On Friday, you may recall, I had some blog entries about the International Hockey League's kooky rules not allowing reporters to vote for players from teams they cover for league awards. As I noted, some reporters are abstaining from voting because of it.
Were I allowed to vote for Fort Wayne players, or to vote in all awards, here's who would get my nods:
Best Defenseman: Guy Dupuis, Fort Wayne. This is a no-brainer. (I was left with Nick Tuzzolino of Flint. Oy.)
Best Defensive Forward: David Hukalo, Fort Wayne. Let's face it, the Komets have the top three in the league in this department with Hukalo, Colin Chaulk and Mathieu Curadeau. Laughable to vote for anyone out of those three.
Most Sportsmanlike Player: Konstantin Shafranov, Fort Wayne. I know I'm starting to sound like a homer, but he's got 10 penalty minutes in 58 games. I voted for Jamie Caroll of Port Huron and he's equally deserving.
Rookie of the Year: Luciano Aquino, Fort Wayne. He's got 14 points more than any other rookie. Teammate Mathieu Curadeau is a close second, though Carroll will get some votes.
Best Goaltender: I absolutely despise shared awards. But how can you not give this to Kevin Reiter and Nick Boucher of, yes, Fort Wayne. Check out the goalie stats -- no one else is even close to them. But they may cancel each other out, in which case you can just roll the dice. Loic Lacasse of Bloomington might be in the conversation.
Coach of the Year: Uh, Al Sims, Fort Wayne. No debate.
I know you're rolling your eyes out there, but the Komets have a 27-point lead over the rest of the league with 13 games remaining. That dominance must be reflected in the awards. And remember, the other teams' players will be represented in the all-star teams.
There's one award that I can't get a good grip on: MVP. There are so many worthy candidates, including Chaulk, Aquino, Kalamazoo's Kory Karlander, Flint's Michel Beausoliel, Port Huron's Tab Lardner.
But I'm going with Dupuis. Why? He's the most dominating player on the most dominating team.
- The Port Huron Times Herald has a profile of Icehawks owner Larry Kinney. I was sort of amused that it says he dreams of owning an NHL franchise yet he acknowledges how uninvolved with the Icehawks he's been.
- The Flint Journal reported that a new downtown arena may be in Flint's future. For the Generals' sake, I sure hope this is true, but the story says a new arena might have to coexist with Perani Arena, the worst facility in the International Hockey League.
- On these notes, the future of the IHL probably rests with the Kinney's continued support of the Icehawks and hopefully more improvements at Perani Arena. If those teams don't become more viable and the IHL loses two more teams, it could go kaput, expansion or not.
- By the way, I'm going to attempt to do another in-game chat session with readers during Monday's game at Kalamazoo, Mich. So, just post your comments/questions in the comments section of the beginning around game time.
-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette
justin, thanks for keeping us updated on things going on that we are not always aware of,and no you dont sound like a homer,facts are facts our team this year just speaks for itself. GO KOMETS!!!
Posted by: rob | March 16, 2008 at 09:44 PM
Guy? He is good, but MVP? Not sure about that one.
I would say that PC is a good call for MVP. Look at what he has done since coming here. He has made the difference on the Power Play. We have a point guy now that we were begging for before he came here. Aquino, Curadeau, and either of our 2 goalies should get votes for MVP too. Reiter with 7 shutouts and we rode him for several games when Boucher was hurt. That was a huge point in the season.
What a great year! Lets go get the other cup now.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | March 16, 2008 at 09:52 PM
I thought long and hard about P.C. But the fact of the matter is, his impact is felt most on special teams and without him, they're still darn good. Dupuis is equally awesome on special teams, just in a different way, and without him, your No. 1 defenseman is Kevin Bertram. Think about that for a moment.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | March 16, 2008 at 10:02 PM
It is pretty amazing to think that after Guy, who is the best defenseman.....YIKES!
Really though, Pence...Alot of people ride him, he has turned into a pretty darn good defenseman and a pretty good hockey player. He is young, he is not a star, but he knows his role and does it well. He is very steady. It is guys like him that make teams champions. You can have a team full of stars, but if you don't have good role players, you won't do well as a team.
So I say Pence gets most improved player award for the Komets!
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | March 16, 2008 at 10:09 PM
I had to pick Tuzzolino in that vote. I couldn't believe it, but he was the best I could come up with.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | March 16, 2008 at 10:15 PM
I was really impressed with Pence playing winger.
Posted by: JIM BEAM | March 16, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Please keep Pence at winger! He is so much better playing up front...
Posted by: Henley67250 | March 16, 2008 at 11:58 PM
Its pretty hard not to agree with the above, the ks and coach probably should sweep the awards.
ive got an idea for larry kinney and port huron, move the franchise to fort wayne and play at the mac (mcmillen). you could play your home games against the rest of the teams at the mac and play your home games again'st the ks at the coliseum, 8 games X 8000 = 64,000, probaly more than youve had all year in port huron.
Posted by: Gerry | March 17, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Boy oh boy. In the 8 years I have had season tix this has to be the hardest vote so far. Defense has allowed a league low with 149 goals trumping the next the down by 50. 50! Offensive has 225 beating flint by a mear 5. Now if MVP is most valuable player it has to be from the d line and so Dupuis is the logical choice. Sorry Luc. I'm sure he will have many a MVPs in his career. What a dilema!
Posted by: Conley | March 17, 2008 at 08:03 AM
According to the Kzoo Wing's Blog Karlander just signed a PTO contract to play with Grand Rapids.
Posted by: Wingmnn | March 17, 2008 at 08:30 AM
The Kzoo wings blog? You mean that Wings Stadium message board?
Posted by: Justin Cohn | March 17, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Yes Sorry
Posted by: Wingmnn | March 17, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Grand Rapids probably just looking for Bodies. Detroit has suffered some injuries and I'm sure Grand Rapids is being raided.
Posted by: Greg | March 17, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Have a nice and boring time in Kzoo if it is anywhere close to what was on the ice Friday better drink a lot of coffee because there will be no action in the physical department.
Posted by: ToeBlake | March 17, 2008 at 12:29 PM
I disagree ToeBlake. It seems like we always play tough in Kalamazoo and the players know a lot of fans drive to see them there. Besides it does not matter who or where we play it is going to be a wild ride clear through June. Do they have green beer? Can anyone enlighten me. I'm thirsty and Irish!
Posted by: Conley | March 17, 2008 at 12:38 PM
I disagree ToeBlake. It seems like we always play tough in Kalamazoo and the players know a lot of fans drive to see them there. Besides it does not matter who or where we play it is going to be a wild ride clear through June. Do they have green beer? Can anyone enlighten me. I'm thirsty and Irish!
Posted by: Conley | March 17, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Oops. Twitchy finger.
Posted by: Conley | March 17, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Oops. Twitchy finger.
Posted by: Conley | March 17, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Hello Mr.Henley and welcome to Willisville KZOO will see to it that the Vomits little win streak will skid mark!
Posted by: WillisRockz | March 17, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Hello Mr.Henley and welcome to Willisville KZOO will see to it that the Vomits little win streak will skid mark!
Posted by: WillisRockz | March 17, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Does anyone else agree with me when I say Willis is a joke?
The KOMETS own K-Zoo and the victory bus will role right through your little barn!!!!
Posted by: Rich | March 17, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Wow! Someone does not like getting beat let alone in a shootout for a franchise record.
Posted by: Conley | March 17, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Wow! Someone does not like getting beat let alone in a shootout for a franchise record.
Posted by: Conley | March 17, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Right on Rich! Not everyone can be as fortunate to have a team worth cheering for. I am sensing a little jealousy. I don t know.
Posted by: Conley | March 17, 2008 at 01:26 PM
Barn...? Maybe, but atleast we act like a true IHL team and not some wannabe NHL franchise! Plus, FW Colliseum is nothing more than a second rate arena! FW Vomits, the Franke family's other jewel besides that broke down petting zoo!
Posted by: WillisRockz | March 17, 2008 at 01:34 PM
the frankes own a petting zoo?
Posted by: hobo | March 17, 2008 at 01:49 PM
If the Franke's own a petting zoo, why can't see have it set up at the games? I wanna pet a lama!
Posted by: Brandon | March 17, 2008 at 02:13 PM
So, I just called to get tickets for K-zoo tonight. Fort wayne side is already sold out!!!! I had to get section 10.
Are there that many komets fans going tonight or is k-zoo filling our section with locals to try and stir up some turmoil.
Regardless it shoudl be a good game. I hope they have green beer to go with the green ice. LOL
Posted by: Homco | March 17, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Willis Rocks...yes indeed Wings Stadium and the thousands of Wings fans are definitely better than the 7500 plus per game in FW and the hundreds/thousands who go to the road games. Nah, I can't convince myself of that...that is why K-zoo will always be my second favorite team in the league. Their arena and fans could fit in our building twice. See you in K-zoo tonight. Also did anyone notice the K-zoo bench throwing the water bottle at the K's and the ref after Fridays game?
Posted by: Tom | March 17, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Tom-
I saw that to, but I didn't see who threw it
Posted by: mark | March 17, 2008 at 02:28 PM
I will be in section 10 so it will definately be loud. I am not going to say another word till I get there so I don't lose my voice. Go Ks! Willis rocks. NOT! Maybe the cradle because all the team seems to cry the whole game. Last time I saw a bottle fly was in Chicago by Puhalski. I don't think he was happy.
Posted by: Conley | March 17, 2008 at 02:45 PM
I will be in section 10 so it will definately be loud. I am not going to say another word till I get there so I don't lose my voice. Go Ks! Willis rocks. NOT! Maybe the cradle because all the team seems to cry the whole game. Last time I saw a bottle fly was in Chicago by Puhalski. I don't think he was happy.
Posted by: Conley | March 17, 2008 at 02:45 PM
willis is the only player on Kzoo with heart...i think hes a solid player... other than that they are the most boring IHL team and play the most boring hockey
Posted by: JW | March 17, 2008 at 02:48 PM
Conley
My feelings are hurt!! I didn’t get a call asking if I wanted to make the trip. Just kidding have fun and shout some for me. Can you imagine the money the Frankes would make if they would have a Willis and Krylander exhibit at their zoo!!!
Posted by: Rich | March 17, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Aah, let the "little fella lover" have his cockyness on this blog, the time to shut him up, or not, will be during the game tonight!
Posted by: kyle hunt | March 17, 2008 at 03:08 PM
I thought little we-Willie was one of those freeky side shows at the carnival not a petting zoo. Wow I learned something new today. On a side note though I wonder if Willis will have on his anual Leperchaun outfit and will be passing out lucky charms.
Posted by: Wingmnn | March 17, 2008 at 03:45 PM
Cohny...where are you skating tomorrow afternoon and with whom? We'll miss you in the A.M.
Posted by: St.Christopher | March 17, 2008 at 05:03 PM
NICE ONE Wingman!!!! He may sing I'm a little petunia in a onion patch and all I do is cry all day-Boo-Hoo-Boo-Hoo. When King-Kong HENLEY gets him.
Posted by: mightbite | March 17, 2008 at 06:02 PM
Opps Wingmnn
Posted by: mightbite | March 17, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Justin how many are you allowed to carry on the Play-off roster. I think it is 21 total and 2 am's if you choose. If that is the case the K's will have to let 2 go before the play-off's start correct??
Posted by: ToeBlake | March 17, 2008 at 06:37 PM
That K-Zoo moron must be the same one that sat behind me Friday night that everyone in my section was thinking about beating up. Wow, that guy ran his mouth all night long....until they got beat. Then he had nothing to say really. He yelled..."I love you Willie!!!" Over and over again. He was freaking me out, the love for Willie and all....yikes! Really though, why go into someone else's arena and act like a jackass the whole game? You are just asking for someone to beat you down...
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | March 17, 2008 at 06:55 PM
New ref? Git r dun!
Posted by: Conley | March 17, 2008 at 07:08 PM
New ref? Git r dun!
Posted by: Conley | March 17, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Hello Justin are you there in Kzoo. 1-1 tied and Legualt fought Nebus in a crappy fight. The Kzoo play by play guy said Nebus knock down Legualt...Laugh they both slipped...And another goal for the K's 2-1 PC
Posted by: ToeBlake | March 17, 2008 at 07:30 PM
P.C. is on fire. what a pick up this year! GO KOMETS. good night to listen to chaser! and to all K fans in the ZOO tonight...i can hear you all so much better than the wings fans.... it's great!
Posted by: booner | March 17, 2008 at 07:44 PM
Is Chaulk hurt? He must have a sore knee also
Posted by: ToeBlake | March 17, 2008 at 07:44 PM
did i hear chase right? did someone get called up to reading of the echl
Posted by: komets family | March 17, 2008 at 07:47 PM
chase said chaulker got hit with the flew bug pretty bad. could barely stand up.suprised more players haven't got it yet. that stuff is goin around bad!
Posted by: booner | March 17, 2008 at 07:48 PM
THat flu is really bad knock me down for 4 straight days...They sure do miss him out there, or least I do because he plays "hard" all the time never takes a shift off...Where is Justin thought he was going to do chat session through the BLog? Nice job on Kzoo radio there Justin
Posted by: ToeBlake | March 17, 2008 at 08:04 PM
If David Franke is correct, you can carry 19 active in playoffs and that does include your amateurs.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | March 17, 2008 at 08:25 PM