Startling number

I was just working on a story regarding the Komets' power-play unit and I came across a statistic that's just amazing.

Fort Wayne's league-leading power-play unit is on pace for 212 goals this season. Now, it's ridiculous to think they'll get anywhere near that total, assuming the number of penalties does descrease, but it sure looks as if some records could be up for grabs: The Komets' UHL mark of 83, set in 2003-04, and the UHL record of 118, set by Flint in 1995-96.

• I agree with those of you who have commented that defenseman Arthur Kiyaga didn't look very good last weekend. But let's remember, he's a rookie only three weeks into his career. It doesn't mean he doesn't have great potential. Just remember Mark Lindsay everyone.
• Still looking for a good nickname for the Bruce Richardson, Daniel Goneau, Jonathan Goodwin line. The best one I've received is the "Bee Gees." That's pretty good, I guess. At least it brings up some good musical ideas for when they score. "Mooore than a woman, more than a woman to me." OK, just kidding.
• I should give a plug to the TNT Morning Show at 98.9, since they've been gracious enough to have me on Tuesdays recently. I've done a lot of radio interviews; they've been the most fun for me.
• Here's a look at how the voting is going for the Komets bobblehead. At the risk of sounding like other reporters who can't get out of the past, how on earth is Len Thornson dead last in this? C'mon people, arguably the best player in the history of minor-league hockey. At least bump him ahead of Konstantin Shafranov. By the way, radio broadcaster Bob Chase is still ahead with 35 percent of the vote.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Comments

[Hit Somebody!!!]

The thing I noticed about Kiyaga is, he gets over-powered way to easy. That isn't a talent thing, that is a physical problem. He might be playing out of position. Why not try him as a forward? He just isn't strong enough to play D against the bigger lines in this league. Rockford ran right over him. Gabrielson should be in his place on Defense.

Vote for Fletch! Early and often!

[Justin Cohn]

I didn't notice the power thing as much. I saw him just make some bad passes in his own zone, resulting in turovers. One went straight for a goal.

[Kevin]

Eddie Long is Mr. Komet. First Komet to have his jersey retired. He deserves to be on this list. Also, I agree w/ Justin, Len Thornson needs more votes. Why is Konstantin Shafranov on? I like him but he only played two full seasons w/ us.

[Nic]

Yeh, I really REALLY like the way Gabrielson plays. Not your prototype Euro player. He throws some massive checks,and I was at the game againts KZoo and he played man up againts Bootland. Needless too say at the end of the game Nick was getten very fustrated because where ever he went Gabbes was right there. The only thing hurting him is he's not a rookie. I think teaming him with Hansen would give us a very phsyical 2nd D pairing.

[Nic]

Yeh, I really REALLY like the way Gabrielson plays. Not your prototype Euro player. He throws some massive checks,and I was at the game againts KZoo and he played man up againts Bootland. Needless too say at the end of the game Nick was getten very fustrated because where ever he went Gabbes was right there. The only thing hurting him is he's not a rookie. I think teaming him with Hansen would give us a very phsyical 2nd D pairing.

[Greg]

Problem with Lindsay was he just need time to get situated, Lindsay wasn't that much of a rookie, Kiyaga is still pretty wet behind the ears. I think his size will be a detrement as time goes on, but right now he just looks out matched.

[chuckitt]

i bet they said the same thing about colin chaulk and for that matter colin chin when they first started! chaulk, by the way is the leading scorer so far for his current team.

[jw]

You could tell by the applause for the older veterans at opening night, the crowd as a whole had no clue about Fort Wayne Komet history.