When the Komets turn in their playoff roster, they'll be allowed to carry 19 players, not including two amateur additions, coach Pat Bingham said. That means the Komets will have to trim two players from their ranks before the postseason begins.
Here's why: Fort Wayne currently has 22 players on its roster, but center Kyle McAllister qualifies as one of the two amateurs.
So, while out at the rink, I can't help but watch and wonder who's battling for position. The most likely candidate to find himself off the roster seems to be defenseman Mike Dombkiewicz, who has missed about half the season because of a back injury and wasn't on the ice today. (He led the Komets in playoff scoring last year.) If he's not close to 100 percent come next week, it's unlikely the Komets will take a gamble on him.
That leaves one more player to go. I see this going down in one of two ways: The Komets will add a solid amateur defenseman and then opt to leave either A.J. Bozoian or Arthur Kiyaga off the playoff roster; or I could see Scott Seney and J.F. Labarre, who has been struggling with an arm injury, battling for the remaining forward position.
Frankly, I think the latter is more likely. If the Komets cut a forward, they will still have 11 remaining, which gives them one healthy scratch.
Bingham didn't tip his hand as to what he's thinking, so that's just guesswork on my part. Regardless, there will be tough decisions ahead; I don't see any real weak link on the roster who I think will be easy to leave off the playoff roster.
In any case, it sure seems like UHL teams should be able to carry 20, plus two amateurs, in the playoffs. You come all this way and then can't keep someone who has contributed all season? Strange.
-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette
I agree Justin, I don't see why teams can't expand their roster for the playoffs. It also helps in the event that injuries plauge a team (like the year the Komets made the finals against Muskegon) so they could field a competative team.
OF course Bingham isn't going to tip his hand, that way player actually have to battle it out by their performance on the ice.
Posted by: Greg | April 03, 2007 at 03:36 PM
Dump Kiyaga or Seney.
Labarre and Bozo are solid.
Posted by: Jungle Monkey | April 03, 2007 at 03:58 PM
I think dump mike and bozo or dump mike and labarre. labarre hasn't been the same since hurting his wrist. once you do that it will never be the same but weaker. i was suprised that the komets have orginally asked bozo back so i won't be sad to see him go plus mike would be a good suggestion since he's be out all this time.
Posted by: Lisa | April 03, 2007 at 04:03 PM
AJ can play forward if needed so I would say that he will make the roster. Kiyaga is a favorate of Pat's so he will stay. I agree that it will most likely come down to Seney and Labarre. Which ever player is in the best condition will make it. It sucks to be the one on the outside looking in when the real hockey season starts.
Posted by: Shawn | April 03, 2007 at 05:22 PM
I like Seney I just think he never got a fair shot or any ice time.
Posted by: Hockey Fan | April 03, 2007 at 07:25 PM
Also no more Big Snake in Rockford he got waived today and Bloomington picked him up!!!
Posted by: Hockey Fan | April 03, 2007 at 07:27 PM
Waive A.J.? He's been out most CONSISTENT defensman most of the season...
Can't find better rookie defensive talent than in A.J.
I'm guessing Seney and Domber go...unless they put DOmber on Unable to Preform then they'd only have to let go one person.
Posted by: FWKRTJ | April 03, 2007 at 07:46 PM
ISSUE 1: KOMET KUTS?
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS:
Dombkewicz is P.U.P.
Labarre is barely in shape.
Both are left off the playoff roster.
BYE-BYE.
Posted by: Skate | April 03, 2007 at 08:03 PM
I agree with you Justin. Its really crazy to have to dump players before the playoffs. I would not want that decision. So Big Snake's off to Bloomington? won't be the same will it. Go Komets
Posted by: goalie girl | April 03, 2007 at 08:36 PM
Big Snake in Bloomington???? WOW!
Posted by: Brad Lyons | April 04, 2007 at 07:11 AM
I agree with shawn. If Seney is healthy he should stay. Many people probably don't know but he was an impact player for Union College in the ECAC -Div1 College hockey. He would problably be the same here if he ever got quality minutes. At this point though it boils down to who is the most healthy.
Posted by: howard | April 04, 2007 at 08:29 AM
I have to agree with Skate, although, I don't like how he ends his thoughts.
BYE BYE, seems so final.
Posted by: Junior | April 04, 2007 at 10:10 AM
I like Domber, but if he's been out as long as he has been--he's NOT going to be prime to play in the playoffs, and I think he would know that. Happy about it? No one would be, but you can't risk a spot on someone who has been gone for how many months?
Posted by: Brad Lyons | April 04, 2007 at 10:29 AM
Seney centered for the #1 line while Richardson was out and stunk. How much more quality playing time does he need?
Posted by: Jungle Monkey | April 04, 2007 at 10:44 AM
Come JM, That line hasn't done real well offensively even after Richardson got back. It will be a shame to see anyone go. If Domer's health is in question then he's an obvious choice. IT will be a tough decision none the less.
Posted by: Greg | April 04, 2007 at 11:43 AM
I do agree about trimming down the rosters, that just doesn't make sense! I mean, in baseball, they move from a 25-man to 40-man roster. You work HARD to get here and earn a position, yet every team is penalized by having to cut a few who may have been a big part of that.
Hopefully this is one rule that will be changed next year.
Posted by: Brad Lyons | April 04, 2007 at 01:35 PM
I agree with Greg. First of all the Richardson line has never been #1. Secondly, Seney has never had any PP time even when Richardson was out. When he played with Marty and Pascal when Huk was injured he looked much better because he was playing with guys who had more energy and were able to complement his speed. As I said if if had been given quality ice time he would have had more of an impact.
Posted by: howard | April 04, 2007 at 03:52 PM
I agree with Greg. First of all the Richardson line has never been #1. Secondly, Seney has never had any PP time even when Richardson was out. When he played with Marty and Pascal when Huk was injured he looked much better because he was playing with guys who had more energy and were able to complement his speed. As I said if he had been given quality ice time he would have had more of an impact.
Posted by: howard | April 04, 2007 at 03:54 PM
The roster cuts might be a product of the lower attendance revenue in the playoffs.
Posted by: Skate | April 04, 2007 at 06:39 PM
I would sit Domber and Kiyaga, but I think it will be Domber and Labarre as they both have had injuries for alot of the year.
Posted by: Komet Fan | April 04, 2007 at 07:29 PM
Blake Sebring reporting that Dmber was placed on a non roster spot so his season is done and that leaves one spot to take care of.
Posted by: Greg | April 05, 2007 at 09:34 AM
kiyaga SUCKS BIGGGGGG TIME. Leave Domber too, because he never even played half of the season for cryin out loud. Also
BIG SNAKE = BIG FAKE!!!!
GOT THAT PEEPS!!!!!!!
Posted by: Goody's cousin (Seriously) | April 05, 2007 at 04:38 PM
I hope Goodwin and Morency do good on Friday! Let's Go Komets!
Posted by: bailey | April 05, 2007 at 04:49 PM
I can't wait to see if Goodwin gets a goal! What about Kiyaga?
Well who cares about Kiyaga!
HE can't even make a goal! He shouldn't be in the playoffs! By the way Goodwin and Morency Rock!
Posted by: bailey goodwin | April 05, 2007 at 04:55 PM