David Hukalo pondered retirement -- no, he doesn't know what he'll do post-hockey -- but a return to the Fort Wayne Komets for at least one more year was too good to pass up.
Winning a championship last season was too much fun. Having a pain-free body was too delightful.
Why not give it one more go-around?
"Yeah, let's do it one more year and see what happens," Hukalo said, after re-signing with the Komets on his 30th birthday, Monday. "If I go beyond this season will depend on how my body holds up. But last year, I didn't have any major injuries, which was quite a change from the few years before that. ... If I played, I didn't want to go anywhere else but here. This is home."
Hukalo was selected as the International Hockey League's Best Defensive Forward last season, a year after winning the same honor with the Komets in the United Hockey League. His offensive production en route to regular-season and playoff championships made Hukalo even more valuable to the Komets, who brought him back for his sixth season with the team.
"We expect him to move up and play on the second line," general manager David Franke said. "Due to his breakout season, we know he can do it offensively and defensively. He's an important part of the hockey club, a key to us winning championships."
Hukalo had career highs in goals (20), assists (24) and points (44) in 70 games last season.
His return gives the Komets nine players, including seven from last season -- forwards Hukalo, Colin Chaulk, P.C. Drouin and Konstantin Shafranov, defensemen Guy Dupuis and Kevin Bertram, plus goaltender Nick Boucher.
"That's a bunch of older, veteran guys," Hukalo said, "and to have them back with their winning traits, it's good. They know how to play, how to win, and it's good to have that group back."
The Komets also determined their three-game exhibition schedule: They will play host to the Bloomington PrairieThunder on Oct. 8 at Memorial Coliseum, play at Kalamazoo, Mich., on Oct. 10, then finish a home-and-home series against the Wings on Oct. 11.
Fort Wayne's regular season begins Oct. 17 at Port Huron, Mich.
- Franke said Luciano Aquino, who played last season with the Komets, will attended a prospect camp with the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning. ... Franke is also still hopeful goalie Kevin Reiter will re-sign with the Komets.
-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette
One word: SWEET!!!!
Posted by: deuce | July 21, 2008 at 05:43 PM
It is certainly very good news for the Komets that he is sticking with it for now. And it is good to hear that he thinks of Fort Wayne as "home". :)
Posted by: Wendy | July 21, 2008 at 06:26 PM
good to hear. good to see Aquino getting noticed but i would rather him be in the Islanders camp. i still think Bridgeport was dumb from giving them away so easy with his talent. but it made us love the kid. hope he makes it.
Posted by: lovelost | July 21, 2008 at 06:28 PM
Ok now I can woo-hoo to my heart's content since I'm not at work anymore! So now I can look forward to October 8th... yes I do go to the exhibition games, I desperately need a hockey fix by then!
Posted by: FiveMinuteMajor | July 21, 2008 at 07:31 PM
MOST EXCELLENT!!! Signing Huck translates into 2-to-1 SOG in favor of the Komets for every game he plays! Also, expect to see more #21 jerseys in the crowd this year! I'm OK with him being on the 2nd line, but still needs to be 1st out on PK. That'll drive the other teams crazy!
GO KOMETS!
Posted by: Geronimo | July 21, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Well done!!
Great to have one of the hardest working K's on the ice for us this season.
Posted by: Junior | July 21, 2008 at 08:40 PM
I just knew there was no need to worry about Huk...still glad to hear it officially confirmed!!
And FiveMinuteMajor...I'm with ya on the woo-hoo-ing at home...I nearly get busted on a daily basis for blogging at work, too!! :) I can't help it...I sometimes get busy at home, so what better time than while I am bored at work?
So can anyone go to the exhibition games, or is it just season ticket holders? I hope they let the peons like myself in, because October 8 sounds closer than the 18th!!
Posted by: Cat Eyes | July 21, 2008 at 08:58 PM
You can go to the exhibition games w/o season tix. Buy the cheapies and sit close, usually a very small crowd.
Posted by: Junior | July 21, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Thanx, Junior...why a small crowd? Aren't they normal games? I mean, I know they don't count or anything, but are they only like one period or something?
Posted by: Cat Eyes | July 21, 2008 at 09:17 PM
No Cat....they are 3 periods. They have refs. and everything. Including penalties.
Posted by: Karla Stranger | July 21, 2008 at 09:42 PM
Any word on Olivier Legault, Kevin Hanson or any potential free agents? Any info from anyone would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by: Drop the Gloves | July 21, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Cat Eyes, I would say that a pre-season game will usually have anywhere from 1,800 to 4,000 depending on the night and which team is playing the K's.
The games do not count in the standings, but it gives the players on the bubble a chance to impress the coach and helps him figure out how he wants to set his first, second and third lines, etc.
Posted by: Bob | July 21, 2008 at 11:23 PM
Theres someone who I wish the Komets would take a look at.
Todd Griffith. He played with Venny for 2 seasons in Bakersfield. I think I would almost compare him to Woods. Not afraid to fight and can definitely play.
Posted by: Ashley | July 22, 2008 at 06:41 AM
Cat and all the other redheads... hockey on Wed. nite starting at 530, two games, and afterwards Guy Dupuis runs the power skating clinic for the teens. If you've never seen a power skating clinic hang around and watch it's pretty cool. Recommend it for your son after he learns the basics. Todd Griffith...no doubt, love to see him here.
Posted by: St.Chris | July 22, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Boss is gone...blogging at work...nah, nah, nah, nah, nah...LOL!! I'm feeling like crap and on meds, so I'm in a weird mood today, sorry!
Thanks, St. Chris...I may very well show up...I might have to miss the motocross race tonight, so I might have to come get my adrenaline rush from hockey this week...what about you, my Wendy-friendy?? I may not be able to get to the early one, but definitely the 7 pm one is doable for me...and poor Guy knows he'll always see the stalker redhead afterwards...at least he does not have to worry now about the inquisition! LOL!!
I'm shocked at how fast the summer is flying by...I still need to get me and "the goalie" up on the ice skates this summer, and we don't have much time left!! I better get the tailbone shot up first...I know I'll be falling on it, and it's already busted, so I see pain in my future...better take care of that and soon!! Gotta love Fort Wayne Orthopedics, and they love my money!! :) I sure wish I was more graceful, but I was born into the family of graceless people, so oh well...power skating clinic sounds cool, St Chris...my boy is young yet, but he has the grace I do not (most of the time, anyway!) and the raw goalie talent in soccer anyway, so I think he'll be a heck of a hockey goalie. He loves the game even more than his momma, and cannot wait to get started! He loves your goalie on your team...and Boucher as well! And every NHL goalie except Osgood (only because of his team, poor man...).
Posted by: Cat Eyes | July 22, 2008 at 10:52 AM
BTW...thanks Karla and Bob for the additional exhibition game info...I'll be there!!
Posted by: Cat Eyes | July 22, 2008 at 10:53 AM
I agree with you Ashley. I went out to California for spring spreak this year and I went to a Bakersfield game and Todd did fight and he is fun to watch.
Posted by: lovelost | July 22, 2008 at 11:27 AM
After looking at some videos of Todd Griffith on YouTube I hope he plays better than he fights
Posted by: IcyKometsFan84 | July 22, 2008 at 12:10 PM
anyone know anything about legault?
i want him back ohhh sooooooooo much!!!!!
Posted by: Legault's Hawk Rocks!! | July 22, 2008 at 12:11 PM
on he other blog frankes said they are try to get some AHL training camp set up for Curdy and Legault to try to get them to come back
Posted by: IcyKometsFan84 | July 22, 2008 at 12:50 PM
OHHHHHHHHH.....I cant wait till 1/1/2009....1pm.....NBC. NHL Winter Classic....Blackhawks vs. Red Wings......Wrigley Field.....OUTSIDE!!! Old fashioned POND HOCKEY.
Posted by: Karla Stranger | July 22, 2008 at 01:04 PM
2/14 Valentines day....Port Huron@Fort Wayne....at Bishop D'Arcy Stadium...HMMMMMMMMMMMM....Sounds good to me.
Posted by: Karla Stranger | July 22, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Just a bit of info for those of you that had been talking about the K's road jerseys with the flames getting old...My wife and kids got me a road K's jersey for Father's Day this year, but they had top get a larger one since Komet Kuarters did not have any in my size at the time. I took the jersey and the receipt in today to see if they finally had any in my size. I was told that they are definately changing the road jerseys for next year, and that by tomorrow afternoon they will have choosen one of the 3 final designs. They were very cool at the store about the whole jersey thing; they gave me a gift receipt for the one I got and told me to come back at the end of September/ beginning of October when the new ones would be in. Justin, do you think you could get a pic of the one they choose to share with us after they decide tomorrow?
Posted by: Keith | July 22, 2008 at 01:59 PM
BUMMER!
Posted by: Karla Stranger | July 22, 2008 at 02:03 PM
yeah, I really liked the flames, and my girls loved the pink flamed ones. It will be interesting to see if this next one will have any kind of spark to it or if it will just be going back to the same as the home ones, but with the colrs reversed.
Posted by: Keith | July 22, 2008 at 02:12 PM
As long as Captain Komet isn't on it, I will be happy.
Posted by: Karla Stranger | July 22, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Agreed!
Posted by: Keith | July 22, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Reebok Edge baby!
Posted by: St.Chris | July 22, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Bring back the Kaptain!
Posted by: St.Chris | July 22, 2008 at 02:19 PM
Captain needs to stay retired.Hate that logo with a passion.
Posted by: Karla Stranger | July 22, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Awesome...I can't wait to see the new road jerseys. It's not that they're bad...they just don't do much for me. They're definitely better than those ugly red jerseys that Port Huron was wearing at the start of last year. I've seen high school teams have better jerseys than those.
Fort Wayne is the 2nd oldest minor league franchise (Hershey being 1st) and has a very storied history...I guess I would like to see something a little more classic or traditional. The flames on the jerseys got away from that. I would like to see the jerseys with the vintage looking tie closure at the neck above the crest. Heck, while they're at it, maybe they should consider tweaking the logo a little bit.
Posted by: Harbz | July 22, 2008 at 02:26 PM
I'm with you St. Chris...bring back Kaptain Komet! Karla...if you want to see an ugly Komets logo, check out the logo that David Welker came up with in the late '80's. The state of Indiana with a hockey stick on it....puke!
Posted by: Harbz | July 22, 2008 at 02:29 PM
I agree. I hated that logo worse than the Captain....but Captain was VERY close.
Posted by: Karla Stranger | July 22, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Yes I have another reason to buy a new jersey
Posted by: IcyKometsFan84 | July 22, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Here's an idea for those of you who like the flame road jerseys... replace the hideous blue and yellow NAPA warm-up jerseys with the current roadies and still put NAPA's logo on the chest.
Posted by: Harbz | July 22, 2008 at 02:55 PM
What's with all this hate for the Kaptain?
I dig Kaptain Komet!!!
Posted by: JungleMonkey | July 22, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Yes! I'm planning on buying a new jersey this year, and was hoping they'd switch to the classic/traditional black jerseys
Posted by: enufalready | July 22, 2008 at 03:03 PM
No hate in this heart...I'm on the "Peace Train"-Cat Stevens 1971.
Posted by: St.Chris | July 22, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Not sure if this is true, but someone last year went to buy a new jersey (but this was at the K-Wings pro shop) and the person working there told the guy to wait because the IHL was supposed to get the new Reebok jerseys for next season. The thing is, why would the sales person say that if it wasn't going to happen? So it will be interesting to see if it really does happen.
I can't wait to see the new road jerseys. I think the flames jerseys look much better if you have a name and number on it. The pink flames were fine, but the numbers/nameplate clashed with the actual pink flames on the jersey.
Posted by: Ashley | July 22, 2008 at 03:21 PM
How could anyone like the flame jersey better than the Spaceman!!! I think they need to go back to the design a jerseys and tweek a few of those. I liked the one with the skyline of Ft Wayne or maybe they should bring back the one with the Fort on it. Something to do with the city, not just flames or orange.
Posted by: Hoss | July 22, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Hey Justin...old school logo or new age? Any idea?
Posted by: St.Chris | July 22, 2008 at 03:34 PM
If they go the the RBK Edge jerseys and end up looking like the Philadelphia Flyers, I'll beg to have the flame jerseys back. Those Philly jerseys are ugly.
Posted by: Harbz | July 22, 2008 at 03:39 PM
I hate pink (clashes with my red hair!)...but liked the black w/flames okay. I'm open to change though...never really was around for Kaptain Komet, so whatever is fine with me...it's Komets, so I'll wear it!! I do dig the tie closure that Harbz mentioned...although being a girl, I always have to wear a tshirt underneath so I don't flash anyone!! Good idea too about replacing the warm-up jerseys with the black w/flames...my boy always used to get confused and think they were the opposing team since they were not Komets colors!!
St Chris...dude, you might be dating yourself there...or are you just a fan of the older music?? LOL!
JungleMonkey...with all the love for you on here, no one has any love left for the Kaptain...that's all it is...:)
Posted by: Cat Eyes | July 22, 2008 at 03:39 PM
Shaw here loves his Kaptain Komet jersey. When this one gets worn down, I will buy another Kaptain Komet Jersey. Old School is the best school.
Posted by: Jerad Shaw | July 22, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Old school needs to stay OLD school. Captain Komet needs to be blasted to outer space never to be seen nor heard from again.
Posted by: Karla Stranger | July 22, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Good poll question Cohny.
Should Captain Komet?
Stay
Go
Posted by: Karla Stranger | July 22, 2008 at 04:27 PM
i vote go
Posted by: IcyKometsFan84 | July 22, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, No matter how 100% wrong they are!!! :) I kid I kid.
Posted by: Jerad Shaw | July 22, 2008 at 04:54 PM
I don't hate Kaptain Komet. I just think he is creepy, that's all. Those eyes... Those teeth! :D The flames were kind of non-traditional, but I liked them.
But hey, while we are on the subject... Personally, I really can't abide the pink team apparel they make for women. No, pink isn't a redheads best color -- though Molly Ringwald made it a rebellious thing for a redhead to wear pink back in the late 80s. The fact is, pink has a proven pacifying effect on the wearer. It makes you more docile. I don't mind wearing pink once in a while if I am in the mood, but I really resent the fact that all the women's team items are automatically pink. Besides, when it comes to sporting apparel, if it isn't in the team colors, what's the use? I know some people like the pink, but I just think there should be a choice.
Cat and all the other redheads, huh? Suddenly, I feel like the Professor and Mary Ann. "And the rest..." :D Aw, just kidding. I definitely want to check that out, but I'm afraid it doesn't look favorable tonight. I'm usually stuck working. I'll get there at some point. I promise. I was wondering about the two barrel hockey time slots. So you play in both? And yes, I saw why cat keeps running into Guy down there. "A-ha," she said with sudden realization, "Now it all makes sense."
And Cat... "Wendy-friendy"? :D Actually, I've heard that's where the name came from. A little orphan girl that J.M. Barrie (author of "Peter Pan") knew had a bit of a lisp. She referred to him as her "fwiendy". Whether that's true or not, I have no idea, but no one used the name before he did.
Posted by: Wendy | July 22, 2008 at 05:07 PM
musky signs ex-Komet Aaron Wilson
Posted by: mightbite | July 22, 2008 at 05:07 PM