Komets stay atop IHL; Henley injured again

There had been much hype surrounding the return of Brent Henley to the Fort Wayne lineup. He was on the ice at McMorran Arena on Friday -- the visiting Komets defeated the Port Huron Icehawks 4-3 -- but Henley won't be on Memorial Coliseum ice tonight.

Henley, who made his season debut after knee surgery, assisted on a goal and went plus-1. But according to coach Al Sims, Henley got tangled up with a player and suffered another injury.

Sims didn't know the severity of the injury but said it was not to Henley's knee, which is "solid," and Henley won't play against the Muskegon Fury tonight.

As for the game, the Komets had a 3-0 lead and almost coughed up the match, but David Hukalo's goal was the difference.

Henley didn't fight, but Mitch Woods and Olivier Legault did.

• Can you believe it's been five years since Joe Franke played his historic game? In case you missed it, here's today's column on that. It was good to talk to him. That night was one of the more fantastic of my career.
• Speaking of assists, I've rarely hard radio broadcaster Bob Chase as irate as he was over none being doled out on two of the Komets' goals; the scorers must have been distracted by all the commotion a crowd of 949 can create. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess the Icehawks won't make it past this season.
• Meanwhile, the Muskegon Fury got trounced 7-0 by Kalamazoo. This is either really good news or really bad news for the Komets, who play host to the Fury on Saturday. I guess we're going to find out what Bruce Ramsay is made of as a coach.
• Did you see this highlight? Bloomington should look into signing him. The Prairie Thunder did pick up Bobby Kukulka, who was waived by Fort Wayne on Thursday.
• I never would have pegged him as a coach, but former Komets sparkplug Rob Weingartner is coaching the Central Hockey League's Wichita Thunder.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Comments

[Justin Cohn]

Ok, Jason Kent, Abeatenhorse, John R, uh oh, Duane Joyce, Derek M -- Yes, I know you're all the same person -- this is your one warning. Continue the threats, and that type of stuff, and you're off.

[Jungle Monkey]

Good to hear its not Henley's knee. Let's hope its minor.

[Wingmnn]

Hey Jerad Shaw, Any chance of you being down in lower 215 Saturday? I hope so. I was hoping you might have another fun clean conversation with Mr. Bouchard.

[Jerad Shaw]

Haha, well I would love to do that, but as of right now, we are sitting in 211 row 3 with a couple buddies of mine that have season tickets. If those 2 seats are open, I might have to make my way over to see everyone. Please, if you know me, don't be afraid to say hi. I enjoy meeting Komets fans that I don't know. The last home game I went to, there was a guy with a long beard and his kid sitting there. I was talking to my dad, and it was a guy my dad worked with. His younger son is obsessed with the Komets. I loved hearing that. Those are great seats for young kids, and young kids at heart which is me. I will def. be around though. Please don't hesitate to say hi to me tonight!! Would enjoy chating with everyone!!

[Jerad Shaw]

Haha, well I would love to do that, but as of right now, we are sitting in 211 row 3 with a couple buddies of mine that have season tickets. If those 2 seats are open, I might have to make my way over to see everyone. Please, if you know me, don't be afraid to say hi. I enjoy meeting Komets fans that I don't know. The last home game I went to, there was a guy with a long beard and his kid sitting there. I was talking to my dad, and it was a guy my dad worked with. His younger son is obsessed with the Komets. I loved hearing that. Those are great seats for young kids, and young kids at heart which is me. I will def. be around though. Please don't hesitate to say hi to me tonight!! Would enjoy chating with everyone!!

[Jerad Shaw]

Sorry for the double post. Internet is trying to drop the gloves, but I am turtling. Its to late!

[Jerad Shaw]

Wow about the Franke story. I want to get a good nights sleep and read that again before I give my thoughts. That story is sitting kinda raw with me. Let's take care of home ice for the next 2 nights!!!!

[Kris]

Justin, any word on the specific injury to Henley? Is that confidential stuff or do you just not know for sure? Just curious, as I'm sure everyone else is. Can't wait for tomorrow nights game!! GO KOMETS!!!

[mightbite]

Hope HENLEY is ok .When was the last Komet game not played because of weather? I can't recall.

[Justin Cohn]

It was done over the phone very late and they a bit secretive. I'm sure I'll know more tonight.

[ds214]

Not to discredit the 1-0 night, or any of the comments in your article from Joe or David, BUT, in my world when you get fired you did something that your employer REALLY did not like. Enough said. I say let's just drop it and remember the night for what a wonderful experience that it was. All of the fans that saw that event happen will always remember that game!
One question...Can the IHL survive with five teams?

[Greg]

For some reason hockey injuries are always secritive nowadays. Not just aorund playoff time when there are olny two types of them, upper body and lower body injuries.

[Booner]

1-0 joe.... he was one of the best at his job.and had that wonderfull night. but just like all the comments about the franke's signing or releasing players...they know what they're doing. i helped with a couple games when joe was still there. he was a nice guy and fun to work with. but about him leaving... there are good reasons behind it im sure. anyways, good luck henley! and go komets!! see yall tonight!!

[lovelost]

I think its sercretivebecausse there are players out there that will know why you are hurt and will take that as a advantage and not go out and try to hurt you but take it as a advantage because they know your weakness. I know its not very common but there is alot of players that would go out there and go after lets say Henley's knee because they know something is wrong with it. Def. when there is bad bood with him like Snowball has so it wouldn't be uncommon for him to try to hurt Henley's knee. I am not saying that is what snowball would try to do but I am saying their are players that would.

[Jerad Shaw]

I want to set this situation striaght. I was pulled from the game for 3 reasons. All 3 of which, I wasn't apart of. If I was, I deserve how I was treated, and will not complain. I was walked out by the Allen County Sheriff's Department. I, at that point had had 2 beers, and a mixed drink at Beamers on the way up. ( That is only to let you guys know I 'am actually loud "scored", there was a break in the action to let the refs decide if it was a goal. I celebrated with throwing my hat on the ice. I was unsure if it was a hat trick, but I followed the sec. 215 people. Well, during the conversation into if it was a goal or not, I was escorted out by the Allen County Sheriff's Department. I was told that I did a crotch chop and flipped off the fans on the otheside. I 100% respect law enforcement. The thing is, I wasn't in violation of any law, or Coliseum rule. The Sherrif said I made a motion to my crotch, and flipped the other side of the arena off. I haven't motioned to my crotch since 7th grade, and I actually do respect the guy that are playing. I haven
't used my middle finger in 6 years. I just don't want that to happen again to anyone else. I wlll take what I went though, to make everyone else not have go through it. It was something new to me, and I just don't know how to feel about it

[Shawn]

Jerad I was sitting two rows behind you and I have no idea why they tossed you. I was one of those who tossed my hat, and the next thing I knew you were being led off the ice. I thought it was becase of the yelling at the Musky players. If that was the case I should have been tossed as well as about 10 other people. I hope you did not have to pay any kind of fine or anything like that.

[jonndfi]

We saw you got escorted out by 3 policeman. Did it really take 3 of them to escort you? Pretty weak if you ask me. Sometimes the "security" at the games go way overboard. We have become to politically PC in this town. I thought it was a home town croud- pretty bad if we can't support our team. We asked our usher- he said he didn't have anything to do with it. Pretty poorly officiated game in case some of you didn't go. Gallagher is TERRIBLE. Not sure how he makes it in the league- he must know somebody to get this gig. Komets should have played the entire game like they did in periods 2 and 3. He hadn't out game miscoducts like Santa hands out presents at Christmas. Did I mention Gallagher is TERRIBLE. We can only hope we get Hawthorne tomorrow. I noticed the zamboni driver giving the business to Gallagher on his way out after each period. Good for him.

[Danny]

Jerad

I sit in section 213 and a level up from where you were sitting at. (I assumed it was you because you seemed to be the only guy standing up and getting other the Muskegon bench's skin haha) and when I saw that they were escorting you out I didn't understand what you had done, seeing as how everyone says you keep it clean and yet still annoy the other team. I was trying to figure out how they thought you did all that because where the cops normally stand it would be really hard to see what you were doing. Did they say that someone had complained or what? Sorry the game had to end prematurely for you.

[IcyKometsFan84]

so jared you made it to 215 i was wondering if you made it down there to hackal bouchard. I wouldnt let it get to you...those cops will throw out anyone. I totally agree that you would not do that after how you keep everything clean as could be the last time muskegon was here.

By the way you missed ramsey complaining after they won...what a cry baby...it's a good thing he didn't squirt water on the ice again i would of hated to see a nice clean smooth spot of ice out there. what a psycho

[New Komet Fan]

Jerad I sit in the 1st row in upper level section 213 and saw everything. I think it is bull crap what happened and I made the usher in our section know about it. Cry baby Ramsey probably said something to the Sheriff's Dept during 2nd intermission. Don't let tonight stop you from getting back down there and harrassing the opponents. If possible, my buddy and I are going to get tickets down there next year to join in the fun.

[Jerad Shaw]

If I was disrespectful to t5yone in section 215 I apoligize. I loved sitting with the Section 215 fans. Thank you for inviting me over, but the guy that toke me away said I pointed at my crotch and said I flipped the players off. I have alot of respect to the players that I run my mouth to. I'm hoping everyone saw me actually give Bouchard a standing ovation, and cheer him into the locker room. I love Komet Hockey, but talking to the other team is alot of fun. Any fan at the game tonight, If I disrespected you in any way, Come up and talk to me. This situation is killing me.

[IcyKometsFan84]

Jared you got five people just here that say it was bull crap. I know how you feel. I hate it when i get wrongfully accused of something. Exspecially something so stupid. I wouldn't worry about it.

[Hoss]

I am glad that Bouchard came back and played in the game, but wasn't that a quick recovery from being so hurt on the ice that he couldn't get up on his knees? He looked like he would be out for a LONG time, maybe the season, when he went off the ice but then came back and skated well.

And to Jerad, you have to know that the MC (and the Komets for the most part) have taken the stand of "Keep the casual fan happy at the cost of the die hards." If one old woman/young kid/whatever said they saw you do something wrong, you will be taken out in a second. Keep the single person happy that complains at the cost of the masses!!! PC Bull Crap!

[Jerad Shaw]

I'm going to post one more here before I head to bed. I would never point to my crotch, or flip off the other side or the arena. Those were the 2 things that I got ejected for. After I expained myself, the sheriff that lead me out said, well its cold out so you can stay in the building. I'm not a jerk, or any other words you can use for me, but I did file a report. I just wanted to make them sure about the situation. Once again, If I was to vocal, or disrespectful, I do want to know. If I did that, then there is no reason for me to complain. If I did what they say I did, then I did it.

[IcyKometsFan84]

So Cohn is Henley gonna be in the line up tomarrow?

[IcyKometsFan84]

nevermind i see he was placed on 7 day IR

[Henley67250]

Jerad, we don't know each other personally, but I was up in 207, and I saw you yelling and loved every minute of it. I don't think you were doing anything wrong either. I say keep up the good work buddy! You are a fan favorite man!

As for the game itself, I can understand Legault getting the 5 minutes on the head-jerking hit in the 3rd period, I figure that would happen, but the game misconduct was flat-out RIDICULOUS! I don't care what anyone says, that was not worth a game misconduct whatsoever. Once again Gallagher committed ANOTHER CRIME AGAINST HOCKEY tonight with his pathetic calls. Justin, new idea for a poll. Who is the stupider referee? Gallagher or Hawthorne? Just my opinion.

The 3rd goal was clearly in. Reichmuth knew it too. Then him, Hardwick, and Collins want to get in Paul the Zamboni driver's face and complain to him? "Big girls don't cry!" Trust me, they don't want to mess with him. I thought Reichmuth and Reiter were going to go at it for a second the way they were motioning, but give it time. It's bound to happen. Just watch.

Our biggest weakness tonight was not being able to keep the puck in the zone when we had to. Had we, it would've led to a couple more goals I bet. We need to start strong tomorrow and get out to the early, comfortable lead that this team is capable of getting.

One final thought: I want a piece of #7 Chris Mills. He's a panzie...

I'm more than willing to hear feedback on my comments.

[Jerad Shaw]

I am a huge fan. Like I said, if I interupted anyone in 215 or anyone else's time, I apoligize. After tonight, I realize I will sit up top and just enjoy hockey. Once again, I apoligize for anyone I disrespected. Go Komets

[Burgee]

Jared, thanks for letting me know what happened, i didn't know that was you they tossed, i was watching you give the other team the business and i saw nothing out of line(from the lower nose bleed section of 403). My wife even asked why they tossed you. I was hoarse from that idiot Gallagher, but i did boo the cops while they were escorting you out, booing the cops may not be the right thing to do but there was no reason to throw you out.

IMO unless the fans are doing something to injure players or fans the cops just need to stay out of it.

Its a professional sporting event, if a fan can get under the skin of a professional athlete and get his mind off the game, in hockey wouldn't they call that the 7th man?

Tonight i bestow the 7th man award to you, congratulations.

[IcyKometsFan84]

NO don't do that....you did nothing wrong don't let this one night stop you from being the huge fan that you are.

[Jerad Shaw]

I appr0eciate the Koments, (play on words) but I am worried that I interupted the fave for the people in 215. They asked me to their section, and I feel that I didn't repersent then in they way I should. I really hope I didn't do the things I was accused of, but if I did, I will stand up to it. FYI. I haven
t done the crotch chop since I was in 8th grade so I'm clear of that, and I haven't given the finger since about 48 hours before the game.) I guess I'm in a bad positino. I really hope B2 got that footage.

[Jerad Shaw]

I just want to let people know what I was accused of doing. The Sherrif that walked me out said he say me double point @ my crotch, and give the finger to people on the other side of the stadium. I know, no matter how mad I am at times, those are 2 things I wouldn't do. Being escorted out was one thing, but I don't want people to see me at games to think that I am acting in a way that thier kids can
t sit by. If I have acted in a way in which you don't think your kids should be around me, please tell me. I try to be very family friendly, but at the same time, I do enjoy to yell. I just don't want people that think I toke away from thier fun

[ds214]

I got thrown out myself. One time last year, and I still do not know what for, I think I booed the ref to loud and the officer's ears got hurt! The other time I poured a whole large cup of water over Jim Nagels (ref early 80's) head when there was a stoppage of play and he just so happened to stand next to the glass so that I could climbed up on. (the glass on the side was short back then)
I will not make the game today as there is a level 3 snow emergency up here in Noble Co. Hope that the Komets come out stronger than they did last night. They could not get out of there zone for the first period. Musk.is a completely different team from the last time they were here. Go K's

[ds214]

I got thrown out myself. One time last year, and I still do not know what for, I think I booed the ref to loud and the officer's ears got hurt! The other time I poured a whole large cup of water over Jim Nagels (ref early 80's) head when there was a stoppage of play and he just so happened to stand next to the glass so that I could climbed up on. (the glass on the side was short back then)
I will not make the game today as there is a level 3 snow emergency up here in Noble Co. Hope that the Komets come out stronger than they did last night. They could not get out of there zone for the first period. Musk.is a completely different team from the last time they were here. Go K's

[King Louie]

Too bad this whole page is about a fan who got tossed. Try watching the game next time. Be thankful you got tossed and had the misery of watching an IHL2 game ended early.

The article on Joe ticks me off. I'm with you Joe. Loyalty DOES mean something. Though I'll always be glad for the Frankes and those early 90s teams, what they have done with the team lately...charging high prices for a very poor product they have now has soured me and has for several years. The 1-0 Joe night was one of very few fun nights in the UHL, and that was really an accident!

[Hit Somebody!!!]

Funny thing is, there is always 2 sides to the story...and lots of people have heard the other story out there. I think David and Michael have used good judgement in the way they have handled Joe. I am really surprised Joe is being so outspoken on this topic. I am glad the Komet's Organization hasn't dropped their gloves on this issue and make things ugly.

[Jerad Shaw]

King, I watch every game. I watch it and still enjoy myself at every game. If I didn't, I would be able to talk about how the game was played on here. I have been cleared by any worng doing by about 12 people that were actually by me. If you were by me and were upset, then please speak up.