Ruid ramblings

The Fort Wayne Komets are in contract negotiations with left wing J.C. Ruid, a prolific scorer who has played for coach Pat Bingham before with Asheville and Adirondack of the UHL, plus Wheeling of the ECHL.

"We're still talking to (Ruid)," Komets general manager David Franke said. "I don't think we'll have an answer from him until the end of the week. We're getting close but nothing's finalized."

With Adirondack in 2002-03, Ruid tallied 40 goals and 96 points in 71 games. Ruid, 32, played last season in Austria. Were he to sign with the Komets, the team would have eight players of veteran status, one more than they're allowed to play on a nightly basis.

"I think there's a good chance we would do that," Franke said, meaning the Komets would have to sit at least one veteran every game.

• I'm still pretty amused by the reader, a Missouri fan or possibly disgruntled ex-employee of the River Otters, who chimed in on my last post and decided to blast Fort Wayne. Let's face it, folks: If you're judging UHL cities on the stability of their franchise, the strength of their fan base, the history of their teams and their arenas, there are only a handful of teams that belong in the conversation: Muskegon, Fort Wayne, Quad City and Kalamazoo. Perhaps I could be persuaded Rockford does, too. Missouri? Uh, I don't think so.

Comments

[JR]

You get em you crazy talking redneck....lol

[Hit Somebody!!!]

Randy of The Redwoods.....what a arse-clown!!!!

[Junior]

Why argue stability when your team doesn't even exist anymore? It's like trying to convince Americans that we are still controlled by the British.

Do we have an idea of who we are inviting to training camp that is unsigned? I read that Adirondak has 21 players SIGNED, I thought that was strange.

[Justin Cohn]

Some teams use the word "signed" when it comes to inviting players to training camp. In other words, the Komets may sign 30 players for their preseason roster. It depends on the terminology. Often, it's written that way because it's easier to understand. Either way, 21 isn't all that unusual. It doesn't mean they couldn't drop players before the regular-season. Nothing's guaranteed.

[Junior]

Thanks,

Sorry, meant to say Elmira.

[Skate]

Hey Cohny, I'm back! I agree with Randy, the River Otters have been more high profile in the UHL even with the St. Louis Blues in their backyard than other teams, including the Komets. Remember Colin Chaulk was there first (99-01), before he got here. With an NHL team there, something we'll never have, you have to say it's a great hockey market. The Family Arena is a great arena and will soon have minor league hockey again, for their fans sake I hope it's not the "new" IHL 'cause this league is a joke. BTW Justin, I still can't believe they would let you, or you would be capable of procreating, viva Viagra you tool!