The Fort Wayne Komets signed forward Jason Sessa, who spent last season with Memphis of the Central Hockey League, scoring 30 goals and 54 points in 64 games.
"I'm very excited to be coming to Fort Wayne," Sessa said. "Knowing the atmosphere and the kind of teams Fort Wayne has every year, I'm excited we were able to work out a deal."
Sessa, 30, should be familiar to Fort Wayne fans -- he played against them in the United Hockey League between 2003 and 2006, surpassing the 30-goal plateau twice.
"We look at Jason as being one of our top six forwards," Komets general manager David Franke said. "He played against us when he was in Quad City and Elmira and he knows the electricity that goes on in our building with the number of fans we get, and he knows we have a good chance to win everything here. We're excited to have him. He always played very well against us and we always considered him one of the bets players in the league."
A fourth-round draft pick of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs in 1996, Sessa played three seasons at Lake Superior State University and has played parts of six seasons in the American Hockey League. He is 6-foot-1, 200 pounds.
"I look at him as being a power forward," Franke said. "He goes to the net and plays hard and he's got a good amount of skill. We hope he can get 25 to 35 goals for us."
Sessa said to be careful with the power forward description, since he doesn't consider himself a bruiser.
"I'll hit when I have to, but I just go out there and try to be reliable, offensively and defensively," he said, "and I try to do what I do best and not be a liability on the ice."
Meanwhile, the Komets added rookie goaltender Shawn Monette to their preseason roster, where he will join netminders Kevin Reiter and Shawn Degagne. Monette played junior hockey last season for the Dauphin Kings, going 32-13-2 with a 2.92 goals-against average.
"(Monette) has got a job already down in Knoxville of the (Southern Professional Hockey League), but we're bringing him into camp to find out if he's a guy we'll look at if we have a call-up to one of our goalies or sickness," Franke said. "He'll only be an airplane flight away. ... I expect him to get into an exhibition game and we'll give him a good look."
The Komets have 13 forwards, five defensemen and three goalies so far for their inaugural season in the new International Hockey League. Training camp opens Oct. 8.
-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette
Great signing of Sessa. I had the pleasure of watching him play at college, (I was a freshman at LSSU his last season) and he was awesome! Can't wait to see him light the lamp at the Jungle (I'm starting to get used to the sayings in Fort Wayne now :))
Posted by: Iceman2415 | September 10, 2007 at 05:45 PM
Im really glad we signing this guy. I remeber watching him when he payed for QC and man did he hit hard and play 100% every night. Good to bring some goal scorering and toughness with him. FINALLY!
Posted by: lovelost | September 10, 2007 at 08:08 PM
I guess that answers my question about why they're bringing in another goalie. It's a great move to put him down in A and have a ready goaltender available.
Posted by: Junior | September 10, 2007 at 08:31 PM
Sessa said to be careful with the power forward description, since he doesn't consider himself a bruiser.
I'll hit when I have to, but I just go out there and try to be reliable, offensively and defensively," he said, "and I try to do what I do best and not be a liability on the ice."
In other words "I am not going to drop the gloves when I need to that is someone elses job. Ok Justin it is time to start questioning as it pertains to the toughness issue and yes I do mean "policmen" who will protect the likes of Chaulk, Marchant, and the old man Russian. We have yet to sign anyone who fits this bill while other teams throughout the 6 team league have loaded up with guys who can play it both ways. Remember this league was formed to bring back that old style of hockey that the majority of fans in this league want and need. I fail to see right now where the K's have meet that expectation.
Posted by: David | September 10, 2007 at 09:02 PM
I do agree David, and From what i heard from guys from Quad City is he is a very entertaining player and he is a hard hitter. But thats just what a few guys from thier said but we do need some toughness. We got the Scoring punch and the rookies that can play now we just need some tough d-men to protect them.
Posted by: lovelost | September 10, 2007 at 09:12 PM
I like the Sessa signing. He will be a good scorer and is that "sniper" type of player we have lacked the past couple of seasons. It will be interesting on how the lines shape up.
I am not trying to pile on here or beat the dead or almost dead horse....But I do agree with what David says here. Where is the tough dudes that are needed to play in the Old Style IHL that has been formed to bring back tough physical style hockey with checking, hitting, scrums, hard corner fighting for pucks, physical play in front and around the net and a few fist-a-cuffs here and there (lots more than the UHL we would hope)?
Before the Non-Physical Police on the blog start name-calling...This is a very legitimate concern that David raises and I for one would think it needs to be questioned and addressed. I am sure that they have thought of it. But we really haven't seen anything that compares to the other 5 teams in the league so far. Those are the facts. So spin and name call all you want. Starting.....now!
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | September 10, 2007 at 09:41 PM
Believe me, I'm wondering where the toughness is, too.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | September 10, 2007 at 09:50 PM
I have read where fans of other teams that have had Sessa on their team say this guy has zero heart and plays soft. Can we deal with another season of a Daniel Goneau where we signed a veteran player who is supposed to fill his role and score and only shows up to play about every 5th or 6th game all season long?
Our top line players are sitting ducks in this new league as it stands. If you guys are counting on Rookie players who have not played in the minors before where the play can get down-right ugly and mean....you might be kidding yourselves. We need a couple of bruisers that can lay out the hits and checks and can put fear into other teams that might want to head-hunt our top-line players.
Can anyone remember the difference in our season last year when Brent Henley patroled the ice. It was like night and day. And even you bloggers that swore up and down that we didn't need a policeman...er....GOON as most of you enjoyed calling it, changed your tune real quick once you saw the difference that a big intimidating force can make on the ice even if he doesn't have to drop the gloves. It sometimes is just the thought that you might have to deal with that guy that runs through the other team's mind.
We need Brent when he is healthy, but until then...we better bring in 2 or 3 of those guys or we are sitting ducks.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | September 10, 2007 at 10:04 PM
Do you guys honestly, honestly believe half the crap that you say here?
Posted by: scoops | September 10, 2007 at 10:11 PM
Mmm IDK if anyone has seen this yet..buut Henley is a Vet...just FYI
Posted by: Nic | September 10, 2007 at 10:16 PM
Funny thing is...Scoops....you were one of the guys blowing about not needing an Enforcer last season even after the Hanson beat-down....once we had Henley in uniform...you jumped on his bandwagon and even commented a time or two what a difference he made on the ice.
So ok...we have a team that has no physical presence and we go into this new league that is set-up for Old Time Hockey (which means hitting, checking, scrums, fights, etc.) Will you Mr. Scoops enjoy sitting in your seat watching the other teams come into the MC beating the crap out of our skilled players?
Even Cohn questions where the toughness will come from. Blakes hasn't questioned anything of late...but I am sure he would lean to Scoops point of view as it seems to usually favor what the Frankes have told him (as he reports usually just what he gets from them and sticks to it, not a bad thing, just his style). Last year they came out and said loud and clear..."We don't see the need in signing an Enforcer type of player, we are happy with the team we have. We will not sign an Enforcer" Scoops agreed. Then 2 weeks later Henley is signed. The Frankes chirp that his signing will help put some order on the ice. Scoops then agreed.
No offense Scoops. But what exactly is your opinion about things? A)Physical Hockey team that the Frankes formed a league for or B)non-physical hockey in which they sign players for (so far)?
And yes...I do believe in what I posted. I think Sessa will be a great sniper for this team. I think we need more toughness. Rookies are not the answer in the toughness department. Even Sebring says so. He always tells us that the younger players aren't taught to play the tough game in college and juniors and don't want to play that way nor don't even know how to.
Where will it come from then?
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | September 10, 2007 at 10:39 PM
i agree too hit. We do have good hockey players and line 1 and 2 on offense is going to be amazing if these veterans can keep up with the young guys. We got like 6 possible 30+ goal scorers right now we just need some tough guys to keep up with the other teams at the game. They will be pounding us like crazy and we cant let them do that to us. Rockford beat us last year because of that. They came out hitting harder than we did. We couldnt rely on Richardson, Morency, Hansen, and Hukalo to hit hard every week we need more tougheer guys playing that role and have are offense scorering while we get a good forecheck in there with the D-men and the forwards. I think if we had a few hard hitters last year we could have got the title. We had the most talented plaers in the league rather than Musky and look, komets and Muskegon didn't make it into the final round. Muskegon didn't have alot of tough players either. They brought in Angel to help play that role and it didn't happen. I am not saying we should go out and sign six 6'6 fighters. But we do need some hard hitters and yes i think with the new rules and going back to the old time hockey we need a few fighters. I can't see Granbios being a 15+ fighter and niether Reynolds or Upshall. They might impress but we need at least one legite fighter.
Posted by: lovelost | September 10, 2007 at 10:49 PM
Also iagree with hit about the Junior/College kids being tough. College they don't allow and in the States its not really known to do much. Inless your coming from the QMJHL i don't think you have been around alot of fighting. But there are some leagues that do allow it like the USHL but i don't think we have anybody that played in that league.
Posted by: lovelost | September 10, 2007 at 10:51 PM
Every person in the crown loved Morency, Henley, and Richardson. They played the game, they entertained, and they played there hardest (most of the time). Thats what we need now. Those type of players. Now that we got the Talent. We need that. I am not saying those guys didn't have talent though. Everyone in the crowd was wearing there Jersey names or Dupius. think that goes to show that fans love the Talent/Veteran players and the entertaining guys.
Posted by: lovelost | September 10, 2007 at 10:55 PM
The point is...we need guys that aren't afraid to lay out the hard hits out there on a consistant basis. When the team plays the body consistantly, it leads to good things: Turnovers, goals, good defense, and it makes that other teams look over their shoulders alot. You go out there and not hit at all like last year, except for one or two guys, then the other team gets real comfortable and torches you. Plus the deterrant factor plays a big part too. The other team thinking that maybe if I take liberties on one of their guys, I might just have heck to pay, because I don't want to have to deal with a Brent Henley. It helped last year. We just didn't have enough guys willing to pay the price to win in the playoffs by taking the body and gritting out games. Our last championship cup season had guys like that.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | September 10, 2007 at 10:57 PM
Oh my goodness. After reading some of this I almost said %^&%^&%^$%.
Unless something has changed about his attitude, as I said on the other thread the only thing he has in common with Goneau is roughly the same talent level.
Well Junglemonkey, it didn't take long. Yee of little faith LOL.
Posted by: Tony E | September 10, 2007 at 11:10 PM
"Believe me, I'm wondering where the toughness is, too." JC
Not just the fans wondering this...
And really you guys...it isn't that funny. First time a Goon from Flint takes out our goalie or #1 scorer...will you think it is funny then? Kevin Hanson wasn't laughing too much last year. It was chicken bleep what he went through.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | September 10, 2007 at 11:17 PM
Skill wise the Komets are looking good. I think Sessa can even get 40 goals here with a good setup man (Chaulk).
Henley is a must signing in my opinion even if he is a vet. He can play the game well and is among the toughest players at this level.
It was interesting to hear Chase do interviews last year after Henley was acquired and listening to what the players had to say about Henley. I remember distinctly both Richardson and Morency saying its a whole different game when he is on the ice and how they all felt 5 inches and 20 pounds bigger with Henley on the team.
This was brought to my attention by somebody else. If you look at the champions in the NHL, CHL and UHL last year they were all the most physical teams in their respective leagues and they had it spread throughout their lineups. But it was also quality tough players.
In my opinion you need guys that physical forces. Dropping the gloves is fine, but if you lose all the time its useless. It takes the life out of the team and the home crowd.
Even with Henley I think you need 2-3 other guys that can handle things and then I think the Komets will be a sick team to watch and tough to beat.
I am banking on Sims coming through because in the past his teams were skillfully the best and could beat the hell out of anybody if they had to. Hopefully some stuff pans out for the Komets soon!
Posted by: K.M. | September 10, 2007 at 11:27 PM
Wow...Someone else gets it, too!!! Good Post KM.
But the question is..." Do you guys honestly, honestly believe half the crap that you say here?"
How dare you KM having that thought and opinion.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | September 10, 2007 at 11:46 PM
You done yet?
I am 100% in agreement that we need a enforcer (or two) on this team or any hockey team for that matter. I am completely in agreement that to date, on paper, we have not signed a player, that is readily recognized, for that role. If we do not sign a player (or two) that fits the description of an enforcer by opening night, I most likely would be disappointed.
I will not speculate that we have players who are not tough. I will not speculate that we have players who are not gritty. I will not speculate that we have players who will not check. I will not specualte that we have players who will no irritate or agitate the other team. All of this will play out once the season gets underway. But we do have players who can fight, just like every other team in this league.
The irritating thing about this whole offseason is the BUT that is tossed in behind every announced signing. I like Sessa BUT where is the toughness? I like Shafranov BUT where is my fighter? These rookies sound promising BUT we're gonna get mauled out there. I like this goalie tandem BUT where is the protection?
The team is being put together one piece at a time and unfortuantely its not fast enough or in the order in which some would like to see it put together. The Frankes do some good things in building a club and somebody always seems to find some kind of fault with it More often than not that road usually always leads to fighting or toughness.
The fact is we will be attending hockey games that may or may not have a fight. Not a fight that may or may not have hockey. If the other 5 clubs put more emphasis on goonery or whatever then so be it. It might help sell tickets in some of the softer markets. Personally I don't see a single team in this league we should be fearing right now. Its not like some of these teams are loaded with cheap shot artists. They (Frankes) have said from day one that they do not want to sign a fighter who cannot play a regular shift. I tend to agree with that. I don't want another Worlton. There are still a few names still rumored to sign here so I am not still pretty confident some of these names with sign in the upcoming future. If they don't then that is something that will be addressed before the season starts. Simple as that.
Posted by: scoops | September 11, 2007 at 12:00 AM
I agree with KM post. I don't understand why you feel I am standing on the other side of the fence? What I am referring to in "do you guys actually believe what you say" is the rediculous statements of "Non Physcial Police" and David's decoding of what Sessa was quoted saying.
Posted by: scoops | September 11, 2007 at 12:06 AM
“We’re interested in good physical hockey that will bring a lot of excitement to our fans,” Pickard said.
Hope we see from our perspectives. That is all I am saying.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | September 11, 2007 at 12:13 AM
Same here because if I wanted no physical contact I could get that by staying home.
Ba-da-bum :)
Posted by: scoops | September 11, 2007 at 12:22 AM
yawn........tough guy is comming. all of you are worrying too much too early.
Posted by: chuckitt | September 11, 2007 at 12:51 AM
Good one Scoops. Hope Chuckitt is right. We need more than one though.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | September 11, 2007 at 01:46 AM
Memo to David Franke:
6-1, 200 lbs does not equal power forward.
Posted by: ex-STH | September 11, 2007 at 07:40 AM
Justin, my question would be, there are only 5 defenseman on a 21 man preseason roster. What plans do they have in mind for that position??
Posted by: Greg | September 11, 2007 at 08:43 AM
5'10 190 does not equal an "enforcer"....
9-11-07 please remember those in the trenches toda, and the ones that gave their lives (some not knowing what was insotre for them) keeping our freedom so we can come on here to rant and rave about our missing enforcer. :)
Posted by: paulsy | September 11, 2007 at 12:19 PM
"Same here because if I wanted no physical contact I could get that by staying home."
Ba-da-bum :)
Scoops
Anyone else find this freakin hillarious? Good stuff.
Posted by: Junior | September 11, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Ease up, Paulsey. It's a hockey board.
It seems the Komets ever since they joined the UHL, this conversation of no toughness has been an issue EVERY year. It was never an issue in the IHL.
THe Frankes promise it and then hardly ever deliver it in the amount needed.
As for Worlton, he just could no right in some fans' eyes. The truth is he won and nearly every fight he was in minus a couple. And he avenged himself quickly on those losses the next chance he had against those fighters.
He needed to be developed and GP kept him on the bench. Yet we were all patient with that awful player named Landman and then later many of us HATED Townsend until he finally played a stable game...because he was given a chance.
The Komets need toughness. Somehow it has to be out there, but watching the UHL (painfully) for these past years and seeing a very non physical league and boring hockey, I just don't see any improvement in that area coming. The players who ARE physical and CAN play are in the AHL, ECHL, and the NHL...period.
That doesn't leave much for us in the new IHL, or what little there is, teams are grabbing up...all but the Komets.
It's another year where toughness is promised and not delivered other than maybe Henley. We want more than than and more importantly we want a league where HITTING is encouraged and intensity is encouraged which of course could lead to fights and pushing and shoving etc.
Let's hope it happens...though once again...I have my doubts.
Posted by: Disgruntled Fan | September 11, 2007 at 01:03 PM
Yea, all we need is another Worlton stomping around the ice and making an idiot out of himself. I'll hold on to not getting to out of shape about toughness yet. Especially if it's a Worlton type player we're talking about now. I'm happy w/ both guys that they just got.
Posted by: Junior | September 11, 2007 at 03:04 PM
oh and Bloomington signed 6'7 Jeff Ewasko today. Tough guy and fighter.
Posted by: lovelost | September 11, 2007 at 04:09 PM
I have to believe the Frankies are reading this and are grinning from ear to ear.
The Frankies know what their doing.
They're letting all of us worry and fret. Then like Icy on a fire truck , they'll come riding in like heroes with a couple of enforcers.
THEIR JOB IS TO SELL TICKETS !!
Last time I checked, they do a pretty good job !
Posted by: K's fan forever | September 11, 2007 at 05:10 PM
Ewasko, a fighter? HA!!!!
Danny Stewart took that stooge to the woodshed. He's a giant no-skating slob. The bum was lucky to find a job!
Posted by: JungleMonkey | September 11, 2007 at 05:28 PM
K's Fan, the way the league is shaping up they had better be bringing in more than a few. We have been famous for only having 1 or 2 guys that can drop 'em and keep the other team honest. Inevitably one of them is alway hurt, suspended, or doesn't dress. I am getting very concerned that we will end up with only 1 or 2 guys who can answer the bell.
Posted by: Whole_n_one | September 11, 2007 at 05:31 PM
All I remeber of Jeff Ewasko is him getting pushed around buy a guy half his size. If that's what's considered tough. WOW.
Posted by: Greg | September 11, 2007 at 05:33 PM
He is a tough player. he cant fight and he goes for the smaller fighters but he fights around 15 a year but draws alot of penalties. But at least they got something.
Posted by: lovelost | September 11, 2007 at 07:48 PM
Yeeh I mean there's nothing like haven that 6'7 Fighter who...gets his butt handed too him too pump up the home crowd eh..? I mean..come on..Tough...that's not Tough...are you kidding me..
Posted by: Nic | September 11, 2007 at 07:54 PM
Then of course there is nothing like retaining our 6'7'' fighter who played a regular shift, played on the penalty kill and put the fear of god in the other UHL teams last season and would do the same in the IHL. It would be also nice to have more then 1 player to do all the enforcers duties.
Danny Stewart fighting Ewasko was great, that kid was a ball of fire and fun to watch!
In all seriousness as much as I want toughness on the Komets. I would rather them take more time and sign a Henley over say a Tommy Bolduc. As I said earlier if your enforcers lose most of their fights and can't play the game they are worthless. Henley won all his fights and also understood his role. I loved his first fight in a Komets uniform. Lawmaster was running Komets all over the ice, Henley challenged him and Lawmaster was on his best behaviour the rest of the night.
Posted by: K.M. | September 11, 2007 at 08:24 PM
Yeh..I mean..I know Henley is a vet...buut I think that he would be a good person too have here as that 7th vet...maybe find another guy or two like an Upshall...(spelling) and Grabois..who will throw them if need be...
Posted by: Nic | September 11, 2007 at 08:36 PM
At least Cohn is starting to question where the toughness is?
Posted by: David | September 11, 2007 at 09:02 PM
If healthy, Henley is a must sign. He plays his position very well and is sound. He is scary on the ice and is very large. No one wanted to mess with him last season. Not even the most feared player in Minor League hockey...you know....Mr. Jorde.
It is going to take a team effort in this league for physical play. We can't go into this new league with the idea of one or two guys being physical and no one else. It needs to be everyone out there playing the body and checking into the boards. Last season was the perfect example of the way you don't want your team to play in the form of physical toughness. 2 or 3 guys that were willing to throw checks and take them. The rest...well...sissies.
You know Ramsay's boys will play physical. K-zoo will play physical. Flint is building a team full of physical type players. Port Urine has some big dudes, as do the PT. I will be ticked off if we look like we did last season as far as toughness goes. And I know some of you will say fighting, I am not saying fighting....I mean hitting, in front of the net play, in the corners, bodying up your man, checking into the boards, not afraid to do the dirty work to win. It is a philosophy that the other teams will have. We better be ready to follow it since we spear-headed a league that is advertised as Old Time Hockey that has the tough stuff.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | September 11, 2007 at 09:04 PM
There is a gunslinger in town. Now if we can just sign him. Lots of games with Hartford and the Rangers. We shall see.
Posted by: Ron | September 11, 2007 at 09:48 PM
Who Dat?
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | September 11, 2007 at 09:50 PM
I am guessing he is reffering to Dale Purinton, but the only thing is he did sign a 1 year deal with the Colorado Avalanche on July 17.
Posted by: K.M. | September 11, 2007 at 10:16 PM
tough is still comming...just wait and see.....
Posted by: chuckitt | September 11, 2007 at 11:59 PM
Two top d-men in kalamazoo retire.
Posted by: Charlie I | September 12, 2007 at 12:54 AM
Charlie, that might have had to do with Reeds leaving. They were both signed at the beginning of summer.
Posted by: Junior | September 12, 2007 at 08:05 AM
Purinton was mentioned by JungleMonkey a few weeks ago. Longshot at best in my opinion. As a vet you'd have to choose. Henley or Purinton?
Posted by: Jungle Monkey | September 12, 2007 at 08:05 AM
For the record however, Purinton did sign a deal with Colorado on July 20th and is expected to play for the Lake Erie Monsters of the AHL. (AKA...Cleveland)
Posted by: Jungle Monkey | September 12, 2007 at 08:12 AM