoyed every bit of it--there is a very nice Komets display. Had the teenage boys with me so I can't help you out with the adult drinks, but the folks there were tremendous. It's a beautiful city with wonderful people and I'd recommend a trip there to any hockey fan. I think I just talked myself into a return visit!
i know this is kind of off the subject but we are looking for some roller hockey players to play with our team up in Auburn on sundays starting june 4th. it would cost $60 to play for the whole time. any takers?
Larry Toronto is my second home. I spend probably a total of a month there every year. Shoot me an email, tell me what types of things you like and I will point you in the direction.
In general for anyone going to Toronto, Yonge Street has lots of shopping and food places. The Danforth area (greektown) also has plenty of bars and restaurants. Shopping I suggest Eaton Center which is a HUUUUUUGGGGEEEE mall mostly underground. Pick up a Roots brand sweatshirt while you are there. Best $40 you will ever spend. You can wear it twice a week and 5 years later it will still look like new.
If you are guy looking to meet women, or vice versa avoid the bars on Church street (I will be P.C. and leave it at that)
Because I do not drink I can't offer any advice as to the quality of beverages but there are plenty of great night spots.
Of course no hockey trip would be complete without a quick jaunt over to Whitby (Tom Lawsons hometown) and a visit to Don Cherry's bar and grille.
Actually, IPFW fielded a club hockey team in the 1970's coached by Len Thornson.
I have the dual honor of being the starting Left D-man in the first game ever played by a IPFW hockey team. Also, I was the first player ever ejected from an IPFW hockey game for fighting. (Middle of the second period of the second game. A guy ran our goalie.)
Among the teams we played were IU (which we beat 5-4 in our first home game) played at the old Gunnar Elliot Ice Arena. Hillsdale College, Kent State, Pekin and others I can't remember.
The team the second year, on which I didn't play, was much better winning the majority of their games. Len Thornson also coached that team. Lionel Repka assisted him the first year.
Very cool Skate :-) Did anyone you play with turn pro? Do you think Fort Wayne would support a college team today if they brought in big name college opponents as they built their own identity?
P.S. Skate! You! Fight!?!?!?! I never thought you would condone that type of behaviour!! ;-)
Lisa... what time on sundays do you play???
JR, the games on Sunday are like late afternoon to early evening. i think the latest game, i'm trying to remember from last year, was 8 maybe. but that might change depending on how many teams they get out there. but comparing to last year that's how it was.
One of the guys I played with had played some pro in Germany, Johnny Zimmerman. Ted Rolf, now the Komets Stat guy played on that team. Past that, no one I know of.
I don't know if FW would give the fan support to a hockey team. When we played, the Chancellor was a big hockey fan and wanted it to go. I don;t know if that's the case now.
Given that IPFW has to fight tooth and mail for fan support now, they would have to field a Div I team to get any recognition.
Back then, the olden days, we had to wear helmets but no face masks. You weren't supposed to fight, but we did. In fact, we had a bench emptier against Hillsdale, I think.
Of course, I was (as usual) a healthy scratch that game. Too bad.
Lisa, will have to check my softball schedule to see if it would work..
okay well email me either way. cowgirl82284@yahoo.com is my email address
That's really interesting that you've played with Zimmerman, Skate. He's a really good friend of my parents'. I've heard a few stories about his hockey days in Europe.
Anybody heading up to K-zoo this weekend to see them beat the Ice Piggies?
IPFW will never field a hockey team because of gender equity issues. They are barely scraping by as it is with what they've got.
I suggested years ago they ought to have one and stick with the so-called niche sports to build their rep. No one would listen.
Does IPFW have an intermural hockey team? They have one here (Purdue) and they're horrible but the guys have a good time. You'd think with all the kids that grew up playin at McMillian, IPFW wouldn't have that hard of a time finding players and maybe it could grow into something bigger from there... you gotta plant a seed before you get a tree you know.
This is probably a dumb question but if they need equity, why not field a womens hockey team too? Two of my recent coaching jobs were coaching womens hockey. It is a growing very quickly at all levels.
Did anyone notice that 3 of the remaining four teams in the UHL playoffs were the top 3 PIM teams in the league?
ROCK, DAN, MUSK
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.........
They had an intramural team but funds became a problem, I think. They don't want to add any more teams because of the cost. They can barely afford some of the ones they have now.
Not true Skate....fighting and grit have been going down the last few years. Those are probably just inflated numbers like players height and weight....lol
Tony E, Do you think that someday, there will be a professional women's hockey league, similar to the WNBA? I know women's hockey is big in Canada and is a NCAA recognized sport with it's own championship. I have a hunch that over the next several years one will see more women wanting to participate at the professional level (even if it's minor league) How well it will be supported is anyone's guess at this time. Anyone wish to comment?
While I don't comepletely disagree with what you are saying....but somewhere into this equation you have to factor TALENT. These four teams all season were consistantly the creme of the crop and it should come to no surprise that they are in the final four. They didn't advance due to a "goon" factor.
Bob there is enough talent around the world right now to field a good 8 team pro league for women. There are already very competitive leagues in Canada. It is a different game because in most cases open ice hitting is not allowed. I think you could put a few of the elite players such as Haley Wickenheiser (played on a mens pro team in Europe), Cassie Campbell and a few others on a UHL roster and when it comes to raw skills such as skating, shooting etc, they would not look at all out of place.
Scoops, I never mentioned a "goon" factor.
But I don't think many will disagree that these were 3 of the TOUGHEST teams (checking, physical, fighting) in the league.
The Komets have NEVER beaten Danbury and didn't want to play them in the playoffs.
Komets were dominated by Rockford (their choice to play) in the playoffs.
Muskegon dominated the regular season against the Komets.
These three teams pushed Komets around all year and they are still playing and the Komets are not. All I am saying is that we need to field a team that is willing to push back once in a while.
Folks, Im here in Toronto and the HHOF is the most amazing place any hockey fan could ever want to visit. We had about 3 hours to tour it and I am floored. Found all sorts of Komet related memorabilia including Bruce Ramsays Shin pads and Dave Lemay's hockey socks from our first UHL season, Len Thornson's 60's jersey, Sean Venedam's all star jersey from last season. Too many items to mention. When you walk in the hall with the Stanley Cup, it's like being in a cathedral. Spectacular! Also got to meet up with former Komet Dave Smith who is up here for the camp my nephew is attending. He really enjoyed his time in the Fort. Well, talk to you all when I get back, but if you ever have the chance and have a good backbone for a long car ride, get here!!!! Larry
Glad you are enjoying it. The Hall is incredible and Toronto is the greatest city in the world (in my opinion). Enjoy your stay :-)
Larry, If you get a chance I'm sure a lot of us would enjoy seeing some photos! Enjoy your trip, my friend.
Larry, please tell Smitty I said hi. Ask him if he ever found a good use for his journalism degree. LOL.
IPFW does have a hockey team. Its a D-3 team and they will have a full schedule of games coming up next year. Would love to see some support.