Still worried?

In case you missed it, here's today's story on the Komets' search for physical players. I know some of you have been fretting that the roster is currently stocked with mostly skill players. I think you can't judge the roster until it's really close to training camp and it sounds as if coach Pat Bingham will be bringing up to 30 players into camp, so that he can have a lot of competition for spots. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt that the physical players will come. (I've heard a few might even be signed this week.)

• Speaking of skill, former Komets coach Greg Puhalski seems to be putting together a roster that looks frighteningly good for the expansion Chicago Hounds. Included among his players are playmaking forwards Greg Koehler and Steve Cygan, former Komets Blake Stewart and Adam Kostichka and a decent goalie in Marty Magers.
• Here's something to keep an eye on: I've heard teams in the ECHL are assaulting the free agent market by promising more jobs to players than there are spots available. It's making it tough for teams, such as the Komets, to bring in players when those players think they've got a guaranteed job in the ECHL. A lot of these players may be in for a rude awakening when training camps end and many of them are cut.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Comments

[Greg]

So it means the K's will probably be dropping guys and bringing guys in for the first month of the season. That seems pretty standard to me. Those that can;t hack it get dumped and then they search for others.

[David]

My take on this article and comments is we are losing players because maybe Fort Wayne is not as great of "hockey town" as we all think. I know we want our cake and to be able to eat it to, but if we have to sign a guy who is an "enforcer" then I say do it....

[Shutterbug]

When does the ECHL's training camp start?

[Greg]

And risk a roster spot on somebody who can't skate a regular shift. I think not. Get guys who will defend themsleves and play tough, but not a one-way enforcer only.

ECHL training camps start Oct. 6

Teams lose recruiting battles every year, including the Komets. This is nothing new. The only difference is you didn't hear Puhalski say it. Everyone in the UHL is facing the same problems this year. I know it's a foriegn concept to be patient with some Komets' fans, but try to have it this summer.

[Pat]

I thought Chicago was a relocated team, not a expansion team?

[IndyKomet]

I wouldn't be suprised if Morency is already signed. Usually when the Frankes give out details that a player is close to a deal or talks are going good usually it's a done deal already. I think the Frankes just like to build up the fans. I remember when we signed Dan Price he was mentioned in the JG atleast once or twice before we signed him. And most signings come on either Tue, Wed, or Thurs. So i'm hoping for something tomorrow. I don't want to wait until thursday because i have to work all day and won't get to see anything until late.

[dnl]

I hope they announce tommorow also. I would really like to see Morency play for Ft Wayne.

[Ollie]

I am sure you are right about Morency IndyKomet. You can bet the Frankes have had him signed for about 2 weeks already. Why would they show their hand to other teams if he wasn't? It's all a part of the Franke spin machine.

[Tony E]

"expansion team" really doesn't mean anything in this league because all teams turn over much of their roster each year. Look how well Danbury and Richmond did their first years Even Motor City got their act together (with a little help from the NHL guys) and finished their first season with a winning record.

[randy]

It looks like it will be a new UHL Missouri team in '07.
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=2696

[Greg]

An obscure two lines sentence does not a reality make.

[randy]

Say what you want Greg, Strickland knows or he wouldn't print it. He's very reputable in St. Louis.