There are some reasons why the Komets have 10 defensemen under contract already.
1. This is an Al Sims-coached team.
2. This is an Al Sims-coached team.
3. Last year the Komets played four rookies on the blueline all year -- and got away with it. This year, that probably won't be as much of an option in what is a supposedly quicker CHL. (I'll believe it when I see it.) The Komets are serious about defending a title and trying to win another one and know they'll need depth on the blue line. As has been pointed out, some of these guys can also play forward in a pinch.
4. Three of the four newcomers all played in the ECHL, IHL or CHL last year so they aren't true rookies.
As Frankie DeAngelis said, ``You know if you don't perform, there's somebody just as good as you waiting to get his shot. There's so much talent, there's going to be a healthy competition.''
5. That's a good thing because the Komets don't want to get off to what has been a traditional slow start during recent seasons. Wouldn't that be a nice change?
6. This is STILL an Al Sims-coached team. ``I've been telling everyone to make sure you are in the best shape possible to give yourself the best chance to make the team. There's going to be some battles for jobs.''
OK, so here's a prediction. (Write it down HitSomebody, next to Varone will score 40; Remember I also said Syro would score 35 and everyone would love Schrock). Warner and DeAngelis will both score at least 45 points this season. They'll also earn power play time away from Dupuis and Drouin, giving those two a chance to play fewer minutes during the regular season and be fresher for the longer playoffs. Having three offensive defensemen like Dupuis, Warner and DeAngelis is a huge advantage for the Komets and would be for any team in AA hockey.
