In case you missed it, Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal has ranked Fort Wayne the No. 1 minor-league sports city in the nation. Click here to read an early version a story on it. Needless to say, the Komets and their fans are a big part of this, so congratulations to all. I feel as if Fort Wayne is always overlooked as a great sports town, so it's nice to see someone, or some publication, take notice.
-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette
What a cool honor for this city and the fans that support the teams, and the teams themselves. I would like to personally congratulate the Frankes, Mr. Sproat, Bob Chase, and others within the Komet Organization as they run a first class hockey club that makes all of us proud. Look at the response that this blog and other hockey blogs get regarding the Komets each day over this summer alone. People love the Komets and it helps make this town a wonderful place to live. Thank You Komets!!!
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | August 20, 2007 at 10:00 PM
who are you? and what did you do with Hit Somebody?
Posted by: Justin Cohn | August 20, 2007 at 10:22 PM
Ditto Justin ditto. By the way I see Blake had to shut down his blog due to someone being very bad.
Posted by: Wingmnn | August 20, 2007 at 10:30 PM
I think it was because someone said that Rob Guinn was the best and toughest minnor hockey player in the world and that he was Hit's best friend. Then someone took offence to that because they said that Jorde was the toughest. It just got way out of hand.
Posted by: Wingmnn | August 20, 2007 at 10:37 PM
I read that article on the K's website yesterday. Congratulations to the city of Fort Wayne! We always knew we had the best sports town in America. Now the rest of the world knows too!
Posted by: Teresa | August 21, 2007 at 07:47 AM
Fort Wayne should really be proud! Congratulations to the city of Fort Wayne, the fans and the franchises!
I read over on the ITB boards that is going to be another year for a video scoreboard. I really don't understand the hold up, it should have been part of the renovation. In my opinion that is the only thing the Coliseum is really missing, you can do excellent promotions with the Komets. The Colorado Eagles do a great job with theirs.
Posted by: K.M. | August 21, 2007 at 09:45 AM
If you want to pay extra for beer then they probably could get the scoreboard in sooner.
Posted by: Greg | August 21, 2007 at 09:47 AM
Being a transplant from a big city, it is easy to see that Fort Wayne really supports their teams. I lived in Indy most of my life and never seen the excitment generated for hockey like I did when I came North. The whole Komets brand is well represented through out the community. Lets face it for a state that prides itself on Basketball not everyone wants to travel to the major cities to catch a NBA game. Basketball as a sport is not what it used to be. People don't like change and the Komets are consistant. We know that come every October we will have a team,we can dial in WOWO and catch Bob and Robbie,Justin and Blake are busy getting the story for us, Icy is loose in the Jungle and its Hockey Time in Fort Wayne. Lets hope we always have the Komets. Otherwise we risk becoming another muldane midwest town. Go K's
Posted by: Goalie Girl | August 21, 2007 at 09:54 AM
Thats pretty bad if it did get shutdown just because of 1 person using the F- bomb. Anyway for those of you that like football I am starting a fantasy league through yahoo. The Live Draft will be at 8pm Wedensday (would like you to be there but there is an autopick feature if you can't be there). Here is the site and if you have problems with getting in let me know.
http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/league/kometsfootball
Posted by: Charlie I | August 21, 2007 at 09:58 AM
Just a Quickie, I like reading both blogs, I get a kick out of the insights that everyone has and a little bantering is fun. But some of my fellow blogsters get a little routey sometimes. Come on lets save it for when the season starts. I'm sure you can take the gloves off on one of the Sunday nite skates after the game or something. Maybe they will hold "Enforcer" auditions at McMillan during camp. Lighten Up Guys.
Posted by: Goalie Girl | August 21, 2007 at 10:10 AM
This was a great article!! I've already read it three times!! What an honor for us as fans!
I didn't catch anything on Blake's blog to see why it got shut down!?!?!?!?! I always miss the good parts, like when Blake made/said something to Hit.
Posted by: Junior | August 21, 2007 at 10:30 AM
a new blogger to the site was very negative and spit out a lot of untruths. when they were called out by the regulars, the perso would backtrack and say things like :i didnt mean it that way: which was silly. the person then got in a back and forth with a regular and when the newbie couldnt back themselves up he/she told the blogger to go f themselves.. thats not needed on here!
Posted by: chuckitt | August 21, 2007 at 11:22 AM
Wow, sounds like lovelost got backed into a corner and only response was the F-word? Weak and creditless.
Hey Chuck, email me at [email protected] when you get a chance.
Posted by: Junior | August 21, 2007 at 11:33 AM
Guys it is very much my fault too. I had made my point and should have let it go. Actually I had planned to until that user accused me of calling people something I NEVER would under ANY circumstances. However I should have dropped my line of questioning long before that event occured.
Posted by: Tony E | August 21, 2007 at 12:58 PM
Well, Blake said it wasn't just that. He's busy.
At least you were able to handle yourself without resorting to profanity.
Posted by: Junior | August 21, 2007 at 01:02 PM
Thanks Junior. I still feel awful about it. I really do appreciate the kind words though.
Posted by: Tony E | August 21, 2007 at 01:48 PM
Everyone's welcome here. Just watch the language, please.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | August 21, 2007 at 02:17 PM
Can you feel the love tonight? la la la
Posted by: wingmnn | August 21, 2007 at 03:11 PM
Wow that weird the guy who loves the Komets and write books and stories about the Komets isn't doing the blog cause it's just not fun anymore. Glad I wasted my time reading his articles. That's ok with me though I like it here anyways. Thanks for doing th Blog for us Justin. #1 Sports Writer if Fort Wayne!!! JUSTIN COHN!!!
Posted by: IcyKometFan84 | August 21, 2007 at 03:20 PM
Justin the strongest language I ever use is something like ^&^*%&%&*^%%%!!!!! :-)
IcyKometFan84 if you think working full time on one job and doing a blog that you do not get paid extra for is so easy, start your own Komets blog. It isn't easy policing a blog so it doesn't end up like the ITB forums. I would be willing to bet anytime there is a problem on these blogs the newspaper management comes at Blake and Justin. I don't think you have any right to take a shot at Blake for wanting to focus more on the jobs he is getting paid to do if a job he is not getting paid for is taking up too much of his time.
Posted by: Tony E | August 21, 2007 at 03:32 PM
While I agree with you Tony--Take it easy. Your blood pressure is going up again.
Posted by: Greg | August 21, 2007 at 03:45 PM
Tony it was not your fault. You had every right to defend your position. The only thing that was your fault is that you forgot to ask him if he wanted some cheese with his wine. I hope that maybe Blake will continue to post updates at least without comments.
Hey Justin now the pressure is on you man. Can ya handle it?
Posted by: wingmnn | August 21, 2007 at 03:48 PM
LOL. Nah. I said my peace. Besides I don't think my heart could handle getting sworn at twice in one week.
I am glad Justin can keep this blog open. These two blogs are the only fan forums I bother looking at. I just hope if a time comes where Justin needs a couple of months (or longer ) break from doing what is pretty much volunteer work that nobody would accuse him of lack of commitement.
Posted by: Tony E | August 21, 2007 at 03:51 PM
Thanks wingmnn. I appreciate it ;-)
Posted by: Tony E | August 21, 2007 at 03:52 PM
I understand that but to say that it's not as fun as it used to be. beside you must of missed the part where i thanked justin for doing this.
Posted by: IcyKometFan84 | August 21, 2007 at 03:57 PM
Our arena football is not in such great shape. The Komets are in transition. People appreciate the Wizards but don't take them seriously, I don't think. And our new basketball team hasn't played yet. Who knows if that will take off? The Fury wasn't a big success.
The honor is nice for the city, but some work needs to be done with a few of our teams.
Posted by: Komets/Fusion Fan | August 21, 2007 at 05:07 PM
I think it's a great honor. Some outsider observer takes a look at Ft. Wayne and reports back and then the city gets the #1 ranking. I think that says a lot. Of course I think it has to to as much with the city as the teams in the city.
Posted by: Greg | August 21, 2007 at 05:28 PM
As those guys who played golf with me last week found out -- I am a pressure player.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | August 21, 2007 at 06:48 PM
Im sorry I have a hard time believing Fort Wayne is the best minor league town in America. They have the best minor league team in the Komets, but the wizards are never constantly good, the owners of the football team in years past were a joke, the new ones are doing a bit better but i didnt know it was good enough to be considered for such a high honor, we have a bball team that hasnt even played yet, and a new baseball stadium that hasnt even been built... Im sorry- Im definitley not trashing the town, but I have to believe theres a better minor league town out there, and thats my opinion. Maybe back when we had the fury and the komets in full gear but not nowadays. so tell me how stupid my opinion is or whatever but I would really like to know what (besides the K's) makes FW such a great minor league town.
Posted by: JW | August 21, 2007 at 07:18 PM
If anyone is interested in fantasy football I am starting a league through yahoo. The Draft is tommorrow at 8pm but I can change it if I need more people. It will be a live draft on the internet but an autopick feature is available. It is free.
http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/league/kometsfootball
Posted by: Charlie I | August 21, 2007 at 07:42 PM
I thought it was a great article! Best part of it is, people over on intotheboards were actually saying nice things about the Fort.
Posted by: FiveMinuteMajor | August 21, 2007 at 07:44 PM
I never did figure out what Blake said to me. He gets grumpy sometimes.
I like Blake alot. I appreciate his work. I think both him and Justin are top-notch at what they do. I am sad to see his blog go. I am glad Justin continues to run a great blog for us fans. I think we can all pretty much get along without resorting to foul language and name-calling. Lets all respect Justin and his blog and keep things civilized. I promise I will cut down on the Rob Guinn and Ryan Jorde jokes. I have all ready forgotten more about Rob Guinn's toughness and Ryan Jorde being the most feared player in Minor League hockey, so don't question this years Komet team players.....yet?!
Have fun guys and gals. Go Komets! Smile and laugh some.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | August 21, 2007 at 08:05 PM
Hey Hit, I have just one thing to say to you...........
!!!!^^&%^%^&%^$$%%&%^%^%&!!!!!!! and most vociferously I say once and for all to you !!!!*&*^^%%^%*^&^!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now what do you have to say to that?? Huh?? Well??? What???? ....lol :-)
Posted by: Tony E | August 21, 2007 at 08:30 PM
It's great to hear that Ft. Wayne (my possible future home?) was given the honor of being the number 1 minor league team in the country. I know South Bend (current home) probably isn't even in the top 200, because other than Notre Dame, the city couldn't give a damn about sports. You guys have a lot of passion, dedication and REAL sportswriters, that make that top ranking well deserved. Hopefully, I'll be able to call the Fort home and become a passionate fan like all of you.
Posted by: Iceman2415 | August 21, 2007 at 09:38 PM
Ok, I lied, South Bend IS in the top 200, right there at number #110, WOO-HOO!!!!!
Posted by: Iceman2415 | August 21, 2007 at 09:49 PM
does that mean you aren't coming to fort wayne Iceman???
Posted by: IcyKometsFan84 | August 21, 2007 at 10:00 PM
jw the honor has nothing to do with the poor play of the wizzardss or the crummy ownership of the football team, its about the ability to have those teams and the loyal following of those teams by the media the fans and the local business's. weve got a good thing going here and not only minor league hockey baseball football and basketball. weve also got semipro football womens football semipro soccer a division one college sports [program and a great lower level program at st francis. on top of that add all the youth organizations we have from flagg football to pal to all the things at spiece to the good youth baseball from wallen to wildcat to little league. so overall this is a great town for sports and its nice to be recognized. if you dont think ft wayne deserves the award, try living in another city and see whats available. just read another citys sports page and you ll see even a big difference there. so be glad , why be negative?
Posted by: chuckitt | August 21, 2007 at 10:08 PM
You left out Indiana Tech's success on the Baseball Field and on the Basketball Court as well. Although it doesn't really matter because they were citing Minor League Sports.
We fans of the Komets show more passion for our team than several Major League Sports Cities do. I went to a Pittsburgh Pirates National League Championship game in 1992 against the Atlanta Braves (Barry Bonds last game as a Pirate) and that stadium was not sold-out, the fans were bored and uninterested, and everyone that was awake there talked only of the Steelers. They were one freaking game from the World Series! Idiots!
We have lots to be proud of here in Fort Wayne. Who cares if it is only the Minors. I say support the local teams and do so in a MAJOR LEAGUE way!!! I know I do.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | August 21, 2007 at 10:16 PM
I think Chuckitt knows...but is anyone willing to let the cat out of the bag on who the Big Scorer with a Fort Wayne Connection is that is about to become a Komet? And I hear that there are other big signings coming soon. Someone say something please!
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | August 21, 2007 at 10:20 PM
sean venedam
Posted by: Charlie I | August 21, 2007 at 10:28 PM
Nope. made you look.
Posted by: Charlie I | August 21, 2007 at 10:32 PM
Anyone have a clue when this might be announced?
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | August 21, 2007 at 10:55 PM
Icy, I should know by tomorrow night. Charlie, I want to join the league, but it won't let me join, can you help?
Posted by: Iceman2415 | August 21, 2007 at 10:58 PM
past your bedtime charlie go to sleep.
Posted by: chuckitt | August 21, 2007 at 11:34 PM
Well I wondered where Virag would end up but I would not call him a big time scorer. Just someone who scored a big time goal.
Posted by: Tony E | August 21, 2007 at 11:46 PM
Virag didn't play last year did he?
Posted by: Greg | August 22, 2007 at 09:23 AM
No, Greg
Posted by: Brando | August 22, 2007 at 10:22 AM
I knew that but if the firefighters can come out of retirement, so can he lol.
Posted by: Tony E | August 22, 2007 at 10:24 AM
Marchant added to roster, same with Degange, and a rookie named Micheal George. Thats good news!!
Posted by: Brando | August 22, 2007 at 10:24 AM
Posted by: IcyKometFan84 | August 22, 2007 at 04:34 PM