The Fort Wayne Komets did have interest in bringing back center Martin Gascon but, according to general manager David Franke, he's likely to play in Europe next season. "He's out of the mix," Franke said. Meanwhile, the Komets have been informed by the agent of Bruce Richardson, who has been weighing offers between the Komets and an undisclosed team from the Central Hockey League, that a decision may not come until late next week, Franke said.
The Komets have now gotten in contact with all of the players they selected in a dispersal draft last month. They had trouble getting in touch with their top pick, defenseman Sergei Durdin, who is in his native Latvia. Through his agent -- the same agent as Richardson -- the Komets got word to Durdin and are waiting to hear back to learn if he has interest in playing in Fort Wayne.
Also, former Komets goaltender Kevin Weekes signed with the New Jersey Devils.
-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette
In Blake's blog he mentioned that some of the players he's talked to are unsure about this new IHL and need more information before deciding which way to go. It sounds like Bruce is in that category.
Can't blame Gascon for heading to Europe. Good Luck.
Posted by: Greg | July 05, 2007 at 03:24 PM
I think we can safely say Bruce is in the "I'm getting a motherload of money offered to me, so I'd be foolish not to consider it" category.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | July 05, 2007 at 03:36 PM
Looks like the IHL will be the last choice for a lot of players. Are you all still big fans of the Franke's? At this rate maybe I can get a try out! I would not make the team because I can't fight on skates as is required in the Federal League (Slapshot), or I mean the International League. This is very sad to see, but it is what it is. The Franke's should sell the team while it still has a fan base. How long will you fans keep supporting this team even as the level of play goes in the dumper? I think the new IHL will be like pond hockey indoors. I think Bruce and all the others will make the IHL the last choice of where to play, I mean it's so obvious since no one has signed. We have a saying around here that maybe you could use, with a few changes. Instead of Fire Millen signs, you could carry Fire the Franke's sign.
Posted by: Charlie in Rochester Hills, MI | July 05, 2007 at 03:48 PM
I think Charlie has a point and well as Justin, combine the two. Do I play in a league that promotes fighting and up my chances to get hurt or do I take the same amount where there is less emphasis on fighting.
Posted by: Greg | July 05, 2007 at 03:52 PM
It just bums me out to see what has happened to the Komet franchise. I would bet that an NHL team would love to have a farm team in Fort Wayne. Why is one of the best minor league hockey cities struggeling to get players? I say it's because the Franke's have taken this franchise down the wrong road. I have been a huge Komet fan since 1974 and it really pisses me off to see what's happening. It should piss you people of as well. The Franke's, like Bobby Knight, are not gods in Indiana!!!! In defense of the Franke's, a few of you might tell me to put my money where my mouth is and buy the team. Well I can't do that. If I did own the team I would go to the AHL or I would sell the team, simple as that. The level of play in the old IHL was better than the UHL, and I think the level of play in the old UHL was better than what you will see in the new IHL. And you fans are ok with that??? What gives???
Posted by: Charlie in Rochester Hills, MI | July 05, 2007 at 04:08 PM
Glad to see that you all have an opinion thats been stated over and over and over and over and over.......I could go on, but you probably want to start complaining about my first over.
Posted by: Junior | July 05, 2007 at 04:10 PM
Anyone think that no one wants to play for Al Sims?
Posted by: Steve65497 | July 05, 2007 at 04:21 PM
No complaints here. I assumed you all thought the Franke's were the best thing since sliced bread. I hope you K's fans will start letting the owners know you ain't buying what they are selling. Did anyone notice that the coach the K's passed on last year (John Marks) won the championship is his league? And a one, and a two, and a three, FIRE THE FRANKE'S!!!!!!
Posted by: Charlie in Rochester Hills, MI | July 05, 2007 at 04:28 PM
If the IHL fails this year or in the next few, then you will see the Frankes broke and looking to sell the franchise. You people may have to hold tight for a few years to get your wish. Otherwise your complaints fall on deaf ears.
Posted by: Junior | July 05, 2007 at 05:18 PM
Junior is right, Rochester Chas has a point. But if he combs his hair right you can't see it.
I'm sorry, but I just can't take too seriously the opinion of someone who does nothing but sit on the sidelines, claim to be a fan since 1974, and do nothing but criticize and second guess the Frankes. Are you a disgruntled ex-employee they canned or something?
Chas, you can be as negative and insulting as you like on here, but if you want ANYONE to give you any credit, OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE to what you think is wrong. (Other than go to the AHL which ain't gonna happen!)
Posted by: Skate | July 05, 2007 at 06:11 PM
I like the ideas of the IHL....Bruce Richardson can go. He wasn't that great a player anyway. No offense either. We were told this guy would make us forget about Colin Chaulk....whatever. I know he was hurt, but he still couldn't put the puck in the net, couldn't win a faceoff, isn't a true center, and didn't take the body consistantly. He is a mediocre player in this league. Maybe he would have been different at 100%. But don't jerk us around Bruce. Take the money and run.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | July 05, 2007 at 10:15 PM
right frankes have no clue what they are doing. oh ok. whole league problems must be there fault. oh ok right.
Posted by: rightmind | July 05, 2007 at 10:29 PM
The Frankes knew how to keep tthe Koemts in Fort wayne and be a successful franchise, something I don't they could do in the AHL. Some thign I don't think anyone could do for that matter.
Posted by: Greg | July 05, 2007 at 10:39 PM
Its business and gotta go where the money is . It is unfortunate for the fans. Can't be mad at Bruce if he goes. Wish him well and thanks for the memories.
Posted by: Goalie Girl | July 05, 2007 at 11:11 PM
I have said this before, including myself, we K's fans have rose colored glasses on. While we may like the new rules of the league, the bus league concept, and having for now a six team league the fact is the perception right now with agents of players are not going to jump on offers to the new IHL. The CHL may have a salary cap that is less than the IHL, but I am sure they have the under the table payments that Danbury had when they came into the league. I just don't think this year the talent level is going to be all that great. It will be more of a "test" year for the league and players. Will the new rules work? Will the hockey world embrace a league that does not follow the NHL (Non Hitting League) rules? Will they be able to put quality refs on the ice? This is a huge gamble by the Frankes and one necessary for them to be able to afford a minor league hockey team. If it takes off the will be Kings, if it fails they will look for an alternative league or sell the club. Is hockey in FW in jeopardy, perhaps, but no matter what happens we are in good shape because IMO no matter who owns the club there will be hockey in FW. We will sign players how good they will be who knows, but we will have players that will become fan favorites. We will have guys who score and guys who will throw down. FW, Muskegon, Kzoo will be the teams that will carry the league through this test year and Flint will follow shortly behind. Sorry for the ramble, just took to of my meds that make me a little goofy...No you may not comment on my goofyness
Posted by: David | July 05, 2007 at 11:46 PM
I just want to see hockey, I don't care who is playing (as long as the Komets put a good product on the ice). I would love to see a Muskegon-Bloomington game in which Bruce Watson takes on either Robin Big Snake or Jason Ralph, now who wouldn't want to see those pu...., I mean guys go at it?
Posted by: Iceman2415 | July 06, 2007 at 12:14 AM
Hit, IMO no one replaces Chaulk, he was in a league of his own. They should of givin him what he wanted so he didn't leave. I had my hopes that he would be back this year, but not a chance.
Posted by: Junior | July 06, 2007 at 08:04 AM
players can avoid this league and sign up in euro hockey hotbeds and within 5 years you will see the death of minor league low level hockey. the nhl is already gasping for air and everybody better wake up and realize that the MAJORITY of the fans want to see action, not euro skating. thats what the ice capades are for.
Posted by: chuckitt | July 06, 2007 at 11:35 AM
Colin Chaulk is God... blah, blah, blah....
Posted by: JungleMonkey | July 06, 2007 at 04:46 PM
Everyone keeps fearing that the new rules changes are going to male the "I" a goon league.
They also fear that this version will not be as professional as the old IHL.
Andy Bezeau would start fighting 1 second into the game! Do the names Kaminski and Fletcher ring a bell. Fletch as beloved as he is in Ft. Wayne wasn't even a good enough hockey player to play more than 1 or 2 shifts a period.
When was the last bench clearing brawl that took 30 minutes just to figure out the penalties. Seems to me the names of Cal Purinton, Teddy Wright, Dave Norris, Robbie Laird ......
The bottom line is don't be looking to convict this league without a trial.
Posted by: K's fan forever | July 06, 2007 at 05:08 PM
Come on JM besides his drive, his stats speak for themselves....
You have to admit he was one of the best Komet's in the UHL era.
Posted by: Junior | July 06, 2007 at 07:43 PM
This league will be the new home for all those players in the southern professional hockey league..players you dont know of....i was just looking at the Tulsa Oilers site...David Beauregard...wow did we ever pass up on something good 32 goals in 64 games....mike wiggins a scoring machine...heck if richardson is smart he'd get out of this league and so would hukalo and well dupuis will retire a komet.....i just might bring that FIRE FRANKES sign to the home opener if i even go..which would be the first one i would miss in say 16 years!!!
Posted by: Kometfan | July 06, 2007 at 10:11 PM
Everyone bashed Mike Wiggins when he was here and even after he left. The genious coach we had didn't know what he had and didn't use him when he was here. He was a goalscorer and is. He has filled up the net ever since he left us.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | July 06, 2007 at 10:40 PM
Bruce was the heart and soul of this team. THE GLUE like Bingham would say. He was a unbelivable leader off and on the ice. Like Goalie Girl said wish him luck. Bruce was a true professionnel. Hope you come back! But we understand if you decide to go. It's the nature of the game.
Posted by: john123 | July 06, 2007 at 11:35 PM
While I never though Wiggins got a fair shot here, he is definately a minus player defensively.
Scores, yes, but he's another Steve Cygan.
Posted by: Skate | July 07, 2007 at 05:36 PM
Fletcher played more than 1-2 shifts a period and he was good enough.
I don't care if the game has four fights a game. I just want to see good/fast hockey that to me the UHL didn't offer and the new IHL may not be able to offer either.
Posted by: Disgruntled Fan | July 08, 2007 at 11:24 PM
BYE!
Posted by: Hockey girl | July 11, 2007 at 12:07 PM