Ice Chips 05'-06'

Rave reviews and other news

Fort Wayne Komets coach Pat Bingham and general manager David Franke couldn’t stop themselves from raving about newly signed right wing Pascal Morency.

They’re pretty confident local fans will feel the same way about a player known for playing with a style that is up-tempo, emotional and, above all, physical.

“He can be a world class rat and when he does that he’ll hit your toughest guy and he’ll hit your most skilled guy. He doesn’t discriminate,” said Bingham, who coached Morency in Wheeling, W.Va., of the ECHL during 2004-05. “He’ll fight when the time is appropriate and he’ll walk away when he thinks it’s not. He’s fun.”

The Komets signed six players Thursday, including Morency, goaltender Dan McWhinney, defensemen Andrew Bozoian and Adam Blanchette, and centers Jean-Simon Richard and Martin Gascon.

But Morency, 24, was the biggest name of the bunch, not to mention exactly the type of tough player Bingham promised to bring in during his first season with the Komets.

“He can help us,” said Bingham, adding Morency is typically popular among fans and teammates. “What he brings to the table is a lot of passion for the game. He plays on emotion and adrenaline. … He can do a bit of everything. He skates very well and he can play the game too.”

Morency had 20 points and 326 penalty minutes in 70 games over the last two seasons with Wheeling. Broken bones in his hand and knee limited him to 17 games last season. He played for Flint of the UHL in 2003-04, tallying eight goals, 14 points and 248 penalty minutes in 51 games.

“I’ll bring energy and finish my checks and be under their skins,” Morency said, “and I’ll drop the gloves here and there and try to score a few goals.”

Here's some other interesting notes from the day:

• Bozoian spent 48 games with the Komets last season but retained his rookie status. That was important because the Komets must play four rookies every game. Bozoian has worked hard on his conditioning and should be better prepared for this season, Bingham said. Look for him to contribute more on special teams.
• It turns out Morency and Richard are first cousins. The funny thing is, they didn't know they were both were negotiating with the Komets. Morency found out during a family gathering when his mother announced Richard would be playing in Indiana this season. Morency and Richard are close, skating together during the summers, and Morency said it would be fun if they ended up linemates.
• McWhinney got onto the Komets' radar when he sent them an impressive looking DVD of his best saves. He was, at one time, a prospect of North Dakota's, but he never wound up playing there. The Komets believe he may win the battle to become the backup to Kevin St. Pierre, and become one of the biggest surprises in the UHL, this season.
• The Komets have shopped the rights to winger Jim Duhart to other UHL teams but, so far, no one has shown any interest, Franke said. The Komets got Duhart's rights in the dispersal draft of Missouri's players this offseason.
• Fort Wayne plans to have between 25 and 30 players in training camp, meaning at least six players will be cut. It should make for great competition.
• The Komets have called Flint and made some inquiries about Mike Kinnie, who had 24 goals and 47 points in 36 games for them last season, but so far it's turned up nothing.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

First meeting with the coach

I had my first opportunity to chat in person with the Komets' new coach, Pat Bingham, this afternoon.

First off, he had some news. The Komets have re-signed goaltender Kevin St. Pierre and signed defenseman Kevin Hansen, whose rights were acquired from the Chicago Hounds when coach Greg Puhalski left Fort Wayne to coach that team. (The Komets had already signed right wing David Hukalo.)

It appeared earlier in the summer that St. Pierre, 31, and the Komets would be parting ways after three seasons. However, a number of things happened to change that. Puhalski leaving had a little to do with it, since Bingham researched St. Pierre and who else was on the market and decided he wanted Frenchy back. Also, Bingham believes the criticisms St. Pierre took last year from management and many of the fans will drive him to be a better goalie this season. Finally, given some time, St. Pierre and the Komets were able to come up with a new contract that was more acceptable to all involved.

As for his playing time, Bingham said there's no guarantee that St. Pierre will play almost every night, as he had the last few seasons. It will, of course, depend on who the No. 2 goalie is, but Bingham said whomever is playing the best, including in practice, will get the nod.

Here are some other tidbits from around the Komets' camp:

• Bingham is a lot more chatty than his predecessor, Puhalski. I expect him to be very quotable throughout the season.
• The Komets have made it a priority to re-sign right wing Jonathan Goodwin.
• Bingham promised the fans there would be exciting hockey every night at Memorial Coliseum.
• The Komets are speaking with former Missouri goalie Kevin Reiter, so he still may be a possibility to join the team.
• Apparently, some players are having problems coming to grips with the new hard salary cap. There is a belief that because of this, it's a buyer's market for teams and at the end of the summer there will be many good players out there because they are holding out for a salary no one will ultimately pay.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Bingham will bring it

I spoke extensively with Pat Bingham, the new Komets coach, today. Here are some things, based on that conversation, that I'm pretty confident will happen:

• The Komets will play a much more physical brand of hockey than we're accustomed to here. The Komets will be among the top-three teams in the league in penalty minutes.
• Even though many of us are readying up for brawling, it's not going to happen. Bingham, sounding much like former Komets coach John Torchetti and even his predecessor, Greg Puhalski, said he will emphasize defense first and that his offense will come as a result of that through the transition game.
• The Komets will win a lot more one-on-one battles, at both ends of the ice. I didn't get the impression Bingham would stand for his goaltender getting run or his star center cracked into the boards.
• Though the other finalist for the job, John Marks, is known throughout hockey for his personality, Bingham is a very personable fellow too. Expect enthusiasm during practice and during the games. He will be fiery.
• Some fans have expressed concern about whether Bingham is excited to get involved in the community here. I know Bingham is ambitious to improve his career -- I think that's a good thing because it means he wants to win and win soon -- but he said he's followed the team and the market here. He knows what he's walking in to and I expect he will take the fans' demands to heart and be accessible.
• I do not expect a lot of players from last season's team will be back. Though the Komets have got David Hukalo coming back, are speaking with goaltender Kevin St. Pierre and some other notable players, I don't believe Bingham's style will mesh well with the Komets of last season. I expect five players, tops, to be back.

As a question, now that the Komets have got the type of coach you all said you wanted -- one who will put out a physical team, show some emotion and have lots of ambition -- what will be atop your gripe list now?

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Comments from Bingham

Comments from Pat Bingham, who was hired to coach the Komets:

"Well, I’d like to be able to put it into words. Suffice it to say, I’m thrilled and it’s just a great organization with a tremendous hockey history. I've always sort of admired and respected the Frankes' organization from afar. When I saw the job was available, I jumped at it. To have it come to this conclusion, it’s an honor and a thrill. I’m excited I’ll be trying to get them back on top of the league."

"It’s a long season and it’s grueling, so there’s a real physical aspect to it. If you don’t have the guys to win the one-on-one battles, you’re not going to win games."

"I don’t want to make the mistake or give the wrong impression that it’s going to be run-and-gun or high-risk hockey. We want people who can skate and have a physical impression. But we will have a team that’s constantly in motion. … We keep high-percentage opportunities to a minimum."

"If you want to survive in this industry, you have to have thick skin."

"It will be a lot of fun. It’s a challenge. And when you choose to be a coach in professional sports, you live for the challenge."

"This is a golden opportunity to step forward and find those ways to contribute to the team’s success. That’s what we all long to do. When you look at a third-line player, you want the player who wants responsibility, who puts the work in and wants the responsibility."

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Comments from David Franke

Here's what general manager David Franke had to say about the hiring of Pat Bingham as coach:

"We let Pat know last night that he was our choice and I think Pat will bring a lot of physical play and a lot of scoring to this team. He’s a proven coach at the AA level. He’s a very good communicator with the players. I would classify him as a players' coach. He communicates well and motivates well and he’s really excited about coaching this team and helping put it together this summer."

"Pat’s approach to the game is a very aggressive approach, a physically aggressive approach to the game. That’s something that we liked and maybe something we’ve lacked a little bit the last few years. He wants to put the heat on the other teams as much as he can. That’s important for us. John Marks has a similar style of coaching but I think Pat will provide us with a totally different style of team compared to what we’ve had the last two or three years."

"The decision was difficult because they’re both so qualified. John Marks has a great record. … Pat has been successful, too. He’s won a championship as a player and as an assistant coach. Hopefully in his time in Fort Wayne, he will win one as a head coach."

"Pat has had his teams in Fort Wayne. He knows the fan base and how loyal they are to the Fort Wayne Komets. He knows how much they want to win, just like we do. That doesn’t scare him off. He’s proven himself wherever he’s been."

Bingham is the Komets' coach

Pat Bingham has been named the next Komets head coach. Bingham, 37, spent last season as an assistant coach with Bridgeport of the American Hockey League.

"Pat Bingham brings excellent credentials to the Fort Wayne Komets," general manager David Franke said in a statement. "Pat will bring an up-tempo and physical type of game plan to the Fort Wayne Komets."

Are you surprised the Komets went with him over the more-experienced John Marks?

No decision ... yet

This just in from staff writer LaMond Pope:

The Fort Wayne Komets are nearing a decision on a coach, but who will ultimately get the job remains a mystery. The Komets interviewed John Marks Saturday. Pat Bingham went through the same process Tuesday.

They are the finalists for the position. Fort Wayne general manager David Franke said Sunday no one else will be interviewed and a decision will be announced later this week.

"We’re going to think about it over the (holiday) weekend," Franke said.

Franke was impressed with both candidates.

Marks, 58, has 19 years of pro coaching experience, all in the IHL and ECHL. He has spent the last eight years as the coach of the Greeneville (S.C.) Grrrowl. He has a career record of 706-564-124

"(The interviews) went very well both for the candidates and us," he said. "We got to know them a little better one on one -- their philosophies on putting a team together. Both are similar. They like aggressive teams. They like to put pressure on teams. Both are good motivators. Both are good candidates, it’s a shame we can only select one."

Bingham, 37, has five years of head coaching experience, including two seasons in the United Hockey League. He has a 215-123-9 career record. Bingham coached Asheville (N.C.) to the Colonial Cup finals in 2001 and most recently was an assistant with the Bridgeport (Conn.) Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League.

LaMond will have more, including comments from both candidates, in Monday's editions of The Journal Gazette.

It's a mess in here

After some wonderful weeks that included marriage and a honeymoon, I'm back to find the Komets in absolute disarray. It must have been fun around here, eh?

First off, I'd like to thank Ben Smith, who has been handling the Komets coverage so well in my absence. (More on this later.) Secondly, I must concede, I find the coaching search to be a fascinating one. This is from my outsider's point of view, but it sure seems Pat Bingham would be a great fit. In my experience, he's a very knowledgeable hockey guy, with a good personality and he fields physical teams. Aren't those the traits you all have been clambering for? Also, Bingham has got connections around the higher levels -- he's coached in the American Hockey League and in the well-affiliated ECHL -- and I have to believe he would bring in some good prospects because of his ties. His was the second name that came to mind when Greg Puhalski resigned. (Todd Brost's was the first). Weeks later, Bingham just seems to fit.

Then there's John Marks. Older. More experienced. More proven resume. Can't go wrong there. I've heard great things about him. Heck, former Komets forward Sean Venedam gave him the nod. What more do we really need? It seems as if Marks would be more of a Dave Allison-type of coach, a guy whose vast experience will give him credibility right away. And he, too, is known as a personable fellow.

Still, I think back to the last playoffs and how impressed Fort Wayne management was with the Rockford IceHogs, who ousted the Komets from the first round. A big part of that was Rockford's coach, Steve Martinson, a fiery guy who fielded a young, physical team with an eye on grooming players for higher levels. Bingham would probably bring the same traits. I wish I could be in the room asking questions with the Franke brothers, but based on what I know and have read, I think Bingham will be the guy.

That being said, I'll have to continue giving you a bit of an outsider's point of view on this blog. I'm using some of the summer get my feet wet in some other parts of the newspaper, writing some more in-depth pieces, and it was scheduled many months in advance. So at least in the short-term, Ben will remain your guy on the Komets beat. Hopefully we can get him on here to blog some more.

I should note, while I was in British Columbia, I saw some places I've written about in hockey circles, like Nanaimo (home of Jason Kean), Chilliwack (home of the Chiefs) and Victoria (an almost-rival of the Komets in the International Hockey League).

Are you all pleased with the candidates the Komets ended up with? Or would you have rather the likes of Bruce Ramsay, Paul Willett, Rick Adduono and Steffon Walby been given more consideration?

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

More on Marks; Galbraith gone

More from guest blogger Ben Smith:

Back again.

And I'm a little taken aback, not to say amazed, that when I talked to Michael Franke tonight about the Greenville situation, he had no idea what I was talking about. He said they hadn't heard a word from Marks about it. I hope this doesn't jeopardize their shot at him. As I said before, he'd be a prize.

On the other hand, Pat Bingham ain't exactly chopped liver. On the further other hand (we're up to three now, which is pretty weird, I admit), the Frankes keep dropping hints that there's somebody else out there. Stay tuned.

Elsewhere, say so long to Lance Galbraith, who's going back to the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL. I know he was a big favorite among some fans, but like a lot of people he all but vanished in the playoffs, scoring just two goals, three points and taking 41 minutes in penalties -- penalites, of course, being the team's downfall. The Frankes barely shrugged. Clearly it is a New Era or something like it.

Also, the UHL announced its realignment, and the Komets are in the West with Rockford, Quad City and the two new teams, Bloomington and Chicago. Muskegon, Kalamazoo, Flint, Port Huron and Elmira are in the East. Personally I think the Komets got the best end of that deal.

Later.

This in from Ben Smith

OK, right out of the chute: I am not Justin. I'm just playing him in his blog while he's on his honeymoon (congratulations are encouraged, fellow bloggers), which is as good an excuse as you can get for taking a few weeks off.

So call me, I don't know, Stand-In Komets Guy, I guess. It's a lot better than some other things I've been called over the years, such as You're An Idiot, Such A Moron and my personal favorite, Why Don't You Get A Real Job?

But on to Komet matters . . .

* Having to go looking for a new coach will never to top anyone's A-list for things to do on your summer vacation. But if it's making for a far more harried few weeks than the Frankes figured to have at this point in the year, there is silver lining for both them and any and all Komet fans out there.

That being, they're finding out once again what a plum job this is considered in the hockey world.

You don't get a John Marks throwing his hat in the ring every day, after all. You don't get a Pat Bingham ringing you up.

The Frankes heard from almost 20 potential candidates in the first two days after the Puhalski announcement came down, and almost all of them were quality guys. Fort Wayne means something to hockey people. It's a nice thing to keep in mind on those occasions when things go south here.

* If you want my personal favorite for this job, I'll take Marks. His age (58) is against him, but he's apparently not only a top-drawer coach but a top-drawer individual, good with the players and the fans and the media. I still remember his Kalamazoo team that knocked out the Komets in '92. I loved the way that team played.

The only fly in the ointment is the team he's coached for the last eight years, the Greenville Grrrowl, is apparently, as they say, Not Dead Yet. A story in the Greenville paper Tuesday indicated that the Greenville County Council had given its initial approval to give $350,000 in revenues from the Grrrowl's home arena to the financially-strapped American Hockey League team. It's the first step in a multi-faceted plan to save the team.

More on that later.

*  As expected, the UHL approved a new hard salary cap of $300,000 at the league meetings Tuesday. It's another step in the right direction for a league that, unlike a few others we've known in the past, seems to be thinking with its brain and its wallet instead of its collective ego.

Later.

Ben Smith