Mark Smith is back in town and was at practice today visiting with the guys. Because of UHL rules, he's not allowed to play in the UHL this season or next since he left to play in Europe.
Mark Smith is back in town and was at practice today visiting with the guys. Because of UHL rules, he's not allowed to play in the UHL this season or next since he left to play in Europe.
Comments
Hi Blake. You have been busy today lol.
Ok, explain this to me/us. If the Komets have his UHL rights, why couldn't he come back and play for them? If they no longer have his rights, why can't he sign as a veteran just like anyone else?
Also, did things not work out for him where he went? I guess I am happy for all concerned that he did leave on good enough terms where he felt comfortable and welcome to return.
It's a league-wide rule, not a Komets rule. It's to discourage players from doing what he did and just drop a team midseason and run.
Even if we could bring him back I would not want him he left us high and dry. I compare what he did to what DAB did a few years back
Interesting to hear about Smithy. Is his season over in Europe?
Must be, he looked healthy.
Yes he looked healthy they have a no checking rule, he could not take the "Physical Play" in the UHL
It didn't stop him from being the team leader in scoring at the time of his departure.
Blake I get that rule as a way to stop a guy from leaving a team, going to Europe and then coming back to another team.
But if the team that held is rights was willing to take him back, I don't see the harm other than I guess teams might start using Europe as a farm system and hiding players there.
Beats me. I'm betting it was to prevent guys from starting the year with a team, leaving early to make big money and then coming back for the playoffs.
Too bad someone didn't kick the crap out of that worthless quitter! I bet Jorde challenged him but he backed down just like everyone else does.
Why wouldn't anyone want him back. I'd rather miss the playoffs than have the jerk back in orange and black.
GO KOMETS!!!
Luciuk came from Europe to play here. Why can't Smith? Because he played here and then left?
What a loser! Glad he can't come back to play!
The diffrence is Luciuk started the season in Europe and came back here, as Mark "the quitter" Smith left the Komets to play in Europe...
Things not going well in the Fort, so I will take my game to Europe. Things going well in the Fort, uh, I will drop back in and see how things are going. Everyone has given DAB a bunch of crap about his "alleged" quitting on the Komets a few years back, that alot of people never knew about until we wished he was back this year. Then with the wishing, a story flew out about how we wouldn't want this guy on our team. We have proof on Smith that he quit the team. Who on the Komet's roster would just turn their head and say "come on back, no hard feelings about the quitting thing earlier this year." And I know you said he by rules can't come back. Just sounds like we have alot of talking out of both sides, you know? Where does the Chief stand on this since he is so against other players coming back?
Did any of you actually read what Blake posted? Slow day on the controversy front so we make a huge issue out of Mark Smith being at a Komets practice? He is not coming back, nobody is asking for him to come back, nor could he come back and everyone knows this already. He is just visiting with former teammates/friends, period.
The only people that deserve to be pissed on any level are the fans. Thiis kid of came out of left field for us. Management and the team knew well ahead of time I believe that his departure was a possibility. I am sure nobody on the team has any ill-will against Mark and depending on their families and finances would probably do the same thing if given that opportunity.
He left months ago. We got mad. We got over it. We have a big week ahead of us starting tomorrow so lets get charged up for it.
Way to say it Scoops. Never thought this would be that big of an issue.
It probably isn't a big issue. You did post the topic. People gave opinions. Bottom line is, he was brought in to be a huge part of this team, going got tough, he left. Bottom line. Alot of other guys probably would go for more money if they could. I didn't see Chaulk or PC pack it in, however. I agree though, at this level of hockey, you probably should go for where the best deal and money is, but you do run the risk of pissing everyone off though. And a guy should be able to deal with the negative since he made that kind of decision. Which he must be able to do, I guess. That is the risk he took.
Glad he is back to visit his old team. Hopefully he won't witness Euro-Hockey against Rockford, for all of our sakes.
It always amazes me how fans expect players to be loyal to teams that can cut them at the drop of a hat. Especially in this league where almost no contract is guaranteed. While I wish Mark Smith would have stayed, he had a chance from what I understand to make quite a bit more money going to Europe. In the short life of a typical minor league hockey career, you have to take those opportunities when they come. It isn't like the Komets were paying him 2 million and he ran off in a cloud of greed for and extra mill. These guys have the same real life financial concerns most of us have. (Except for the scoops guys who rumor has it season ticket prices are going to double next year just so that the Komets can pay their salaries lol)
I agree with you Tony E. All the way. My season ticket prices did go up, the fine print said that the Scoop Guys demanded more money and that is why the prices went up. Damn you Scoops!!!
You scoop guys will raise our ticket prices, and next season when the earlier going starts out slow, you guys will leave the team and go to Europe to toss your bean bags into the much higher paying crowds of Germany or Belgium. Then at the end of next season you will show back up to visit and Blake will post it on the blog, and all hell will break loose. Please don't leave Scoop Guys. We need you. You are our only entertainment. They should start playing "Welcome to the Jungle" for just your appearances. Your mascot could be Enema Man. Don't let him throw any crap into the stands, however!!!
Pay me to be a scoops guy? Never. I'd do it for free for these reasons:
1) Seeing the expressions on their faces is enough alone, especially the kids.
2) Seeing people actually take the time to make targets, that is what its all about. You do that and your a lock to get some tosses.
3) Having "Scoopies" - there are some real honey pies out there let me tell ya. Its like a cult....
4) Being recognized around town with a "scooooops" from time to time makes me laugh.
5) Being able to tell my wife that she is the lucky one in the fact that there are alot of females in Fort Wayne, but only 4 scoops guys. Still doesn't get me anywhere....
Yeah, there definetely not a shortage of old 300 lb ladies for us. Booster club, keep your eyes peeled. There has been talk of a Scoops road appearance, complete with bags and scoops. The kids do make it worthwhile. I am still amazed at what grown people will do to get a ball worth a couple bucks tops. I honestly feel bad when I see a six year old knocked down over a scoop. On a side note, we weren't real thrilled with the Snider kids digging into our stash on Sunday.
Unit~ A roadie with bags and scoops?? Fill us in..
Which scoop numbers are you guys? Inquiring minds want to know. Some of us made bets...lol
Scooping this year has been quite fun. It amazes me the reactions we get, good and bad. We try to get a scoop to as many people as possible, it sucks when you pick someone out, get the scoop right on target, and then someone dives out of nowhere and grabs it from them. You feel bad, but I guess that's brakes.
On another note, that road trip Unit was talking about won't take place until next season most likely. Not much chance of it happening this late in the season now. But you never know where the scoops guys will make an appearance.
I agree with scoops, the homemade targets do make things alot more fun. I really liked the one a kid had a few weeks ago. Around the target it said, "Bet you can't hit me", of course he got a scoop. I also want to say to those of you that sit behind the nets, we try our best to get you scoops, but the is definitely one of the more difficult locations to try and throw a scoop. We'll get tryin though. Well enough of my rambling, and LET'S GO KOMETS.
I'm #2
Scoops-#3
Sniper-#4
#1 doesn't get on here that I know of.
Onthedl- We are strongly considering making a roadie and throwing into the Komet's section-assuming most K's fans sit together. Keep your eyes peeled. Don't know when it will be, but I am looking forward to it!
Hey Unit, wasn't there a #5 Scoop Guy earlier in the season? I remember seeing someone wearing a #5...have'nt seen that one in awhile.
Neither have we!! He kinda crapped out. Only made it to about 4 or 5 games.
You know, I wouldn't mind having a crack at doing that for a game. Lol you guys should have a reality show. Take 16 guys, put them through Scoops Boot Camp and eliminate them one at a time.
I bet they'd find out it's a lot more work than you think.