Komets General Manager David Franke said this afternoon that the team has broken off negotiations with forward J.C. Ruid. Ruid is expected to sign with Chicago, but how long he plays there is anyone's guess.
``He has a strong desire to play in Europe, and he could not commit to play the entire season in Fort Wayne,'' Franke said. ``He's going to keep looking to play in Europe, probably all the way until the first of the year. We've been down that road and that was not a good thing that happened to our club. We've been burnt by that before, and that's not something we want to take a chance on.''
The Komets lost forward and leading scorer Mark Smith last season after 25 games to go to Europe. Two years ago they also lost defenseman Jeff White who signed in June but broke the contract in August to play in Europe.
Franke said the Komets have a couple of potential players in mind to fill Ruid's slot, including a couple of veterans. The team will also announce some more training camp roster additions this week.
``We'll just keep looking and see what happens,'' Franke said. "There's a lot of teams in the ECHL who have over-recruited, and there will be a lot of players coming available, maybe even this week. If the right guy comes along or another is ready to make a commitment, then we'll have eight veterans to start out.''
Comments
Well I'm glad to see the Komets avoid another Mark Smith situation. Also, we must thank Ruid for actually telling us his intentions so we don't get burned for the 2nd straight year.
Let GQ take him and get burnt. He won't score more than 5 goals for GQ anyway. And he will surely play like a sissy.
Ruid playing for GQ makes tons of sense. I can't think of a better coach to get you ready for Euro Hockey than GQ. Good choice JC...
Yes, I'm glad Ruid was honest, and I'm glad the Komets decided against signing him...now go play in Chicago and watch your career go to shambles playing for GQ..
As much as I love to beatup Puhalski.... Ruid was a sissy long before this, and he would have continued to be one here or anywhere else. I am happy that he won't be playing for the K's...
Ruid would of been a nice addition for the Komets regardless of his lack of brawling skills. The guy can play and has a proven track record.
The fact that he is not going to sign with the Komets (or vice versa) and the whining that he signed with Chief reaks of sour grapes.....as we are homer fans. LOL At least he was up front about his intentions of going to Europe.
I think that the K's made the right decision. I'll be interested to see what comes next.
At least Ruid is being upfront about his intentions now instead of telling the Franke's in mid-season that he wants to play overseas. The last thing that I want on the team is a player who does'nt want to be here....it only causes too many problems on and off the ice. So far, I'm pleased with the way the team is taking shape. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone that can make it to the game next Wednesday.
Sour Grapes or not Scoops...he is not a Komet and we don't have to live through another Mark Smith incident leaving the team standing there with their pants down trying to replace his offense with about 30 players that get signed and released within the same week. I too am glad he was honest...but also, good for GQ that he has to try and replace his offense at mid-season like he did last year...you think he'd learn by now. He is the ultimate Euro coach for Ruid to get ready for his trip overseas.
If I remember right, Scoops was vocal that he didn't blame Mark Smith for up and running on the Komets last season...he said he had the right to go and make more money...which he probably does...but Smith left the Komets in a bad situation too.
Scoops said: "In reference to what Mark said...the fan in me can agree with that to a degree (honoring a contract). But even still, Mark Smith has to do what is best for Mark Smith and his family. Commitment, honor, and loyalty to the Komets won't pay the bills when he retires someday."
Maybe Scoops wasn't saying that Ruid playing here and leaving in mid-season was a good thing, but just thought maybe a comparison of Smith and Ruid would be interesting here is all.
Hope they sign a SNIPER for a change. Give me a guy that can fill up the net...
It was written somewhere (maybe here on this blog) that he was considering Europe because he was concerned for his back. That has worried me since then, so I can say I'm a little releaved that he didn't sign. I'd like to see who else the Komets can get into camp, but mostly I want to see what some of these rookies can do. I think the rookies are the key to putting this team at the top of the league.
Okay Hit- I'll give you a guy and the Komets have his rights. Jim Duhart.
What I am saying is since he didn't sign or the offer was pulled....don't act like we didn't want him anyway. The Komets said what they wanted and he said what he wanted. Both were pretty upfront in their intentions. It's kind of disappointing it didn't work out but thats business. He would of been a good player here. I'm glad the management group stuck to their guns and didn't repeat previous mistakes.
The items I find rediculous are the continued bashing of Pulhulski. He is gone so leave it be. He is not a "career killer" as I can think of plenty of Komets that had good careers while he was coach.
We are in the same division as Chicago and he has always had good winning % against the Komets (if my memory serves). So be careful....he could have the last laugh but at least we'll be entertained, right?
Other news I just saw. Blake Stewart and JAMIE MILAM were released from the Chicago Wolves (AHL) training camp roster and Ryan Jorde has been signed by the Victoria Salmon Kings of the ECHL.
Taking a cue from Hit....does that mean that Jorde will be a big fish in a little pond? LOL!
Bob....that was BAAAAADDDDDDD LOL
His fighting style to me was like a fish out of water.
For all those who are wondering (and I know because I've seen). The UHL webiste is reproting the David Frawley will be in Flint for training camp.
Blake, can you please confirm that this is a different Bob Chase?
http://www.legacy.com/fortwayne/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=19313943
i believe i saw him driving about 20 minutes ago if he drives a big ford lariat pickup
Obviously not him.
Bob says to tell everyone hi.
The Chief is wonderful...I couldn't be any happier that he is coaching the Chicago Hounds. At least now when we go to games in Fort Wayne we won't wake up with slober all down the front of us from being bored to death. Maybe we will actually see a team this year that cares about playing hockey and being at least halfway exciting if not all the way.
I wonder what the over/under is on how long it will take Puhulski to run that new franchise into the ground because of his style on and off the ice? Or another bet could be on how long it takes for the owners there to show him the door? Any guesses out there? Sorry Scoops....I know you want us to either hail GQ as a God, or leave him alone.
Hit, lay off the chief. God, it's so old by now. New subject please. I'll give you one within 30 minutes or less, I promise. C'mon, Komet Warrior has made a sacrifice with OHIC, so I'm asking you to do the same with Chief and GQ, Deal? Pretty please. How about I'll buy you a beer?
For the love of God I'm begging you here! LOL.
I don't drink beer......nice try though
Give me a topic then Super Fan....tell me what to say and think. I can play your game. LOL
I'll take that beer, however!
Beer looks like.....and tastes like.....well you know!!!!
Is this a new topic? Kelly Miller is a very fine player and deserves a consistant line and shift this season no matter what the rest of you think? Oh.....crap.....that's been discussed too.
Fighting?
Drop the puck all ready...I am starting to get real itchy over here.....
It's called soap. LOL.