When the Fort Wayne Komets said they were going to get back to old-time hockey in the new International Hockey League, I guess they meant it.
Today, they signed Konstantin Shafranov, the former NHL player who was the Rookie of the Year in the old IHL with the Komets ... in 1996.
Shafranov is 38.
So let's get this straight. The Komets have the coach from 1989 to 1993, Al Sims, back. They have a defenseman, Guy Dupuis, who was here in 1991-92. Another defenseman, Kevin Bertram, was fighting fires the last couple years. What's next? Oh yeah, you know Pokey Reddick is on general manager David Franke's speed dial.
I'm kidding. Maybe.
But in all seriousness, the signing of Shafranov should be a good one. He's always had great skills; he just better have his head in the game. He was kind of all over the place in 1999-2000, when he was last here, yet he still had 1.5 points per game. To the Komets' credit, they're not promising he'll be a top-line player. They'd better not be; he hasn't played more than 51 regular-season games since his last stint with the Komets. But I won't argue about a guy who has played in the NHL, World Championships and the Olympics until he shows up at the rink walking with a cane, and Franke insisted he won't be doing that.
Besides, Dupuis is 37 and he ruled last season.
Meanwhile, former Komets coach Greg Puhalski didn't get the job in Kalamazoo. That went to Brian Curran, the former Quad City Mallards coach. Either way, you're getting boring hockey, so I would have gone with the coach who had a better record, but what do I know.
Check out Wednesday's editions of The Journal Gazette for more on the signing of Shafranov.
-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette
brendan savage's blog says that Nick Tuzzolino that played with the Komets briefly has signed with flint. also said that the komets wanted him back this year but flint gave him a spot in training camp with detriot red wings. i hope that wasn't the tough guy that everyone said will be coming to the komets.
Posted by: IcyKometsFan84 | August 28, 2007 at 09:45 PM
Yeah, I know. I put it in for the print edition,just didn't get a chance to blog on it. Thanks for the heads up, though.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | August 28, 2007 at 10:00 PM
I don't know what you're talking about Cohn. (in regards to Curran being boring)
If Steve Parsons, Steve MacIntrye, and Luke Stauffacher(sp) remind you or a boring team then please show me an exciting one. And that's just the start. Jason Tapp (looney but entertaining none the less). Obviously this isn't Quad City but there is still plenty of time for him to sign some guys of his own.
To boot Curran's personality is entertaining in itself (in a Lou Pinella kind of way)
You can't possibly be serious when you said Curran is boring.
I agree Puhalski would probably have been the better choice...trust me...I voted for Puhalski before Curran...but this league was made for coaches like Curran. Kalamazoo couldn't really go wrong with either Puhalski or Curran.
Posted by: FWKRTJ | August 28, 2007 at 11:35 PM
I think Kalamazoo will be quite content with "the Colonel" as their new coach. A good hire by a very good organization.
Posted by: Horton's Jaw | August 28, 2007 at 11:44 PM
I'm not making a judgement of character. I just found his Quad City teams to not play a very exciting brand of hockey. Yawn.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | August 29, 2007 at 12:02 AM
Don Parsons not Steve Parsons. Steve played here. He was exciting. Don played in the Quad last year and was good.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | August 29, 2007 at 12:42 AM
JC, I understand that we have 2 older players now and Sims from the teams past. Which I'm not thrilled about, but also doesn't discourage me to much.
But what about the rookies? How good could these guys be in their first season and who should we keep our eyes out for?
Posted by: Junior | August 29, 2007 at 08:10 AM
If the training spot was given to Tuzzilino then that makes sense. wasn't the reason he left the team last year was on the advice that he'd get more exposure to the NHL by going back to juniors?
Posted by: Greg | August 29, 2007 at 10:16 AM
That is why Tuzzolino left. ... As for the rookies, it's so hard to tell with a lot of these guys. Yes, I'm told they're good but what else are they going to say? And they come from far-off lands. I can better answer a couple days into training camp. I know that doesn't help much, but it is what it is.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | August 29, 2007 at 11:52 AM
Thanks Justin. It would be nice if we can get some 20 goal guys from this crop of rookies.
Posted by: Junior | August 29, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Hey Justin this was in the "Other Paper".
With eight rookies signed, Franke said the Komets are concentrating on finding toughness, another potent forward and more defensemen. He said the team still is talking with dispersal draft picks Mike Sgroiand Chaz Johnson, though he doesn't think it will be able to sign Johnson.
“That's just something that is going to happen when it happens,” Franke said. “There will be guys available, but the one thing is, we have always felt if you were going to be tough, you have to be able to play the game as well. We want them to be able to help out the team and not just be the 19th man who just skates two shifts a game.”
Are the Komets saying any names that they are looking at? Can you shed any light or insights?
Posted by: wingmnn | August 29, 2007 at 12:24 PM
Thought I would throw this out, I posted it on another board and wanted your thoughts:
All signings as of today 8/29
Forwards/Centers
1st line:
Marchant/Chaulk/Shaf?
2nd line:
George/?/Huk?
3rd line:
Kukulka/Granbois/Reynolds
Defence (CA spelling)
Guy/?
Hansen/Warner
Pence/Bertram
Goalies
Reiter/Degagne
In camp:
Dustin Hughes.............Forward
Evgeny Saidachev.......Forward
Randy Upshall.............Defense
Jamie Dowhayko..........Defense
Thoughts? Am I wrong? Huk played the 3rd line last season at a more limited roll then is going to be expected of him this year.
Posted by: Junior | August 29, 2007 at 12:25 PM
My bad..Don Parsons...lol
Posted by: FWKRTJ | August 29, 2007 at 12:37 PM
I don't know if what Hukalo played I would consider limited. He was plugged in to a spot and did very well. Does that warrant a promotion to the second line? Maybe, but Huk's strenght is as a defensivne forwaord and I think that's what the third line is. Have to wait and see what Sims has in mind.
Posted by: Greg | August 29, 2007 at 12:38 PM
I only say limited because he was on that 3rd line and he may be asked to step it up and play on the 2nd at this point. I agree though Greg, he is very d oriented and I would like to see him on the 3rd line also.
Posted by: Junior | August 29, 2007 at 12:45 PM
If I remember correctly, the MAllards put quite a whooping on Ft Wayne last year. Seems to me that they really had your number guys. If that is boring what does that say about you own franchise? You contradict yourself so much, you should be a comic! You said in your blog you would never disrespect a guy who played in the nhl... well Cohn, CURRAN DID, and would gladly drop the gloves. Do you have that spirit?
Didnt think so. Let the man do his job and we will see you on the ice!
Posted by: melissa | August 29, 2007 at 02:37 PM
The Mallards sucked the last few years lady...
Posted by: Jungle Monkey | August 29, 2007 at 02:43 PM
Unless my memory is failing me...the Mallards didn't handle the Komets well at all last season, got lucky in a couple of games, but otherwise I think the Komets had the edge.
Posted by: Greg | August 29, 2007 at 03:06 PM
Flint Generals just sign Chad Alban and a rookie who has compiled 377 penatly minutes...now if Chad Alban had been available all this time how come they did not go after him?? if i can remember he shut down the komets with the K-wings!
Posted by: kometfan | August 29, 2007 at 03:20 PM
The two goaltenders we have are good ones and The Komets and Flint have the best one-two goaltender situation in the league. (Muskegon is actually going with two rookie goaltenders) I like our goaltenders as is.
Posted by: Greg | August 29, 2007 at 03:25 PM
Where are the players Sims and even Chaulk were going to bring in??? We know what Bingham and Richardson brought to the table. We need some young guns like the Hogs had last year.
Posted by: Reality | August 29, 2007 at 03:43 PM
Who did you have in mind?????
Posted by: Greg | August 29, 2007 at 03:46 PM
Junior you are down the right tacks but i think you will see Kukulka on line 2. You will prbably see Upshall on line 3 also. Its too hard to tell now because if you get some "Like" Johnson it will throw all the lines off. And i am glad they are focused to get a tough guy Finally!
Posted by: lovelost | August 29, 2007 at 04:04 PM
I know it lovelost, It's more of a start and you kind of slip them into some spots as/if we get some players.
I'm hoping that we get to through some out and add some in as we get closer to camp.
It's an easy cut and paste for people to use.
Posted by: Junior | August 29, 2007 at 05:46 PM
Kukulka was an explosive scorer when he was with Port Urine last year. He turned that team around when they brought him in towards mid-season. I think he will be a #2 liner but might surprise us on the #1 line. I wonder who might be the #2 line center. I would bet that Hukalo would stay on the #3 line at this point.
Scratch everything I said, Crap, we have about 2 months to go guys. Too many things will happen between now and camp starting.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | August 29, 2007 at 06:06 PM
And remember the reason the Komets LOST out of the playoffs the past two years..... Because other teams were YOUNGER, FASTER and had more STAMINA at the end of the year. Sooooo they keep saying they need youth, yet go out and get old players. Prove me wrong, again...
Posted by: Brad Lyons | August 29, 2007 at 06:14 PM
Veteran Players tend to be older. The rookies they have signed so far might be diamonds in the rough. None of us knows anything about the rookies they have signed and if they can or can't play. Maybe they are putting alot of stock in those younger guys this season.
I too find it odd that the veteran players we have so far are Guy, Chaulk, Shafy, Marchant? Anyone else a vet that I am missing? Is Bert? I thought he was under the limit...but not sure. But anyway...2 of those guys are getting long in the tooth. Guy had a great year last season...but we rode him like a hot pony last season. He was on the ice 90% of the time it seemed like. Wonder if last year might have a toll on him this year. Shafy was slower the last time he was here. Wasn't he on a line with Gretzky though? Seems like it was hard for those 2 to mesh. He might be ok....he might not? Who knows? We need to fill the other vet spots with goal scorers. Bottom Line.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | August 29, 2007 at 06:26 PM
Let me know when Shafranov is coaching and then we can have that conversation, Melissa. And talk about not paying attention? Did I say they wouldn't win their share of games? No, I said they'd be boring. ... Although, I wouldn't get any 3-1 leads in the playoffs if I were you. ... Although, that worked out for Kalamazoo then didn't it.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | August 29, 2007 at 06:53 PM
Yea i think Granbios and Kukulka will be on the second line and maybe the first line. I think with Hukalo he will be in and out of the third and second line. He is good on the check line because he plays hard. He would be good with granbios though. But hey i am just observing. I have a feeling Hughes will make it in though.
Posted by: lovelost | August 29, 2007 at 07:18 PM
For me the signings thus far in the vet category are "so what". I thought Sims had all these connections out there where he was going to be able to tap in to bring in a exciting tough team? Right now, on paper, it looks like we are signing a team for the old timer game.
Posted by: David | August 29, 2007 at 08:33 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like we have a lot of potential rookies? Wouldn't that constitute for getting younger Brad?
I forgot what a great year Kukulka had, so he can put in a lot of goals. Don't get me wrong, I don't think that this is the final line-up. I just was bored and wanted to start assessing the players that we have and where they may stand at the start of the year. Instead of worrying about Johnson or the others that they are still talking to. I hope we get Chewy, but I don't think that's going to happen. I hope they are getting Sgori (sp), that could definitley soilidfy our toughness and an everyday player, if I remember him correctly.
Posted by: Junior | August 29, 2007 at 08:35 PM
Ya know Brad is right. All the talk about getting young skates and we can't get away from memory lane. Not that its all that bad. I guess its anything goes now huh.
Posted by: Goalie Girl | August 29, 2007 at 09:29 PM
If you think Chaz has problems Sgori is completely nuts. The guy can completely loose it on the ice. On paper right now the team that Flint is putting together is impressive and tough. I would also say that Port Huron has upgraded their talent level and toughness also. Both of these teams right now have the $$$ backing in their owners and looks like they will give the K's and Muskegon organizations a run for their money. IMO the signings of late fail in to comparison to last years in all categories. Again, that is my opinion.
Posted by: David | August 29, 2007 at 11:00 PM
Here is an interesting comment in Pro Hockey News on the IHL.
Some fans and former season ticket holders in Fort Wayne may not be willing just yet. Various members of the Komets staff and roster called former season ticket holders recently offering cheaper deals on season tickets. Is this a random act of kindness by the Frankes? Hardly. The writing is on the wall in big bold lettering.
Posted by: David | August 29, 2007 at 11:09 PM
hello, mcfly!!!! weve signed a few vets and they are old. what the heck do you expect? thats why they are vets! weve got a lot of young guys signed and more on the way. we will be fine. just need some toughness yet and we will hopefully get a sniper out of the rookies or find a tweener somewhere. we are ok will be ok and lets wait for oct to be so judgemental!!!
Posted by: chuckitt | August 29, 2007 at 11:12 PM
Soooo let me see if I have the scorecard;
Signing #1 The Komets sign 5 players, 4 of which are young players/rookies that fans have never heard of. The fans scream, "who are these kids? The other teams signed all these good veterans and the Komets are signing young players we have never heard of. Where is the toughness. Where is the leadership"
The Komets sign a veteran. The Komets fans scream " We need more rookies. We need younger guys...."
"We" ooops I mean I have a headache.
Posted by: Tony E | August 30, 2007 at 07:03 AM
Tony E, you just can't please 90% of the public with anything you do. The Franke's could give out free tickets, and someone will be complaining about thier seat location. It never fails. I for one have decided that I'm going to go away from this board til the season, cause we have ran around in circles for months, and its getting to be the exact same people saying the exact same things. See everyone in Oct.!
Posted by: Jerad Shaw | August 30, 2007 at 07:11 AM
We notified the Komets in May that we were not renewing our season tickets and nobody has called us to offer a cheaper deal. Actually, until we see a better product including referees that have a clue on how to officiate a hockey game, price is not the issue. We decided to take a wait-and-see attitude in May and we haven't regretted it with all the upheaval this summer.
Posted by: Ex-STH | August 30, 2007 at 09:23 AM
Good Tom Lawson article:
http://www.newsdurhamregion.com/news/opinion/columns/article/85112
Posted by: Junior | August 30, 2007 at 10:07 AM
Good for Lawson, hope he has a great year.
Posted by: Greg | August 30, 2007 at 10:19 AM
Well thats weird...his kids are the same age as mine. Cool.
Posted by: Charlie I | August 30, 2007 at 11:53 AM
I too have yet to renew my season tickets. Its hard to justify doing so in the current climate of the IHL. The Franke's decided that they wanted this league now they need to convince me that I do. 86 rookies and Chaulk aren't selling it....
Posted by: Jungle Monkey | August 30, 2007 at 01:59 PM
Question is JM, did you get calld by the Komets to renw with a special deal?
Posted by: Greg | August 30, 2007 at 02:10 PM
Not really a special deal they just offered to renew the tickets at early bird prices...
Posted by: JR | August 30, 2007 at 03:04 PM
Then that's okay then.
Posted by: Greg | August 30, 2007 at 03:08 PM
I think they will basically allow everyone to buy at Early Bird prices until the season starts. If they sign some exciting players I will probably renew. Flint, Musk, Kzoo, and Port Urine have some pretty decent players signed. If we show we want to bring a tough team to the ice, I'll be there.
Posted by: Jungle Monkey | August 30, 2007 at 03:50 PM
i renewed my tickets cause i love to watch hockey. i cant worry about what the players are until i see if they produce or not. better to be there and see bad product than to sit out a season and miss a great team, plus im loyal to the team and know they need my advance money to operate during the summer. i think too ill not post anymore till oct dont want to be crappy to anyone or hate to have a different opinion, toodles!!
Posted by: chuckitt | August 30, 2007 at 06:12 PM
I have paid my moolah for my duckets. I want an exciting team with some physical hard hitting action. I did not say goonery or fighting. Hard hitting action. I would prefer our team dishing out the hard hitting. But the way it is looking....our team might be on the wrong end of the stick. I don't know this for fact as I haven't seen the Komets play yet this season...you haven't either. So any side anyone takes on this issue has a 50/50 chance of being right. I just would like to see the organization deliver on its hype this time around. You say you want a tough physical team and you market that, you better darn well deliver on it. I think lots of fans are taking the wait and see approach and I can't say that I blame them.
PS....sign some scorers this season too other than Marchant.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | August 30, 2007 at 06:38 PM
Scorers meaning the guys who shoot the puck into the net. Just wanted to clarify that.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | August 30, 2007 at 06:40 PM
i agree Hit. We are telling everyone this is the TOUGH league and Sims iem signed.e are bringing TOUGH players so get them signed.
Posted by: lovelost | August 30, 2007 at 09:43 PM