Attention Komets coach Al Sims, you may want to take a look at the goings on with Indiana -- Pennsylvania, that is.
That's where Fort Wayne native and former Komets goaltender Brian Gratz is coaching. His Indiana Ice Miners of the five-team Mid-Atlantic Hockey League are on a 21-game winning streak and are 26-1-0.
Some of the statistics are staggering: Indiana has a 22-point lead on second-place Wooster; Indiana has outscored the opposition 206-81; Justin Depretis has 46 goals, 77 points and a plus-47 rating in 24 games. Goaltender Nick Niedert, who once had a tryout with the Komets, is 19-1-0 with a 2.79 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage.
Surely, there's someone there for potential call-up down the road? Couldn't hurt to take a look now. Other teams already are doing that.
Check out this story on Gratz from The Reading Eagle.
-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette
Niedert is an assistant coach there...I don't think we'd be calling him up.
Posted by: FWKRTJ | January 29, 2008 at 02:17 PM
You just love shooting holes in all my ideas, don't you? Besides, I hardly think being a player assistant at the Single A level would dissuade anyone from moving up.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | January 29, 2008 at 02:21 PM
I like the idea of calling some of these guys up. Might help us come playoff time.
Posted by: jonndfi | January 29, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Any good GOONS in this league? If so we could bring in one & he could run the other teams goalie. Just a passing thought.
Posted by: mightbite | January 29, 2008 at 03:14 PM
I asked someone who was a close fan and knows a lot of the players and said that Justin Depretis has been called up numerious times but he wants to stay close to his hometown (Pittsburgh)
Posted by: Andrew | January 29, 2008 at 04:33 PM
I was just saying lol.
I'd really be interested to see how one of those players does up in the AA level in the IHL. They've been ok in the ECHL but it'd be neat to see an IHL callup.
Posted by: FWKRTJ | January 29, 2008 at 04:54 PM
Off topic, but does anyone have the NHL Network? Direct TV makes it's way into my house on Friday, and I am pumped about the NHL Network. What do they offer?? Anything good in regards to minor league hockey or hockey overseas??
Posted by: Jerad Shaw | January 29, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Is McCarty going to play Friday ???? I know his last HOME game was Saturday, but they didnt really say if he was going to play any more road games. Just Wondering
Posted by: JW | January 29, 2008 at 06:10 PM
Jerad the NHL is ok they show some ECHL games on Saturday night and a few AHL games now and then. THey are mostly replay games from Friday night. THey do have some cool shows like CLassic Series from all the NHL play-off series and I watched the top 10 of the Det vs Colo series. That is about all though.
Posted by: David | January 29, 2008 at 06:12 PM
The best part of the NHL Network is the random selection of "classic" games they show, you know, from a time when they actually it people and all the ice wasn't covered with vomitous advertising.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | January 29, 2008 at 07:18 PM
the only problem with nhl network is you have to watch those boring euro playing overpaid sissies play what they call hockey. lol
Posted by: chuckitt | January 29, 2008 at 08:34 PM
Where is the league that Tidball plays in located? Its like the LNAH or something I believe. Is that in Canada?
Posted by: Jerad Shaw | January 29, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Tidball is in the LNAH playing for Radio X
Posted by: Brandon | January 29, 2008 at 09:20 PM
and yes, that's in Canada
Posted by: Brandon | January 29, 2008 at 09:20 PM
That appears to be a pretty physical league. There is like 5 guys with over 100 PM on his team alone.
Posted by: Jerad Shaw | January 29, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Gettin the word out there Justin???
Nice job, maybe one of those guys deserves a look at. Are you still taking credit for Warner? I'd have to say he's been one of the bigger bright spots on the K's this year. He plays w/ some grit....
Posted by: Junior | January 29, 2008 at 11:32 PM
I am still taking a level of credit for Warner, though no one will ever admit it. I don't know, maybe Brandon would. I have documented proof I knew all about him before the Frankes ever did. lol
Posted by: Justin Cohn | January 30, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Yea- get Tidball & have him run Magers or Pool!!
Posted by: mightbite | January 30, 2008 at 04:23 AM
Jerad
NHL network is OK. I have watched a few ECHL games and it is neat to see some of the players from last year. I watched a game the other night with Elmira and Martinson (Spelling) hasn't changed a bit, after the loss he was yelling at the ref and you could understand that he was saying he wanted to sleep with him. He hasn't changed a bit.
Posted by: Rich | January 30, 2008 at 07:09 AM
I have had proof on him to. I followed his carrer at Mich St. He didn't play a lot. I was at St Louis last year for the Frozen Four. And I told my buddy you watch he will be a Komet next year.
Posted by: Skoal Apple | January 30, 2008 at 07:36 AM
Well, it won't mean as much, but I'll say thanks to you 2 for getting Warner in the Fort.
That's all I can offer, no money.
Posted by: Junior | January 30, 2008 at 07:38 AM
now all you gotta do is bring Jon Mirasty to FW !!!!!?????
Posted by: JW | January 30, 2008 at 06:15 PM
Anyone B2'n?? With the Bhawks on, I think I am just going to listen to Chaser tonight!!! Bhawks on vs.!!! Can't wait!
Posted by: Jerad Shaw | January 30, 2008 at 06:15 PM
If anyone is wondering if the feed from Bloomington is good, I got it last time and it was an awesome feed throughout.
Posted by: Jerad Shaw | January 30, 2008 at 06:16 PM
I really miss the days when the goalies got ran, Belfour in Saginaw. Now those were the days.
Posted by: mightbite | January 30, 2008 at 06:24 PM
Gotta love it when someone fishes all day long and never catches anything. Throws the same bait out there time after time and the fish just ignore it. Might be time to change one of the other 30 names.
Where do the Komets have room for anyone at this point? Who do you sit or release to make room for a guy that is putting up obscene numbers in a much lesser league? I think the last thing this team needs right now is a chemistry change. Lets get the lines set and solid and go on another run. Lets also allow our goalies to play with confidence without either of them worrying about ever playing again.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | January 30, 2008 at 06:32 PM
Yep lets pick someone up so we can put them on IR because we have to many. Poor Legualt he is on IR again because we have to many players at this point. The only way this kid is going to get better is to keep playing and he plays his role very well. Why not put Pence on IR? I am not saying he has not played well but if you look at our lineup we have a couple of players that are like him and Legualt gives us a more physical threat up front.
Posted by: David | January 30, 2008 at 06:38 PM
King-Kong Jorde beat up Legualt &put him on IR. true?
Posted by: mightbite | January 30, 2008 at 07:03 PM
False Bucko.
Posted by: Hoss | January 30, 2008 at 07:15 PM
Hoss was the first catch all day. LOL I would pay 10 buckos to know if that was Dumbkiewicz up in this blog with the 30 names.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | January 30, 2008 at 07:34 PM
But I am a big fish, so it was worth the wait!
Posted by: Hoss | January 30, 2008 at 08:18 PM
Jorde beat Legualt in a decision. LeGualt Ko'd 2 Fury players in a week span. Maybe Henley should step up and win every battle he is in. He hasn't impressed so far in his fights!!
Posted by: Jerad Shaw | January 30, 2008 at 09:06 PM
I would pay 10 bucks to know who Domber is on this blog. You talk about heart. He would add so much to this team as a role player.
Posted by: Jerad Shaw | January 30, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Really? Are we talking about the same guy Jerad? I respect your opinion but disagree. He was a cancer. He played for how many teams in a 2-3 year span? I liked him a little at first, but after the yelling at his teammates after goals given up and the constant turtling after running guys into the boards, I don't know about him.
Where did this ref come from tonight? Gene Binda? Sign him up!!! 3 penalties in a period and a half of play. Wow.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | January 30, 2008 at 09:16 PM
K's are looking good tonight. (watching on B2) They are controlling the game. Curadue had a really nice goal set up by Hukalo, Henley is playing great, the new ref(i have not heard of him before) is letting them play (i just wish we could get him instead of hawthorn at home) and Nick has been really solid in goal also.
Go Komet's keep it up guys
Posted by: Andy | January 30, 2008 at 09:21 PM
Is Legault on IR again, seriously?
Posted by: scoops | January 30, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Legault might be hurt, but it also wouldn't surprise me if they are trying to keep him under 60 games so they can have him under rookie status again. Saidachev according to Franke will fall under the limit and will be back as a rookie again next year. I have heard they have done this in the past when players are close to that limit.
Posted by: K.M. | January 30, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Yay. That really worked out well when they did that with Galbraith.
I was hoping to see Legault in the lineup Friday night.
Posted by: scoops | January 30, 2008 at 09:47 PM
I know what you are saying, I like to watch Legault play too! I am not saying for sure thats what they are doing, I just threw it out there as a possibility.
Posted by: K.M. | January 30, 2008 at 09:50 PM
Ok so someone needs to tell Nick to stay in his net gosh he was waaaaaaay too far out...That was further than Reiter would go.
Posted by: Andy | January 30, 2008 at 09:52 PM
I too agree Scoops, Legault should be on the ice. He seems to look better each time he is out there and he plays physical. Entertaining too. Only thing is, who do we sit? We are one man too many right now. Warner plays well. Pence isn't a superstar, but he isn't that bad either for a rookie. I don't know what the answer is. I wish Woody could get a regular shift. I like the way he plays.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | January 30, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Hit! you are right i have seen Woods on the ice maybe 4 times tonight, It really sucks but who shall we sit for him everyone is clicking. Even Terry who had two goals the other night.
Then again Saidechev has not been the same since he's been back which is upsetting since he showed alot of promise early in the season.
Posted by: Andy | January 30, 2008 at 10:15 PM
I guess when you have a great team that is loaded, ice-time gets to be tough. Wonder if maybe we start using this to our advantage and rest guys from time to time down the stretch and it also would keep everyone playing and hungry. I think the playoffs and the cup is the prize this year and we are in a great position.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | January 30, 2008 at 10:19 PM
K's get empty net goal with 20 seconds left to make it 5-2. Woo-hoo! Never heard of this ref before but it looks like he let them play for the most part. Had to settle for watching the IHL scoreboard tonight, can't seem to get Kometcast to work (could be my dinosaur of a computer) and the radio reception here is pretty sketchy. Hope to see everyone Friday but with the weather they're predicting I don't know if I'll be venturing out or not. Goodnight all! :)
Posted by: FiveMinuteMajor | January 30, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Hit, I love your views as well, but Domber was a crowd favorite last year. He gave all he had plus a back injury. Him and Pascal were the personality of the team last year. When they lost Domer, they lost the face of the team. Look back on when we started the slide last year. He added excitment, plus good puck handling. Let's be honest though, your opinion is what matters right? Noone can see the game like you do. Sorry.
Posted by: Jerad Shaw | January 30, 2008 at 11:34 PM
Glad the Hawks got rid of Tyler Arnason. I am starting to feel the curse of the Cubbies in the Blackhawks. This is killing me!
Posted by: Jerad Shaw | January 30, 2008 at 11:45 PM
Blackhawks were under a curse when Belfour was let go. He was the heart of the blackhawks,cause he was ran while playing in saganaw. HA-HA.
Posted by: mightbite | January 31, 2008 at 04:24 AM
HEY- BUCKOS the K's are 5-2 with King- Kong HENLEY thats a 71% in wins!! WINTER STORM is on the way.Is McCarty still with Flint?
Posted by: mightbite | January 31, 2008 at 04:37 AM
71%?
Posted by: Hoss | January 31, 2008 at 06:25 AM
Hit
I totally agree with your statement about not messing with the KOMETS chemistry at this point. We are on a role right now and there is no reason to mess it up.
Jerad
My son and wife loved Domber but I just didn’t see it. He did have a good run in the playoffs in 2006 but it seamed like he when down hill after that. Not sure what the reason was maybe his back was starting to bother him???
Posted by: Rich | January 31, 2008 at 07:08 AM