Ice Chips 06'-07'

This will get interesting

So, this is familiar, right? The Komets win the first game of the series 3-0, then get pounded 5-2 in the second one? It happened in the first round against Chicago and the Komets went on to win the next three.

This time, against Rockford?

"We're a better team that Chicago," deadpanned Rockford coach Steve Martinson. "That's why we finished with 103 points."

Then Martinson went on to point out how young his team is and that it won't be flummoxed with four games in five nights beginning Wednesday. It's true, yes, but c'mon, we're more than 80 games into the season, I think everyone's going to go the extra mile to get a championship.

Although, just as I write that, it occurs to me the Komets didn't look like they were going to give it their all tonight. They were dominated for most of the game.

"We didn't play the way we needed to play," Fort Wayne coach Pat Bingham said. "We didn't play nearly to our potential. We had several guys who were, not taking the easy way out, that's not the best way to describe it, but we didn't push the pace."

Looking back, I can only think of a few players who I noticed, let alone thought played a good game: Jonathan Goodwin, who was hitting everything in sight, Pascal Morency, Guy Dupuis and, uh, that's about it.

But I leave the rink thinking -- well, knowing -- that this series got interesting. It got very physical, especially after Fort Wayne's Brent Henley got into it with Jason Notermann in the third period, setting off a melee.

Martinson said he was going to look at the videotape, believing Henley kneed Notermann. Henley had a non-denial denial, which you can see in my story on Monday. Anyway, remember, these aren't the Komets of last season; if this series does get really physical, I don't think this team will let up. I guess we'll see.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Intense period

Few things will make you as nervous as showing up at a playoff hockey game as finding out Jim Hawthorne in the referee. Unfortunately, you never know what you're going to get from him. Well, aside from a ton of penalty calls. Sure enough, through one period of play tonight, we have six power plays.

The Komets, who lead the series 1-0, trail this game 2-1. It's been really intense, with both teams making some exciting plays. But the IceHogs look a bit sharper so far; they're not turning the puck over as much and they're capitalizing on some shoddy Fort Wayne defense.

One Rockford goal, by Chaz Johnson, came after A.J. Bozoian failed to clear the defensive zone of the puck. The second Rockford goal, by Nicolas Corbeil, came on a shot from the left circle after he was given way too much room to maneuver.

Fort Wayne's lone goal, wedged between the two Rockford scores, came from defenseman Guy Dupuis on a power play. More than anything, it was thanks to J.C. Ruid, who was in front of the net battling a defenseman and screening the goaltender.

All that being said, the Komets certainly look good enough to win. And they'd better; Rockford isn't an easy place to play, and the next two games will be there.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Looking to keep it up

You may recall the first round of these playoffs, when the Komets won Game 1 over Chicago 3-0, only to get shelled 5-2 in the next game. The Komets went on to win that series, sure, but they don't want a repeat of events.

After winning Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals 3-0 over the Rockford IceHogs on Friday, the Komets are looking to keep it going on Sunday at Memorial Coliseum.

Aside from making sure they don't let down mentally, the Komets are focusing on defending the high-flying style of the IceHogs.

"They're a high-tempo team, quick in transition, a really good cycling team," Komets coach Pat Bingham said. "Their forwards are strong on the puck, creative and skilled. We have to limit their zone time. ... We know all these things about them. We've had a chance to play them 10 times through the course of the year. They've only gotten better as the year's gone on. It's going to get tougher."

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Komets win 3-0

The Komets defeated the Rockford IceHogs 3-0 in the opener of their best-of-seven Western Conference Finals series on Friday night. If you're looking for a bad omen, here's one: The Komets won their first-round opener 3-0 over the Chicago Hounds, then stunk up the joint in Game 2 with a 5-2 loss.

Asked about that, the Komets told me they learned their lesson in that one and promised not to let down against the IceHogs. We'll have to remember that.

But there's not much reason to think the Komets will have a letdown in Game 2; they looked very good Friday. Pascal Morency's goal 55 seconds into the game was key because it took the pressure off and showed that, despite seven days off, the Komets hadn't lost their fire. Morency said he was just hoping to get the place going with some big hits; a goal was just a bonus.

Fort Wayne coach Pat Bingham was pleased with the victory but kind of lukewarm on the performance.

Personally, I was surprised there wasn't more hitting --  by either team.

Both goalies looked solid, especially Fort Wayne's Kevin St. Pierre, who had some great glove saves on close-range shots. Sylvain Cloutier looked good, too, but I felt he wasn't tested as much. The Komets got a power-play goal from Mario Larocque, on a redirection, and an empty-netter from J.C. Ruid.

I don't think it will be long before Brent Henley and Chaz Johnson drop the gloves. I just hope Henley keeps his cool; he took one bad penalty that could have cost the Komets late in this game.

By the way, very interesting what the IceHogs are doing. They dressed only five defensemen and 11 forwards. By double-shifting Preston Mizzi, they were able to roll four lines. Not many teams do that at this level. I like it.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

She said yes?

Hmm, didn't someone write in this morning's paper about Pascal Morency and how much energy he brings to the rink? Morency got the whole building peppy with a goal less than a minute into tonight's opening game of the Western Conference Finals, giving the Komets a 1-0 lead over the Rockford IceHogs.

It was a first period with a furious pace, much like I expect this entire series to be. End-to-end action, but I think things will get a little more physical before all is said and done.

In case you haven't noticed the poll on the lower left of this page, Empire State Line is the runaway winner for the nickname for the J.C. Ruid-Matt Syroczynski-Terry Marchant line.

By the way, for those who were following this closely on the blog, Brad Lyons got a yes on his proposal. Not bad for a guy who rescheduled the whole thing so he could be here tonight.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

St. Pierre second in MVP

Muskegon forward Todd Robinson was selected as league MVP, after a vote among reporters, coaches and general managers. He had 123 points this season, including 79 assists. Fort Wayne goaltender Kevin St. Pierre finished second in the voting, according to the league office, and Komets center J.C. Ruid was third.

Not the Frankes

There is a compilation of rumors from www.prohockeynews.com that suggests the Franke family will be taking over the Bloomigton Prairie Thunder. 

Michael Franke, president of the Komets, told The Journal Gazette this is completely untrue. While he has helped "to broker a new ownership deal to keep Bloomington in the UHL," Franke said his family will not be a part of the ownership. New ownership will be announced in the coming days.

The prohockeynews.com story read:

"Many rumors indicated that Bloomington was the nexus of a lot of activity, with possible dissention within the current ownership group as to direction, and UHL stalwarts like (Tony) Lisman in Muskegon and the Frankes in Fort Wayne attempting to broker situations that would entice Bloomington to stay.  The tug-of-war seems to have been resolved at this point – it’s completely unofficial and unconfirmed, but the chatter indicates that the Bloomington UHL franchise has been bought by the Frankes, which if true would nail them down to the UHL (or the “IHL” concept) ..."

Stay tuned Friday for more news out of Bloomington.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

St. Pierre named top goaltender

Kevin St. Pierre, the Fort Wayne Komets’ goaltender, doesn’t know if this has been his best season. But it has been the most fun.

“It’s fun coming to the rink,” he said. “After you’ve been somewhere for so long, you get used to the same thing all the time. It was nice to get a change (in coach) and I also felt I had a challenge this year.”

The challenge was proving any doubters wrong. It’s no secret, the Komets weren’t going to retain St. Pierre after last season’s first-round 4-1 series loss to the Rockford IceHogs. But when coach Greg Puhalski resigned to take over an expansion team, the Chicago Hounds, things were rethought and St. Pierre was brought back.

“I felt I did a good job and stepped up to that challenge,” St. Pierre said.

During the regular season, St. Pierre went 42-18-3 with a 2.24 goals-against average, a .926 save percentage and five shutouts. He then led the Komets to a 4-1 first-round victory over Puhalski’s Hounds. On Wednesday, he was selected the UHL’s Goaltender of the Year by reporters, coaches and general managers, and Thursday he could be named MVP.

All that, and St. Pierre, 32, isn’t sure this has been his best season.

There is the 2003-04 campaign – his first with the Komets – when he went 43-8-4 with a 1.98 GAA, a .923 save percentage and eight shutouts, and he was the league’s MVP. To top it off, that came on the heels of an offseason incident during which the index finger on his glove hand had to be surgically amputated following an accident at the family’s demolition business.

“My first season was pretty hard to beat, especially coming back from a hand injury,” St. Pierre said. “Emotionally, that was my best season. But this year is the season where I’ve had the most fun. I’ve felt great the whole year, haven’t gotten hurt – knock on wood – and we’re still playing in the playoffs.”

Dupuis wins & the next schedule

The questions about retirement come up annually about this time of year. As usual, Guy Dupuis is making no guarantees either way.

But get him talking about hockey, hear the joy in his voice, and it sure seems he’s leaning toward coming back for an 18th season in professional hockey.

“Right now, as we speak, I love the game. It’d be tough to say anything (about retiring),” said Dupuis, the Komets’ captain, who was selected as the UHL's Best Defenseman on Monday. “But I never like to project five years ahead or one year ahead. You never know physically how it’s going to go. But I can definitely tell you I really enjoyed this year and the last four or five years. If I’m physically fit, not injured and feeling good, it would definitely be fun to keep playing.”

But the idea of fun doesn’t spell a guarantee. Not even close. That won’t come until discussions with the family and some checkups with the doctors – Dupuis is 36, the Komets’ oldest player – and after that, anything’s possible.

“I love hockey and I have a passion for hockey,” Dupuis said. “I enjoy going to the rink every day for practice, playing, trying to improve. It’s very motivating and challenging and I’ll go one year at a time and try to decide what’s best for my family.”

Here's the schedule for the Komets' upcoming series against the Rockford IceHogs:

Game 1: Friday, April 27.....Rockford at Fort Wayne, 8 p.m.
Game 2: Sunday, April 29.....Rockford at Fort Wayne, 6 p.m.
Game 3: Wednesday, May 2.....Fort Wayne at Rockford, 8:30 p.m. Fort Wayne time
Game 4: Friday, May 4.....Fort Wayne at Rockford, 8:30 p.m. Fort Wayne time
Game 5: Saturday, May 5.....Rockford at Fort Wayne, 8:15 p.m. (if necessary)
Game 6: Sunday, May 6.....Fort Wayne at Rockford, 6 p.m. Fort Wayne time (if necessary)
Game 7: Tuesday, May 8.....Rockford at Fort Wayne, 7:30 p.m. (if necessary)

All games will be broadcast on Fort Wayne radio WOWO AM 1190 and at www.komets.com Comcast KometCast with Bob Chase calling the play-by-play.

Meanwhile, this is in from Komets trainer Shawn Dundon, who is helping to auction off the jerseys of recently deceased fan Stacy Musice. These items are on eBay:

1)  Trevor Matter  Komets UHL Y2K Jersey Autographed from the 99-00 Season
2)  Jeff Worlton  Ventura Mariners  WSHL Jersey from 99-00 NOT AUTOGRAPHED
3)  Kelly Hurd  Detroit Red Wings Training Camp Jersey Autographed from the 91-92 Season (Unsure of Exact Year)
4)  Colin Chaulk Team Mountain Dew 2004-2005 UHL All Star Jersey Autographed
5)  Jason Kean  Team Mountain Dew 2004-2005 UHL All Star Jersey Autographed
6)  Sean Venedam  Team Mountain Dew 2004-2005 UHL All Star Jersey Autographed
7)  John Goodwin  Team Mountain Dew 2004-2005 UHL All Star Jersey  Autographed
8)  Fred Slukynsky White Lake Superior State Univ CCHA  Autographed Jersey from between 96-00
9)  Vyacheslav Butsayev  99-00 White IHL All Star Jersey Autographed
10)  Jason Selleke  Black Indianapolis Ice CHL Autographed Jersey from 01-02
11)  Michel Massie White Victoriaville Tigres QMJHL  Autographed Jersey from between 96-98
12)  Rhett Trombley  White Victoria Tigers of the WHL  Autographed Jersey from between 92-94
13)  Tome Nelson  Black Komets Jersey Autographed from 04-05 Season (Has Colonial Cup Playoff Patch on it!)
14)  Colin Chaulk  Blue Colorado Gold Kings WCHL Autographed from 01-02 Season
15)  Lee Sorochan  White Rangers Jersey  Autographed from between 94-97  has NHL Embroidered on back side though all his games were with the Binghamtom Rangers of the American Hockey League.
16)  Komets White UHL 01-02 Season Jersey  with no number on it.  However it has the majority of the teams autographs on it.
17)  David Hukalo  Black Komets UHL Jersey autographed  from either  04-05 or 05-06.
18)  Tyler Masters White Komets UHL Jersey from 04-05 Autographed with the Colonial Cup Playoff Patch on it!
19)  Brent Gretzky  White Komets UHL Jersey from 00-01 Season Autographed
20)  Ian Boyce  White Kansas City Blades IHL Jersey from the 96-97 Season  NOT AUTOGRAPHED

• Finally, check out this from Brendan Savage, recounting an off-ice fight years back between Flint coach Doug Shedden and Port Huron coach Greg Puhalski, who later coached the Komets. Click here.

Loose bunch

After a day off, the Komets were back on the ice for practice today. It was a loose bunch and they said they're not worried at all about having eight days before they begin their semifinal series against either Rockford or Quad City.

Personally, I worry a bit about it because I think you can't help but lose a little intensity with that much time, but the players called me nuts and went on their way.

Everyone was there except for defenseman Guy Dupuis, whose kid had a birthday and was given a deserved day off. He was the best player in the series win against Chicago. The rest of the Komets will have Sunday off and there will be an optional practice Monday, so they are able to rest their bumps and bruises.

I talked with forward Pascal Morency and he said he's been so fired up because this is his first playoffs in the professional ranks. He was injured or a healthy scratch in previous years. That explains the big smile and why he was hitting everything in sight during the first round.

I'm sure the Komets would like to see the Rockford/Quad City series drag on for a while. I doubt that will happen.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Hukalo surprised

Komets forward David Hukalo was selected the UHL's Best Defensive Forward on Friday.

"I just saw it this morning and was like, 'Wow,'" he said. "I was surprised, actually."

Of course, the Komets know how good Hukalo is as a defensive forward -- he had 33 points and a plus-23 rating this season, winning the team's award -- but the Komets didn't think the rest of the league had taken notice.

Apparently, they had. It's the fifth straight year a Fort Wayne player has taken the honor. (Colin Chaulk got it three times and Sean Venedam once.)

"From what he's done for us, it doesn't surprise me (he won the award)," Komets general manager David Franke said. "Obviously, the other teams pay close attention to him and feel that he's the best defensive forward in the league (too)."

After dealing with injuries the last few years, Hukalo said the key to his success has been his health.

"I know if I can stay in the lineup, I have no problems," he said.

• Franke said the Komets' playoff semifinal series against either Quad City or Rockford will begin with games April 27 and 29 at Memorial Coliseum. The April 27 game will have its usual Friday starting time of 8 p.m. but the Sunday game will be at 6 p.m., an hour later than usual.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Photos

Here is Samuel Hoffman's slide show from the Komets' Game 5 victory at Hoffman Estates, Ill.

http://jordan.fortwayne.com/jg_komets/06-07-photos/041907/

And on we go

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Whew. For a minute or so there I thought this was gonna get away.

But Terry Marchant came to the rescue again, Kevin St. Pierre made enough big saves down the stretch -- the guy gave up just four goals in the four Komet wins, what else do you want? -- and the Komets win this one 4-2 and move on.

And on the subject of Marchant: Anyone still think that deal hasn't worked out?

The guy scored two goals tonight, giving him a team-high four in the series, and it's amazing how quickly he's meshed with linemates J.C. Ruid and Matt Syroczynski.  As someone noted tonight, he's not the fastest skater, he doesn't have a particularly good shot, he's not particularly strong . . . but the guy just knows where the puck's going to go and he's always around it.

You also have to like the way this team seemed to ratchet up its effort the longer the series went.  When Chicago tied it in the third, they came right back to take the lead back again.  Pat Bingham liked that so much he said afterward this is the most enjoyable team he's ever coached.

Whether he's still saying that after the next series remains to be seen. But I wouldn't bet he's not at this point.

-- Ben Smith

Looking ahead

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Still two-zip Komets after two, and time now to violate one of the cardinal rules of sports:  Never look ahead.

I'm gonna do it anyway.

It's not set in stone right now, but the scuttlebutt says the conference finals would begin a week from Friday in Fort Wayne, with Games 1 and 2 going Friday-Sunday.  That could always change depending on who wins the other series -- Rockford leads Quad City 2 games to 1 -- but at least the opening two games seem solid at the moment.

Stay tuned.

-- Ben Smith

Done like disco

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- I know I've said this before, but now I'm saying it again: This thing is over.

Finished.  Arrivederci. See ya later.

Just watched the Komets go up 2-0 after a period everybody mostly dozed through until the late going, when Guy Dupuis -- yeah, him again -- and Terry Marchant stuck pucks behind Marty Magers to wake the joint up.

Both goals came on the power play as the Komets skated two men up twice in the period, and the Hounds skated mostly in slow motion.  I could be misreading the body language here, but the Hounds' body language fairly screams  "Can we go home now?"

One observation:  With his goal, Dupuis now has a point in every game in this series, and his shot off the point has been the trigger for the power play all series long. If Kevin St. Pierre isn't the MVP of the series, Dupuis is.

-- Ben Smith

 

End in sight?

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Far be it from me to ever say something's over, but this feel's over to me.

I say that after watching the Chicago Hounds basically roll over and die after going down 3-0 to the Komets after a period tonight.  Part of it was that the Komets had every phase of their game working, but part of it was the Komets simply seemed to steal their heart.

Pat Bingham suggested as much afterward, pointing especially to the 5-on-3 power play the Hounds had in the third period.  The game was 6-1 and gone by then, but the Komets killed off the 5-on-3 anyway, leaving the Hounds 1-for-26 with the man advantage for the series.

It felt over long  before that, but it REALLY felt over thereafter.

I think the series is over, too; I think the overtime loss (and maybe Greg Puhalski's postgame meltdown) took a lot more out the Hounds than it should have, considering they were down only 2-1 going into Tuesday.  Bingham still thinks the Hounds will be a handful on Thursday, but we'll see.

-- Ben Smith

Pounding the 'dogs

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Finally the Fort Wayne Komets and Chicago Hounds look their respective parts.

The Tarry Cup champion Komets outskated, outhustled and outshot the fourth seed in a blistering first period that ended with Fort Wayne up 3-0 and left Chicago looking as if it had no answers. The Komets outshot the Hounds 15-4 across the first 15 minutes and got two power-play goals from Matt Syroczynski, Sunday's hero.

The Syroczynski-J.C. Ruid-Terry Marchant line was all over Chicago goalie Marty Magers in the first period, and everyone else seemed to follow their lead. Makes you wonder where this was in Game 2 and large parts of Game 3 -- and why it's not there all the time.

More later.

-- Ben Smith

Hello . . . hello . . . hello . . .

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Most of us already know this, but sometimes you have to go somewhere else to appreciate just what a good hockey town Fort Wayne is.

Sitting here in the Sears Centre -- an absolutely gorgeous building, by the way -- maybe 20 minutes before the drop of the puck, and it's an echo chamber in here. There's maybe 12 people in the seats (OK, I exaggerate, but not by much) for Game 4 between the Chicago Hounds-Fort Wayne Komets -- a critical game for the home team, because if the Hounds lose they're down a 3-1 well and have one foot in the grave.

Still . . . nobody's here. And the corporate support seems to be lacking, too; there's all of one sponsor ad on the ice surface itself, and long stretches of the dasher boards are conspicuously empty.

It's sad, I tell you. Sad.

-- Ben Smith

Puhalski fined

Brad Jones, the UHL's vice-president of hockey operations, said Chicago Hounds coach Greg Puhalski will be fined for verbal abuse of the officials after the Komets' 2-1 overtime victory Sunday.

Puhalski will not be suspended, Jones said, taking into account the events, as well as Puhalski's track record.

Puhalski, the former Komets coach, was irate because referee Brett Klosowski didn't award a penalty shot late in regulation after a Fort Wayne player cupped his hand over the puck near the goal. Instead, Klosowski gave the Hounds a power play, on which they didn't score.

Asked if the correct call was made, Jones, who has reviewed the video tape, declined to comment.

• By the way, Indiana's News Center has video from the game Sunday, including the winning goal in overtime. Click here.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Wild night

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Let me tell you, I've seen Greg Puhalski irate before. But never like this. After the Komets defeated his Chicago Hounds 2-1 in overtime Sunday, Puhalski was stationed outside the officials' room chastising referee Brett Klosowski for not calling a penalty shot late in regulation. Security had to be called, but Puhalski retired from the area before they got there.

Apparently, Puhalski felt a Komets player, not the goalie, covered the puck in the crease, which would have demanded a penalty shot. Fort Wayne was given a delay-of-game penalty instead. There was such a crowd in front, I couldn't see any of it. The Komets' players said there was no way it was in the crease.

I don't blame Puhalski for being upset he only got a power play; his team was 0 for 7 with the man-advantage. The Hounds squandered that last one, too, and the Komets scored a power-play goal of their own in overtime.

Officially, I'm told by Hounds officials, the goal goes to Matt Syroczynski. This after they credited it to Guy Dupuis and then J.C. Ruid. Syroczynski didn't think he touched it. Ruid swore he didn't. They all agreed, it doesn't matter because they won.

The Komets felt they played well in this one, which surprised me. I thought they were pretty sloppy. But as the players were quick to tell me, no one said this would be a pretty series. I guess that's true. Look for this series to get even tougher because the Hounds must feel they let one slip away.

As for Puhalski, he may face some punishment for this. If the officials really felt threatened, he might deserve it. I saw the whole thing. He was yelling and screaming -- they could hear it in Rockford -- but he never went into the officials' room and the call for security was merely precautionary.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Here we go again

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- This looks familiar. The Komets have let down and the Chicago Hounds are taking advantage.

The Hounds are blocking shots and taking advantage of mistakes. That's what happened midway through the second period; a Mario Larocque shot was blocked and Hounds forward Drew Otten took the puck down the ice and scored a short-handed goal.

So, it's tied at 1 after two periods of play. I hate to sound cliche, but the Hounds are paying the price and the Komets are making me yawn.

By the way, I'm guessing there are about 750 people here, with about 100 of them being Fort Wayne fans.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

This feels weird

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- I don't know what this feels like, but it's anything but a playoff atmosphere. With a couple hundred people here -- I think there's more workers than fans -- it's quiet as a tomb. A shame because it's been a good game so far. But it's hard to get into this because there's more excitement in my living room than in the stands. Oh well.

Anyway, the Komets lead it 1-0 after one period of play. Jonathan Goodwin scored the goal on a one-timer in front, after Bruce Richardson came out of the left corner and fed him a pass. Still, the Hounds look fairly sharp and this game could go either way at this point.

The Komets made a change in their lineup, inserting Brent Henley for Arthur Kiyaga on defense. Henley made his presence felt early, knocking Scott Seney out of the game with a hit. Seney came back late in the period. Meanwhile, I'm surprised Kiyaga is the one sitting instead of A.J. Bozoian, but Bozoian does bring a little more offense and physicality.

As for the Hounds, Jordan Hart is playing today in place of Chris Gehrke.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Finally

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Finally, I've been to them all. With my visit to the Sears Centre today, I can now boast I've been to all of the UHL's arena. (Plus, there were those in New Haven, Conn., St. Charles, Mo., Asheville, N.C., Roanoke, Va., Columbus, Ohio, Fraser, Mich., Binghamton, N.Y., and so on, all of whom are no longer in the league.) Whew, that's a lot of driving.

This arena is very nice. Doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the house. I still think I like Bloomington, Ill., a little bit better, although it's much tougher to navigate that one. But this is very cool. I'd say my rankings of the best arenas, in terms of amenities and just watching a game, goes:

1) Fort Wayne

2) Kalamazoo

3) Bloomington

4) Chicago

5) Quad City

6) Elmira

7) Muskegon

8) Rockford

9) Port Huron

10) Flint

Numbers 3 through 5 on that list are pretty much interchangeable, though.

As for the game today, it's hard to imagine the Komets play much worse than they did in their 5-2 loss on Saturday, which tied their first-round series with the Chicago Hounds at one game apiece. If they don't hit, they don't win. Period.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Oops, they did it again

One would think by the playoffs, the Komets would have learned their lesson. Apparently not. As they did often during the regular season, the Komets took an opponent lightly. The result: A 5-2 loss to the Chicago Hounds, evening the first-round playoff series at one game apiece.

The Komets didn't hit as much. They turned the puck over all night. They just didn't play smart. And the Hounds, they played a terrific game.

Kelly Miller, the former Komets player, admitted to relishing scoring a goal and getting an assist against his former team. (Check out the audio at the bottom of this post.) He worked hard and so did his teammates. With the next three games at Hoffman Estates, Ill., there is reason for Fort Wayne fans to be nervous.

The Komets need to come out hard. Some more Pascal Morency checks would aid in that. And I wouldn't be surprised to see a lineup change, probably A.J. Bozoian coming out for Brent Henley. But even if the lineup remains the same, the leadership needs to step up and let the players know they can't let down like this. I'm pretty sure they'll get that message across.

By the way, I was disappointed in the fans tonight. In the third period, referee Jim Hawthorne collided with Daniel Goneau and was down on the ice in agony for a few minutes. The entire crowd cheered. He may not be a good official, but that doesn' t mean we can't be good human beings.

I will admit, I predicted a 6-1 Fort Wayne victory tonight, not to mention a series sweep for the Komets. So I'm surprised. But after watching the Komets let down too often this season, I shouldn't have been.  Nonetheless, I think the Komets win Game 3. This will light a fire under them.

Kelly Miller postgame interview: Download miller_game_2.WMA

J.C. Ruid after Game 2: Download ruid_game_2.WMA

By the way, after the playoff games, you can go to www.jg.net for an early version of our game stories. Of course, check back in the morning for more comprehensive coverage.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Photo slideshow

From Game 1: http://jordan.fortwayne.com/jg_komets/06-07-photos/041307-slide/

What happened?

It's late in the first period of Game 2 between the Komets and the Chicago Hounds and I find myself wondering: What happened?

The Komets aren't hitting, aren't attacking, are getting outshot 12-3 and seem to be in trouble. Chicago leads it 1-0. It doesn't help that referee Jim Hawthorne is calling everything -- the Komets look afraid to get physical and get a penalty -- but they seem to have let up.

They may lead the series 1-0, after winning 3-0 on Friday night, but the Komets can ill afford to keep this up.

There is some good news: Center Bruce Richardson is playing tonight, after getting knocked out of Game 1 on a hit from Tom Zabkowicz.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Komets win it 3-0

The Komets won the opening game of their first-round playoff series with the Chicago Hounds 3-0.

First off, Komets center Bruce Richardson said he's 95 percent sure he'll be able to play in Game 2 on Saturday. It was a head injury he suffered on the hit by Tom Zabkowicz. It just goes to show you how fast a sport hockey is; I thought it was his hip, then his shoulder, and believe me I wasn't the only one. Anyway, Richardson said he was woozy but just needed a good night of rest.

Still, in the playoffs, never taken injuries for granted. He's too important a player to risk, especially when they can send J.F. Labarre out there on a regular shift and give Richardson a night off.

I was impressed with the Komets' checking, which I really felt set the tone in this game. Pascal Morency was a beast tonight. It's no wonder the fans love him so. He was hitting everything in sight.

Also, I noticed Daniel Goneau being really physical. The Komets must have really emphasized that in their pregame discussions. But the Hounds didn't look bad, really. They just didn't create enough offense. If they can just up their intensity a little in Game 2, they can get back in the series.

Here's some postgame audio:

Terry Marchant, who scored a goal -- Download marchant_game_1.WMA

Komets coach Pat Bingham -- Download bingham_game_1.WMA

Kevin St. Pierre, who had a shutout -- Download st. pierre game 1.WMA

• It was announced the Elmira Jackals have been accepted into the ECHL for next season. That makes two teams who won't be in the UHL next season. The Rockford IceHogs are going to the American Hockey League.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

The news on Richardson

According to general manager David Franke, Komets center Bruce Richardson "is a little woozy" after suffering a check in the second period but the Komets are "hopeful he'll be able to play in Game 2." Asked if Richardson's shoulder was injured, Franke said no.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Upon further review

I looked at the replay and it looks like Bruce Richardson's shoulder is what got hit. I will try to get more information, but he hasn't returned.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Uh-oh

It's late in the second period of Game 1 between the Komets and the Chicago Hounds, and it's a good news, bad news situation for Fort Wayne.

The good news: The Komets lead it 2-0 on goals by Terry Marchant and Martin Gascon. Both came after the puck ricocheted off the boards behind the Chicago net and came out in fortunate fashion in front of the net.

The bad news: Center Bruce Richardson had to be helped off the ice after he was checked cleanly by defenseman Tom Zabkowicz. Richardson missed 19 games during the regular season because of a torn labrum in his hip. I hate to speculate, but given the awkward way he landed on the ice, I wonder if he aggravated that injury.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Holy Morencies, Batman

I don't know what Pascal Morency ate for breakfast, but I want some. He has been hitting everything in sight, and has clearly been the best player on the ice. Alas, it's still a scoreless playoff opener between Morency's Komets and the Chicago Hounds, after one period of play.

There has been a lot of hitting and no shortness of excitement. The Komets have been commanding the play, but they can't seem to finish. In fact, they're passing up too many scoring chances by making too many passes.

The longer this thing goes scoreless, the better off the Hounds will be.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Some series previews

Today's story on Pat Bingham and Greg Puhalski. Click here.

Ben Smith's column. Click here.

UHL capsules. Click here.

Of course, there's some more in the print edition. Hopefully you've done so, but bookmark Komets Korner and check it daily for out stories, pictures, audio and more. I will try to remember to put the highlights on here, from time to time.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

In search of a replacement

The UHL announced that the search committee to find a replacement for league commissioner Richard Brosal, who is stepping down after this season, consists of Komets president Michael Franke, along with Port Huron executive Mark Neal and Chicago Hounds executive Craig Drecktrah.

Today's story on rookies

Here's today's story on the impact of the Komets' rookies. Click here.

Comments from 'The Chief'

Here are some comments for Chicago coacg Greg Puhalski, who is preparing for his first-round playoff series against the Komets. Puhalski coached the Komets the last six seasons.

On his team's success lately: "Well, the last six weeks we generally played a little better as far as playing together as a team. We made quite a few changes personnel-wise in the last couple weeks of January and early February. It was kind of a start of a new season for us because, up to that point, we didn’t play very well."

On what he's proudest of: "I wouldn’t say we’re world-beaters in any one area. Generally, where we’ve improved is our work ethic and that’s been the biggest improvement for us. We’re a young team, we’ve got a dozen rookies on our playoff roster ... and when you’ve got young players, they’ll improve and it’s focusing on the fundamentals of the team."

On the irony of going against Fort Wayne: "I think a little bit. It’s an organization I spent six years with. I think so and definitely on a personal note, it’s added incentive I guess. ... I had a lot of good victories in that rink and obviously we have to play perfect in order for us to win. That’s what we have to do. Fort Wayne’s a good hockey club; they proved it all season long. They’re rightfully the best team and how they did it is remarkable."

On if he knows the weaknesses of players he coached in Fort Wayne: "I do know some of their tendencies, having coached them. But trying to relay those to players and have them pick up on them, it’s not going to happen. It might happen for a small part. But to ask players to be readily aware of all tendencies, it would add more confusion (for my players)."

I will have a story on Puhalski and Komets coach Pat Bingham in Friday's paper.

• Flint Journal writer Brendan Savage has picked the Komets to win the Colonial Cup. I will have my picks in Friday's paper. (A clue: I don't disagree.)

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

No news from meeting

Komets president Michael Franke confirmed there was a conference call among team owners Tuesday -- the rumor is that it regarded what teams will remain in the UHL for next season -- but Franke declined to comment on the agenda or any decisions from the meeting.

I don't get the impression anything has formally been decided. And I'm sticking to my belief that the Komets and about six other teams will remain in the UHL, while adding some clubs from other circuits, only it will be called the International Hockey League. (The Frankes own the rights to that moniker.) But as I've said, that's just my belief because they're guarding this stuff as if it were a state secret.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Fun article

Most fun I've had on an article all season long: Click here.

Meanwhile, this from trainer Shawn Dundon, who is helping to sell the jerseys of recently deceased fan Stacy Musice, also known as "Jersey Guy":

All of these are available on eBay:

1) Kevin Schmidt 50th Anniv Komet Jersey

2) Tyler Masters Cinci Cylcones

3) Mike McKay Hull (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League)

4) Guy Dupuis IHL All Star Jersey from 1999

5)  Frederic Bouchard 01-02 50th Komets Black Jersey

6)  Kelly Hurd 95-96 Houston Aeros IHL Jersey

Seney gone

The Komets left two players off their playoff roster -- defenseman Mike Dombkiewicz, who has a back injury anyway, and center Scott Seney. Seney was picked up by the Chicago Hounds in the waiver draft, so he will take on the Komets in the first round of the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Chicago will have a goaltending change. They picked up Dave Lemanowicz from Elmira and released Brendan Cuthbert, which is notable because Cuthbert played more down the stretch. I'm not sure who will start for the Hounds in the playoffs, but I would guess it'll be Marty Magers.

I'm not surprised Seney was the guy the Komets let go, especially after seeing J.F. Labarre and Arthur Kiyaga play so well at Kalamazoo, Mich., on Saturday. But here's a question: Will we see Brent Henley anytime soon? I'm guessing they should stick with the existing lineup, at least until they lose a game or two, which I don't think will be in this round.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Still amazed

I've been thinking a lot about the game last night and I'm still amazed at the atmosphere you fans brought on the road. It was like a home game when the Komets won the championship. Very cool. It'll be even cooler if it's kept up in the playoffs.

By the way, in case you saw the Komets' bus on the side of I-69 near Coldwater, Mich., last night, everyone is OK. A player's family member slid off the road in another car and the Komets stopped to help. Everyone in that car was fine, too, I'm told.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Get a Frenchy jersey, for a good cause

The Kaptain Komet jersey that goaltender Kevin St. Pierre wore in several games this season will be auctioned off this week to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The auction begins Monday at 8 p.m. at www.923thefort.com and runs through Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Martin Goldstine Knapke real estate will match whatever is raised, St. Pierre said.

Komets win Tarry Cup

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Not once this season had the Fort Wayne Komets been alone atop the UHL standings. So they happily found themselves in unfamiliar territory Saturday night.

With a 3-0 defeat of the Kalamazoo Wings, the Komets propelled themselves into sole possession of the top spot in the league. And talk about good timing – as it was the regular-season finale, the Komets were rewarded with the Tarry Cup championship and the top seed for the upcoming UHL playoffs.

It’s the third time in their eight seasons in the UHL that the Komets have won the Tarry Cup. In their 55 seasons of play, including their time in the International Hockey League, the Komets have won 10 regular-season championships.

“I’m sort of speechless right now,” Komets coach Pat Bingham said. “I often talk too much. It’s my job to inform and instruct. But I’m just proud. We accomplished a terrific goal. We played 76 games and only one team can finish first. We didn’t make too many changes and we’ve just got a great group of guys.”

While the Komets were enjoying the highest of highs, conversely, about 91 miles away from Wings Stadium, the Muskegon Fury must have been feeling the lows with a 7-2 loss to the visiting Quad City Mallards. Muskegon had led the league since Day 1, and how many people must have penned the Fury in for the Tarry Cup as early as December, when it had a 16-point lead on Fort Wayne?

Down the stretch, the Komets were the hottest team in the circuit, winning 13 of their last 16 games, including a pivotal 3-2 victory over Muskegon in an overtime shootout on Friday at Memorial Coliseum. That set up a gripping last night of play; the Western Conference-champion Komets needed a win or a loss by Eastern Conference-champion Muskegon to get the Cup.

The Komets got both.

“Unless we were playing Muskegon, there was nothing we could do about whether they were winning or losing games,” Bingham said. “We just went about our business. You can’t help but glance at the standings from time to time. But the significance of finishing first in the standings, to me it’s having home-ice advantage for the playoffs, but when you step back and look at it, there is an accomplishment there. … To show that kind of consistency and find ways to win through a lot of adverse situations, it says a lot about our guys, the talent level and the commitment level.”

So you don't have to wait until tomorrow, here is some audio from after the game, from Bruce Richardson, Guy Dupuis and Pat Bingham:

Download richardson_on_tarry_cup.WMA

Download dupuis_on_tarry_cup.WMA

Download bingham_on_tarry_cup.WMA

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

C'mon and give up the Cup

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- So, I've been asking around, should this all hold up, will the Kalamazoo Wings just hand over the Tarry Cup and let the Komets take it home. I'm told that's unlikely because there will probably be some league red tape. Shucks, it would be classy if the Wings just handed it over.

Meanwhile, everyone in the press box has agreed there are about 1,200 Fort Wayne fans in attendance. That's what I'm running with.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Polish up the Cup

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- I don't mean to be presumptuous, but the Komets are dominating the Wings -- they lead it 2-0 after one period -- and the Muskegon Fury are trailing the Quad City Mallards 4-0 in the first period.

It looks like the Komets will get the Tarry Cup. They've been working their tails off here, hitting everything in sight early. David Hukalo had a couple great scoring chances early and finally netted the opening goal on a redirection. Then Bruce Richardson scored off a rebound on a power play.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Scalping tickets?

KALAMAZOO, Mich.  -- OK, now I've seen it all. Scalping tickets at a UHL hockey game? Yeah, I was approached in front of Wings Stadium, where I was among hundreds of Fort Wayne fans. Maybe scalping tickets happens in the UHL, but I've never seen it. But I am usually at the rink pretty early. This should be a fun game, one that will decide the Tarry Cup regular season championship. And yes, this is a relevant game for Kalamazoo, which is one point behind Rockford for the third seed in the upcoming playoffs.

• Clint Keller's pictures from Friday's game can be seen by clicking here.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

I told you so

Hmm, didn't somebody remark in a previous post, somewhere around the beginning of the third period, that he would be watching the third line? Well, that was one smart hombre.

Pascal Morency had a goal and David Hukalo netted the winner in the overtime shootout, as the Komets defeated the Muskegon Fury 3-2. The funny story about Hukalo was that he hadn't been in a shootout all season long, and even declined to take part in one last weekend. But tonight, he felt better about it and told coach Pat Bingham to put him in, then Hukalo came through.

So, the Komets have the Western Conference championship and could get the Tarry Cup on Saturday. Here are the scenarios for the Komets to win the Cup: if they win, they get it; if they lose in a shootout and the Fury loses, they get it; or if both teams lose in regulation, the Komets still get it.

So, chances are pretty good the Komets get home-ice advantage. Regardless, we now know the Komets will play Games 1 and 2 against Chicago at the Coliseum on April 13 and 14. Games 3, 4 and 5 (if necessary) will be at Chicago on April 15, 17 and 19. And Games 6 and 7, if necessary, will be at the Coliseum on April 23 and 24. All that comes from team president Michael Franke.

I thought it was a little telling tonight that Todd Robinson, the supposed shoo-in for MVP was overshadowed by two Fort Wayne candidates -- Kevin St. Pierre and J.C. Ruid. Robinson had a chance in the shootout to put the Fury ahead and St. Pierre made an easy kick save. And for the night, Robinson was scoreless and minus-1, while Ruid had a goal in regulation and in the shootout and had an even rating. Just a thought there.

I thought St. Pierre was outstanding in this game. Just to spite all you haters, Arthur Kiyaga had a great game. He was defensively great in the first period, in particular, and he almost netted the game-winning goal in the third. So there, I would put him on the playoff roster.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

The Komets' team awards

By Justin A. Cohn
The Journal Gazette

Kevin St. Pierre has set a new record for games played by a Fort Wayne Komets goaltender in the UHL with 63 and counting.

And he’s had plenty of success, winning 40 of them heading into Friday night. His teammates paid him back by voting him winner of the MVP award, an honor he was presented with after the game at Memorial Coliseum.

Though he has backstopped the Komets since 2003, winning the UHL’s MVP Award after the 2003-04 season, it’s the first time he’s received the team award. (Center Colin Chaulk got that honor in 2004.)

The rest of the team awards were determined by votes among media and members of Komets management.

The Defenseman of the Year Award was split between Guy Dupuis and Mario Larocque. Dupuis came into Friday with 11 goals and 73 points, while Larocque had 27 goals and 66 points, both in 74 games.

The Rookie of the Year winner was center Martin Gascon, who had 19 goals and 49 points in 72 games.

David Hukalo, who had 16 goals, 32 points and a plus-20 rating, took the Best Defensive Forward Trophy.

The Most Improved Player Award went to forward Matt Syroczynski, who had 20 goals and 41 points in 71 games.

Center Bruce Richardson took the Unsung Hero Award, given to the player “whose hard work, dedication to his teammates and love of the game is in the true spirit of Komet legends Robbie Irons and Terry Pembroke.”

The Mr. Hustle Award went to forward Pascal Morency, who had nine goals and 22 points in 66 games.

St. Pierre also won the “True Komet” Award, which goes to a player who “exemplifies team spirit and positive attitude on and off the ice.”

The News-Sentinel’s Bud Gallmeier Trophy for community service went to forward Jonathan Goodwin.

Komets leading

The Komets took advantage of a Muskegon line change to score the only goal of the first two periods. Guy Dupuis' 60-foot pass set up J.C. Ruid all alone in the right circle for a goal and a 1-0 Fort Wayne advantage.

The intensity remains there and both goalies are playing great. Fort Wayne leads in shots 25-17.

I'm keeping an eye on the line with Pascal Morency, Martin Gascon and David Hukalo; they could be big in the third period if they play well defensively and frustrate the Fury.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Huge crowd, huge game, new player

Memorial Coliseum is packed with 10,462 fans -- only the second time this season with a sellout -- and it's no surprise. We've got Bob Chase bobbleheads (1,000 of them given away), season-ticket exchanges and a sort of huge hockey game that could decide the Tarry Cup.

Sometimes this does feel like a true hockey town -- I'm from Detroit, so I do have high standards -- and this is definitely one of those nights.

Both the Komets and the Muskegon Fury came out hard, albeit a little tentative in the first couple of minutes. Midway through the first period it's scoreless and fights have almost broken out three times. Lots of excitement and, in particular, great goaltending at both ends.

Meanwhile, general manager David Franke has informed me that the team will be bringing in rookie defenseman Erick Trombley, a 6-foot-3, 203-pounder who had been with Victoriaville of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He had 10 assists in 54 games and should be joining the Komets on Saturday.

The Komets must have their playoff roster in by 10 a.m. Monday and the waiver draft will be at 1 p.m.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Domber done/jersey sales

According to the UHL web site, Komets defenseman Mike Dombkiewicz has been placed on a non-roster spot. He will therefore be unavailable for the playoffs. No surprise here; he's been limited to 40 games this season because of a back injury. This means one more position has to be decided before the Komets turn in their playoff roster.

Meanwhile, this comes from Komets trainer Shawn Dundon, who is helping to sell off some of the jerseys of recently deceased longtime fan Stacy Musice, known as "jersey guy" to some:

1) Bruce Ramsay  99-00 Komets Autographed Jersey EBay #110111442755
2) Marc Barlow Bowling Green CCHA Autographed Jersey  Ebay #110111447537
3) David Mayes 99-00 or 00-01 Port Huron Flags & BorderCats Autographed Jersey  EBay # 110111472299
4) Andy Townsend 04-05 Autographed Komets Jersey with Championship Series Patch  EBay # 110111474347
5) Jim Logan 98-99 Autographed 25th Anniversary Michigan K-Wings Jersey  EBay # 110111476700

Thanks for mentioning them on your blogs.  All jerseys were listed tonight (or I mean this morning 1230 am!) on a 10 day auction.  All local bidders can pick up the jerseys to save on shipping costs!

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Who's the best blue-liner?

In case you missed it, I had fun with this story on Guy Dupuis and Mario Larocque being the candidates for the Komets' Best Defenseman Award. Click here.

By the way, our photographers have been coming up with some great shots lately. Check it out.