So, here's a debate that will become a hot one when several awards, including Komets' MVP and Rookie of the Year, have to be determined: If you're stranded on a hockey island, would you rather have Luciano Aquino or Mathieu Curadeau?
Statistically speaking, Aquino has 29 goals, 67 points, 11 power-play goals, 12 power-play assists, three game-winning goals and plus-19 rating. Curadeau has 30 goals, 48 points, eight power-play goals, four power-play assists, four game-winning goals and a plus-28 rating. Both have played 59 games.
I will acknowledge that Curadeau is the more well-rounded of the two. He is one of the Komets' best defensive forwards. He finishes checks at both ends. He has a bigger upside.
However, I'm picking Aquino as more valuable. Almost every shift, I notice Aquino make a beautiful play. In fact, I find it difficult to take my eyes off him, for fear I'll miss something. Granted, his defense needs some work and the fact that he's at this level, not the higher-level American Hockey League, suggests there's more than meets the eye. But really, where would the Komets be without Aquino's magnificence this season?
Regardless, it's a fun debate and the Komets are lucky to have them both.
Elsewhere around the International Hockey League, in its first game since firing coach Kevin Kerr, second-place Flint lost 6-3 to the Kalamazoo Wings on Wednesday.
Once again, the Generals were ravaged by injuries. Here's what The Flint Journal had to say about the game.
More interestingly, Lorne Knauft didn't play, after questioning the coaching move. The Journal wrote his statement didn't cause his absence.
The more I think about this, if you're going to fire your coach when you're in second place, this late in the season, you better have a proven, exciting replacement ready. Peter South, Steve Pronger and Jason Muzzatti don't qualify.
So, I'm now banking my preseason pick to win the Turner Cup misses the playoffs, there being three teams withing five points of the Generals.
-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette
Curadeau all the way, he hits hard and can really find the back of the net. Here's another debate I just bought my first K's jersey, who's name do I put on the back? Once again, i'm thinking Curadeau all the way.
Posted by: Ryne Gurney | March 12, 2008 at 09:28 PM
Count my vote for Curadeau. I have a lot of respect for the way he plays the game. Not taking anything away from Aquino, but Matty is the man!
Posted by: Jungle Monkey | March 12, 2008 at 09:32 PM
From this season's Komets? All time? What era?
Posted by: Justin Cohn | March 12, 2008 at 09:36 PM
I've been going to games since i was born, which was in '89 last two years preferrably.
Posted by: Ryne Gurney | March 12, 2008 at 09:38 PM
Hmmm, were it me, from only the last two seasons, I'd go Pascal Morency. You want one that's cool for his playing style, recognizable but not too overdone, and a guy who could still play at a higher level and have his name become well-known. Or Matt Syroczynski. ... Or Curadeau or Aquino, but like I said, I go a little under the radar with these things.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | March 12, 2008 at 09:43 PM
By the way. 89? Wow, I feel old.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | March 12, 2008 at 09:44 PM
u r a dinosauer!!!!
Posted by: chuckitt | March 12, 2008 at 09:49 PM
It's really a toss up.
Aquino has the puck control and is a little more creative with the puck.
My vote would go to Curadeau. Not only because it's he plays good defense and hits hard, it's because he has a sense of self control.
Posted by: eric_smiff | March 12, 2008 at 09:50 PM
Oh, Cohn i'm going to be in that lame little rag you call a newspaper (just kidding, I read the JG every day and love it) for the Bishop Luers golf team
But yeah I was thinking Morency too, that guy gave everything every shift, but you don't see a lot of Curadeau jerseys around the halls.
Posted by: Ryne Gurney | March 12, 2008 at 09:50 PM
wonder how good this team would have been if sessa was still with us?
Posted by: chuckitt | March 12, 2008 at 09:57 PM
Wow, forgot all about Sessa Chuckitt. He was under-achieving when he was here, and at the time he left, there was alot of debate as to the team needing to get rid of a player. He left, the team took off bigtime. Maybe it had nothing to do with him leaving...it just seems we are much better without him and we have a ton of younger guys who have played awesome this year. Mitch Woods got alot of extra ice-time probably because Sessa is gone.
Aquino MVP....Curadeau ROTY. Or vice versa...either way...we are darn lucky to have both of them because both are moving up next year most certainly.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | March 12, 2008 at 10:14 PM
i think sessa didnt play all that well cause his heart wasnt in it. he knew the job opening was comming but if it was a normal year then i think he would have been a different player
Posted by: chuckitt | March 12, 2008 at 10:32 PM
hm. aquino or curadeau...
well. i think im gonna have to say. both?
you cant hurt ones feelingss...that just mean.
haha jk
:]
Posted by: Jyssica | March 12, 2008 at 10:33 PM
EW DEF NOT AQUINO!!!!!!!!!! He discuts me an has NO self control have u ever seen him curse out on the ice wen he misses 1 goal...gimmie a break dude u got 29 how many more u need???????? CURADEAU ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!! Hes got tons of self control he deserves it more WAY MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Legault's Hawk Rocks!! | March 12, 2008 at 10:34 PM
A line with both of those guys on the ice would be something to see.
Posted by: Ryne Gurney | March 12, 2008 at 10:40 PM
I must have got on the Romper Room blog by accident....dude.
Posted by: St.Christopher | March 12, 2008 at 10:44 PM
So i'm watching the game of the week, Hansen got worked, soo bad. They didn't catch Durdin's knee.
Posted by: Ryne Gurney | March 12, 2008 at 10:55 PM
I will also go with Curadeau, he plays hard every second on the ice. While Aquino maybe fancy footed he is hardly giving 100% on defence like Mat.
Posted by: Andy | March 13, 2008 at 02:10 AM
Aquino was the obvious pick early on. He has made some amazing plays throughout the season. The thing is Curadeau has done more then make the superstar plays. He has thrown his body around and also made plays with the puck. Aquino does so much on the offensive end, it makes a decision difficult!!!! I would say it is neck and neck , and whoever plays more physical wins!!! Sorry, I'm greedy!!!
As for the name on the jersey, I would never go away from the 77 Fletcher jersey. I grew up with him. I uncovered a couple of old Komets programs tonight. I miss the old days with Cleveland, Detroit, and Indy. How great would it be if those franchises smarten up to get back into the I???
Friday's game should be physical, but we all know what that means!! :)
Posted by: Jerad Shaw | March 13, 2008 at 04:28 AM
Yeah Shaw, I remember Steve Fletcher (I have the poster in my room from when he came back to play his last game) I just don't remember much about him from before.
Posted by: Ryne Gurney | March 13, 2008 at 07:15 AM
I say give it to them both. It is too close to call and they both deserve it. If I remember correct Guy and Mario shared an award last year.
Posted by: Rich | March 13, 2008 at 07:20 AM
Hard to pick just one of these players. I like what Aquino brings to the table offensively and I like Curadeau's all around game. If I had to choose I would say Curadeau.
I agree Jerad. I mentioned to a friend the other day this could be a weekend where we get tested. Kind of curious to see how we would respond if we get punched in the mouth both physically and/or on the scoreboard. Both these teams have the tools to do go Rockford on us.
Posted by: scoops | March 13, 2008 at 08:55 AM
I'll go Curddy. The guy can't be stopped on both ends of the rink. He should be in the AHL next year.
Aquino's great. Good passer and a heads up goal scorer. He just needs to learn to back check a little better.
All in all, a good group of Freshmen.
Posted by: Junior | March 13, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Why are we even staying in the I. I can't go through another season with only 6 teams. Move to a league higher and see what talent we get then. Take a chance, chris columbus did. I say we have a great group anyway.
Posted by: Conley | March 13, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Chaulk=MVP, he makes Aquino a better player. Chaulk got off to a slow start, but after that fight with Bickley, the whole teams season had changed.
Posted by: brando | March 13, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Right on. Chaulk brings a ton to the ice and locker room. Glad he is back. Only vets can make rooks good if they are not to stubborn to take advise from them.
Posted by: Conley | March 13, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Aquino, Cureadeau, Chaulk, and Drouin, along with the goaltending have made the Komets fun to watch. I like Legault and Woods too.
For defense, it's solid but not flashy. I am not a fan of Hansen or Durdin at all, but Guy, Pence, Warner, Henley, Bertram and others do a solid job back there for this level.
But take away those first four I mentioned, and this team wouldn't be fun to watch. When Drouin came is when the team TOOK OFF in my opinion.
Posted by: TGP | March 13, 2008 at 11:12 AM
mvp druin, rookie of year tie/ , best d man dupuis, most improved pence, least ammout of hits guinn, oops! sorry, got carried away!
Posted by: chuckitt | March 13, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Drouin is the MVP at this point.
Currdy or Aquino for ROY, its a toss up.
I don't see the justification for Chaulk to be mvp.
Posted by: Jungle Monkey | March 13, 2008 at 12:56 PM
I think the MVP should go to Steve Groggs the team Massage Therapist. I don't know where we would be with out him.
Posted by: Skoal Apple | March 13, 2008 at 01:07 PM
I haven't seen anyone mention Hukalo, he is one of the best all around players on the team. He is by far one of the hardest working players on the ice every single shift. To me that is what hockey is all about, he is not flashy, he does not have the most points but he does work the hardest. Not trying to discredit the others but to me there is no question.
Posted by: Janice | March 13, 2008 at 02:19 PM
Good stuff, it's impossible to argue Huk's hard work on the ice.
Posted by: Junior | March 13, 2008 at 02:43 PM
Not to take away from David. But if it came down to who are you going to call on to step up and make that necessary play I know I would call Chaulk busters.
Posted by: Conley | March 13, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Agreed Conley...I like the Chaulk Busters, too.
Posted by: brando | March 13, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Take a chance, Chris Columbus did.
Conley, I'm so happy you have found the blog. Great quote!!!
Posted by: Jerad Shaw | March 13, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Me too. I'm happier than a two headed billy goat in a weed field. Ice chips rocks! Shaw. You want to have some barley pops tonight?
Posted by: Conley | March 13, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Me too. I'm happier than a two headed billy goat in a weed field. Ice chips rocks! Shaw. You want to have some barley pops tonight?
Posted by: Conley | March 13, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Me too. I'm happier than a two headed billy goat in a weed field. Ice chips rocks! Shaw. You want to have some barley pops tonight?
Posted by: Conley | March 13, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Me too. I'm happier than a two headed billy goat in a weed field. Ice chips rocks!
Posted by: Conley | March 13, 2008 at 03:49 PM
I guess we get that you are happy after telling us FOUR times.
Posted by: TGP | March 13, 2008 at 04:36 PM
This team did not take off until King- Kong HENLEY arived. Mvp=Curadeau-HENLEY.
Posted by: mightbite | March 13, 2008 at 05:13 PM
someone mentioned Drouin...at this point he just might be MVP of the league....
Posted by: Mark | March 13, 2008 at 07:36 PM
Justin Cohn is definitely the Most Valuable Reporter in this league. Just look at the number of hits he gets on this blog compared to the other knuckle-heads out there. There is one blog where the guy self-promotes himself and writes his blog so everyone will agree with him and there is no discussion what-so-ever let alone comments left. Actually that is 2 blogs that I can think of.
To make this long story short, Justin, you do a great job keeping us informed, entertained, and engaged. This is a great blog, best there is....period!
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | March 13, 2008 at 08:02 PM
Well said Hit, seriously Justin I love the fact that most days I can wake up, open the Gazette and see an update on my favorite team, keep up the good work man.
Posted by: Ryne Gurney | March 13, 2008 at 08:11 PM
Jerod Shaw, Conley, you guys ROCK after I read your posts I was smiling like a mule eating briers! I agree with Skoal Apple...Steve Grogg for MVP reason being I worked that job for a few years. ENJOY ALL see you Friday.
Posted by: ds214 | March 13, 2008 at 10:28 PM
Yes Justin does a great job with the K's-he even lets those k-zoo Buckos on here-think they will be after tonights game?
Posted by: mightbite | March 14, 2008 at 04:21 AM
Wake up people! Its game day! What a big game tonight for all fans near and far. Any players who readv this. Go get em tonight and stay tough. 211 will be loud!
Posted by: Conley | March 14, 2008 at 07:22 AM
Is it bad that I really hope my wife doesn't go into labor so I can atleast go the game tonight?
GO KOMETS!!!
Posted by: IcyKometsFan84 | March 14, 2008 at 07:36 AM
Hey Icy it would be awesome to have it at the game. They have TVs in the medical office so you can have a baby and not miss a second of the game. Best of both worlds. By the way congrats. Another komet hockey fan!
Posted by: Conley | March 14, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Thats funny. My wife went into labor with our first child right at kickoff of the Colts/Titans playoff game in 2000. The funny part was chatting with the nurses and anistesiaologist about what was going on during the game at that time. She finally told us all to shut-up so she could get that epidural!
Posted by: scoops | March 14, 2008 at 08:41 AM