Ice Chips 06'-07'

Ice Chips has moved. Bookmark it, baby.

Salutations, loyal readers of Ice Chips.

The address for this page has changed. Please bookmark the following page and use it in the future: http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/Section?Category=BLOGS11

I would appreciate it if you passed on the change to any interested parties now and in the future.

We'll see you at the new digs.

-- Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Changes on the horizon

Before we go any further, I must let you know that Ice Chips will be undergoing some exciting changes in the near future. On Wednesday, be sure you come to the web site (you should be several times daily, anyway), so you can see what we have in store for you.

Meanwhile, some of the Komets' most hated rivals will not be back in the International Hockey League next season. Robin Bouchard, the longtime over-hyped star of the Muskegon Fury, is going to play for the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League; and Tyler Willis, the great agitator from the Kalamazoo Wings, is going to Europe.

I should have linked to this earlier, but those of you wishing to catch up on the status of Jason Baird, the recently signed Muskegon player who was horrifically injured when the lawnmower he was riding exploded, his wife has a blog that is quite emotional: Click here.

And, I've had lot of people ask me, on this blog and elsewhere, how they can get their hockey fix in Fort Wayne this time of year. Well, the best bet is to go to McMillen Ice Arena to check out the league action Wednesdays. There are games at 5:30 and 7 p.m. (Yes, I'm playing. Go Blue!) The playoffs of that league, which features players of various skill levels, begins Aug. 13. There will be an off week and then the championships on Aug. 27.

There also is some good pickup hockey which you can see or participate in, Fridays, at 9:15 p.m.

Come the fall, there will be tons more you can partake in at McMillen. Check out their site by clicking here.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

K's look IHL's best ... so far

I've been giving some thought as to which teams in the International Hockey League look the best so far. Here are the rankings, bearing in mind it's still early in the offseason and this will all drastically change:

1) Fort Wayne: The defending champions have already signed much of their star talent, including Colin Chaulk, Guy Dupuis, P.C. Drouin and Nick Boucher, and coach Al Sims is back. They still need to bring in some more youthful skill players, to replace Mathieu Curadeau and Luciano Aquino, assuming they don't return. But things look really good in Fort Wayne so far.

2) Port Huron: Like the Komets, the Icehawks aren't messing with a good thing. Goalie Larry Sterling is solid. Jamie Carroll, Tab Lardner and Jeff Zehr will light it up offensively. And Jamie Lovell is a nice defenseman.

3) Muskegon: Lots of big moves, lots of new talent, like Frank Littlejohn, Chad Woollard. Losing Jason Baird to a horrific offseason injury -- he was burned badly in an accident -- will hurt the Fury, but there's time for it to recover. Still, I'm waiting for the Fury to take on the physical persona of its coach, former Komet Bruce Ramsay.

4) Flint: I'm not too impressed so far, mostly because the faces are too familiar. With a full season, Justin DePretis should be a star in this league, though, and a healthy Matt Spezza could be a good goalie. But I'm surprised the Generals stuck with Peter South as coach, after he took over on an interim basis last season, and I'm not sure they have any players yet who will scare the opposition offensively or physically.

5) Bloomington: I'm really not sure about the hire of Jarrod Skalde as coach. I just believe, given the region and the arena, this should be a really attractive job, but the PrairieThunder hasn't gone with proven coaches. Still, with new ownership, hopefully this team will pay the bills and actually get and keep some talent. So far, there's some promise, with forwards Don Parsons and Jon Booras, but there's much work to be done for a team that simply must win this season.

6) Kalamazoo: Wow, new rookie coach Nick Bootland has nothing we can even analyze yet. Jason Tapp is a so-so goalie and Glenn Detulleo is  a solid center. Beyond that, the Wings have lots of work to do. It would be sad to see a proud market field another mediocre-to-bad team this season.

• Fort Wayne-native Brian Gratz, a former goaltender with the Komets, has been hired to coach the Jersey Rockhoppers of the  Eastern Professional Hockey League. Last season, he coached the Indiana (Penn.) Ice Miners of the Mid-Atlantic Hockey League, which suspended operations when his team was 31-1-0.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Reiter comments on move to England

Kevin Reiter said the decision to leave the Komets to play for the Basingstoke Bison of the Elite League was a difficult one but he's looking forward to the excitement of the move.

"I've never been to Europe and it's something I've wanted to do," he said. "I wanted to parlay my success into an opportunity. It wasn't for the money or because I wanted more playing time. It's just something different and something new."

While playing, he will take classes toward a Masters of Business Administration at the University of Winchester.

"I've had friends that played (in Europe) and old coaches who have said, 'Oh, you've got to get over there and try it if you can,'" Reiter said, adding he turned down a couple of offers, including one from a team in France.

Reiter liked that the adjustment wouldn't be too drastic, going to an English-speaking country, close enough for his family to visit.

So what does this mean for the Komets? Expect Nick Boucher, who was the goalie when the Komets captured the Turner Cup, to get the bulk of the playing time, even though the team hasn't ruled out finding a goalie to alternate with him. Boucher, by the way, played a season with Basingstoke.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Reiter not returning to K's

Kevin Reiter, who was selected as the International Hockey League's Goaltender of the Year, will not return for a second season with the Fort Wayne Komets.

He has opted to play in England, according to general manager David Franke.

"We're disappointed," Franke said. "We kept in contact with Kevin, and he had a very good offer in front of him from us. But playing overseas is something Kevin has wanted to do for the last two or three years, and with the season he had with us last year, his value was at the highest point it could be and he wanted to parlay that into a job in Europe."

Reiter couldn't be reached for comment.

Despite his impressive regular-season numbers -- he was 32-10-4 with a 2.34 goals-against average, a .910 save percentage and eight shutouts -- Reiter was not in net when the Komets won the Turner Cup. Nick Boucher, who split time with Reiter during the regular season, won the final three games of the playoffs, as Fort Wayne recovered from a 3-1 series deficit to Port Huron.

Boucher has already re-signed with Fort Wayne for the coming season and will, probably, get the bulk of the work.

"We'll find someone we have a lot of faith in. They'll be the backup and this elevates Nick into the No. 1 position, and I doubt we'll be in a rotation system," Franke said. "But it does depend on what we find and there may be an alternating system again."

Meanwhile, defenseman Kevin Hansen has signed a two-year contract to play for Tulsa of the Central Hockey League, Franke confirmed.

No gold star for this one

You really can have too much of a good thing and they're about to prove that in Kalamazoo, Mich. They've been coloring the ice for years at Wings Stadium -- green on St. Patrick's Day, pink on Valentine's Day -- and now they're going, um, gold.

OK, I know this makes me a grinch since this is raising money for a great charity -- click here to read about it -- but I'm not lovin' it, pardon the pun. When it was just green ice, it was really cool. I thought pink ice, with hearts for faceoff markers, was was taking away from the uniqueness.

Now, this is going overboard. There are other ways to raise money and still get the McDonald's sponsorship. But, it'll be fun to see them skating on yellow ice. Hopefully, they know not to eat it.

By the way, the Wings signed goalie Jason Tapp.

• Interesting story out of the Flint Journal: The Generals are bringing in a hypnotherapist to work with the team. OK, I've heard worse ideas, but it's interesting that they let this go public before they signed most of their team. I wonder if it would give some players, those a little less, oh, adventuresome, pause.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

K's should have tryouts

So, I have a suggestion for the Komets. Tell me what you think.

I think the Komets should have open tryouts for hockey players in the Fort Wayne area. Now, before you start calling me crazy, I'm not suggesting, necessarily, that there is actually another Colin Chaulk lurking in our territory, although, you never know.

But I believe it would actually benefit the Komets to know what kind of talent, if any, is available in the Fort Wayne area. Why? Because of all those many times the team has to play short of a full lineup because of injuries or emergencies that come up.

I think it would behoove the team, should they suddenly find themselves down a man hours before a game in Flint, Mich, that they can call Player X or Player Y, get them under contract and have a warm body for the bench. Maybe they won't be all that good, but a decent skater is better than no skater. Hey, the equipment manager has had to play in the past, so you never know when you might need a guy, and it would save the hassle of trying to track someone down from Saskatchewan or someplace like that.

And if nothing else, it would be good public relations locally, a lot of fun for the many recreational players around to town (no, I'm not including myself in that list), and would perhaps give the team some extra players for those optional practices which are often so worthless.

Besides, I have seen a few guys out at McMillen Ice Arena who wouldn't look completely out of place with the likes of the International Hockey League.

Hey, just an idea, as I'm hanging out down in Terre Haute at Colts training camp.

• In less happy news, the wife of former Komets player Terry McDougall has died. Click here to see the obituary.
• The Flint Journal took a few weeks off from the incessant bashing of Fort Wayne, which was kind, given all the sad news in the local hockey community in recent weeks. (See previous posts if you don't know what I'm referring to with that.) But the newspaper was back at it in this entry: Click here, where the Journal also suggests the IHL should have an All-Star Game.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Ex-Komets are everywhere

Former Komets player Mike Butters, who played for the team from 1989 to 1991, was named general manager of the American Hockey League's Norfolk Admirals. The selection was made by the Admirals' parent club, the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning.

• Former Komets forward Blake Stewart, the journeyman of the International Hockey League, has re-signed with the Bloomington Prairie Thunder.
• Aaron Wilson, a short-timer with the Komets, has signed with Muskegon.
• Chris Busby, who spent time with the Komets, has retired.
• Sean Venedam, the popular former Komets forward, is in the blogosphere. Click here to read an entry about recently deceased ex-Komet Rob Guinn.
• For those wanting an update on Jason Baird, the recently signed Muskegon player who was burned over 60 percent of his body when a lawnmower he was riding exploded, click here. To read the news account of what happened, click here.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

More shocking news from the IHL; update on Reiter

It's uncanny how bad news always comes in threes. Recently signed Muskegon forward Jason Baird was critically injured in a landscaping accident near Youngstown, Ohio, the Fury said in a statement.

Click here for the team's release. Here's more from Greg Rajan.

This comes less than a week after ex-Komets defenseman Rob Guinn died at 32 in a car accident and former Komets player Hartley McLeod died at 81.

For more uplifting news: I ran into goaltender Kevin Reiter, and he said it's still possible he will return to the Komets to split time with goalie Nick Boucher. Reiter is very interested in playing in Europe, though, but intimated that if he plays in North America, it will be in Fort Wayne.

I'd put the chances of his return at 50 percent.

As for those who keep saying there's some sort of rift between Reiter and Boucher -- no way. When Boucher re-signed with Fort Wayne, one of his first calls was to Reiter, and he hopes the championship pair is reunited.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

More on Guinn, McLeod

The memorial for former Komets player Rob Guinn, who died Saturday at 32, is later today in Ames, Iowa. I was asked to give a eulogy but, unfortunately, was unable to attend. However, I wanted to share with Guinn's many fans the written piece I sent to his wife, Brooke, to be  shared with the attendees at the service. It was one of the more difficult things I've written.

You can read it by clicking here: Download guinn_eulogy.doc

Meanwhile, the services for former Komets player Hartley McLeod, who died Monday at 81, will be Friday, 11 a.m., at Trinity United Methodist Church, 609 Putnam St., with calling one hour prior.

Calling also goes 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at D.O. McComb & Sons Foster Park Funeral Home, 6301 Fairfield Ave.

Click here to read the entire obituary on McLeod, well known in Fort Wayne also as the founder of Hartley's Place restaurant, who was also a linesman in the International Hockey League.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Updates, we've got updates

I have some more updates on the Komets' front.

• The Komets are still hopeful they can sign goaltender Kevin Reiter, who couldn't be reached for comment, but general manager David Franke said he's also getting interest from Europe.
• Forward Mitch Woods has signed with Cincinnati of the ECHL, Franke said.
• Playoff MVP Justin Hodgman has been invited to a second rookie camp by the Minnesota Wild, Franke said, and the Wild now has his NHL rights. If he doesn't stick, he'll probably go back to juniors.
• Right wing Luciano Aquino is trying to get a two-way contract with an NHL team or an AHL contract; in other words, he's trying to play at a higher level than the International Hockey League. "We want him back," Franke said, "but on a scale of 1 to 10, it's probably only a 4 or 5 that it happens."
• The Komets would very much like to get center Mathieu Curadeau back but they haven't had much discussion with his agent. Curadeau, too, would like to play at a higher level.
• The Komets are hopeful to have forward Olivier Legault back, too, but that has stalled somewhat.
• Right wing Evgeny Saidachev has an offer from the Komets, but he's also receiving interest from the Central Hockey League.
• The team has a meeting set up with defenseman Brandon Warner, a Fort Wayne native, and the Komets hope they can sign him soon.
• Defenseman Kevin Hansen is has a meeting set up with the Komets, but I'm hearing he could be CHL bound.
• Defenseman Brent Henley is a question mark; he wants to get a tryout with an NHL team or could wind up in Europe.
• Forward Terry Marchant is unlikely to receive an offer from the Komets.
• Defenseman Ken Dufresne is expected to go to Canadian University.
• THIS ADDED LATE: The Komets are close with David Hukalo, so I expect him to be back.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Funeral and donation information for Rob Guinn

I just got this information from Brooke Guinn, widow of former Komets defenseman Rob Guinn, who died in a car accident Saturday at the age of 32. He is survived by a 5-month-old daughter, Olivia.

There will be a celebration of Rob's life Wednesday at Grandon Funeral in Ames, Iowa, 414 Lincolnway. The phone number there is 515/292-2273. It will be from 5 to 7 p.m., with a short service.

Those attending are asked to bring memories of Rob.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to the Rob Guinn Memorial Fund, to support Olivia's future education. Those can be sent to the Leighton Legal Law Firm, 802 N. Clinton Street, Suite 1, Bloomington, Ill., 61701.

On-line condolences and memories of Rob -- they are putting together a scrapbook for Olivia -- can be sent to the family at [email protected].

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

I guess it finally hit me -- pow -- like a Rob Guinn hip-check

I must admit, even though I have to write about death quite often -- more often than you might think, as a sports writer -- I find myself affected today.

The Monday death of Hartley McLeod, who was 81 and had battled Alzheimer's and dementia, was of course sad news. But he wasn't a player in my time here, wasn't of my era, wasn't someone I knew other than a handshake over a steak at his restaurant.

Rob Guinn, however, was my age -- 32. His daughter, Olivia, is 5 months old, while mine is 16 months old.

That hits home.

His wife, Brooke, writing to me, "I have no doubt in my mind that she and I were his last thought," that shook me.

I have received several e-mails and calls from people shocked by Guinn's death, which came Saturday after a car accident in Iowa, after an elderly man ran a stop sign. There aren't too many players I've come across that I feel completely safe in declaring, "Now that was a good guy."

Guinn was one of them.

I recall him leaving practices wearing scrubs because he was taking nursing classes. They called him Gaylord Focker, a reference to "Meet the Parents," because of it. He took it as a compliment. He had his toughness questioned by readers on this very blog, as incredulous a thing as anything I've read, considering he didn't miss a single game in two seasons here.

I guess it didn't quite settle into my brain Sunday night, as I tried to find out what happened, where it happened, who might know about it. But after things cooled down in the office today, I started remembering some things about Guinn -- how he was always a go-to guy for comment in the locker room because of his maturity, how many appearances he made in the Fort Wayne community, that great play he made to set up Jonathan Goodwin for the Game 7 winner in the 2005 semifinals.

Sad stuff.

The truest testament to Guinn I can give you comes from the readers, some of whom are former teammates and reporters who covered him. Check out the comments section of the last few posts and you'll see.

Meanwhile, for all those who asked how to get in touch with the family with well-wishes, I will pass them along when I have them, so check back.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Former Komet McLeod dies, while K's still mourn Guinn

Hartley McLeod, who played for the Komets from 1954 to 1958, died Monday at the age of 81, his son said.

McLeod, who went on to be a linesman in the old International Hockey League for 10 years, founded the upscale restaurant Hartley's, 4301 Fairfield, Ave., in 1983.

He was at the Covington Manner Health and Rehabilitation Center, said his son, Hartley McLeod Jr., and died of natural causes following a battle with Alzheimer's and dementia.

"Oh, (hockey) was very important to him," said McLeod Jr. "He was born and raised in Selkirk, Manitoba, and he left when he was 15 years old to go play junior (hockey) in Western Canada. That was his life until (he stopped refereeing). All his best friends were hockey players. Gordie Howe was one of his closest friends."

A left wing, McLeod's best season came in 1955-56, when he tallied 28 goals and 66 points in 60 games.

McLeod's death came two days after 32-year-old former Komets defenseman Rob Guinn died in a car accident in Greene County, Iowa, when another driver, 65-year-old Jon Anderson, ran a stop sign and collided with him, according to the Des Moines Register.

Guinn is survived by a 5-month-old daughter, Olivia, and wife Brooke.

Brooke sent this e-mail to The Journal Gazette:

"If there's one thing I can say about Rob, it is that he loved Olivia and me with all his heart. He was such a wonderful father and husband, taking care of Olivia during the day while I was at work. No matter where we went Rob was carrying her, playing with her and most of all loving her. I have no doubt in my mind that she and I were his last thought. I will miss him more than words can say and am so thankful for the outreach of support I have gotten from all of the organizations Rob has played with, fans, and former teammates. It is such a blessing to know he was loved so much. He lives on through Olivia and me."

Brooke said a trust fund will be set up for Olivia, with details to follow.

Guinn was best known for his toughness -- despite several injuries, he didn't miss any games in two seasons with the Komets from 2004 to 2006 -- and for setting up Jonathan Goodwin's goal in overtime of Game 7 of the 2005 United Hockey League semifinals. That completed a comeback from a 3-1 series deficit.

McLeod is survived by wife Wanda, daughter Pamela Downs, son John Getts and McLeod Jr., who also went on to referee professionally.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Former Komet Rob Guinn dies -- updated

Rob Guinn, a defenseman with the Fort Wayne Komets from 2004 to 2006, has died according to sources.

Guinn, 32, died in a car accident, confirmed Kevin St. Pierre, who was a teammate of Guinn's for two seasons in Fort Wayne and last season with Tulsa of the Central Hockey League.

Guinn's internet page at Facebook.com included a message from his wife, Brooke, reading: "It is with great sadness that I let you know that Robert James Guinn passed away Saturday. He was a wonderful husband, father and friend and will truly be missed."

Guinn tallied 15 goals and 68 points in 156 games with Fort Wayne. He finished last season with Bloomington of the International Hockey League.

He was selected in the eighth round of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, by the Edmonton Oilers.

According to the Des-Moines Register, Guinn died after another driver failed to stop at an intersection, causing a collision, and Guinn's car landed in a ditch.

Guinn was one of the nicest players I've come across here, not to mention one of the toughest and most underrated. This is sad news.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Chin story

Click here to read Steve Warden's story on Roy Chin. And there's some news on Justin Hodgman, the Komets' playoff MVP, in here.

Congrats to Gabby

Congratulations to former Komets player and coach Bruce Boudreau. He won the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the Year.

Drouin's back in Fort Wayne -- for good

P.C. Drouin has had a home in Fort Wayne for years, so I figured his re-signing with the Komets was because of comfort and convenience.

It turns out it's more than that -- he's linking the future of his hockey career to this town, to the Fort Wayne Komets.

He just likes the place so darn much.

"It was a very easy decision," Drouin said, after re-signing with the Komets on Thursday. "I wanted to come back and that was my plan the whole way. I had such a great year and want a chance to repeat that. I want to finish my career here. I knew that a long time ago. But now it's definitely more certain. You won't see me going anywhere (else)."

Asked how long he'll continue to play, Drouin plans to take it "year to year."

A former NHL player with the Boston Bruins, this will be his fourth season with the Komets since 2004. After starting the season in Europe, he joined the Komets last November and was a key component in sparking them to regular-season and playoff championships. He had 23 goals and 74 points in 62 regular-season games, then three goals and seven points in 13 playoff games.

Drouin, 34, recently became an agent with Three Rivers Insurance Group.

He and center/assistant coach Colin Chaulk are the only players signed for next season, though head coach Al Sims will be back, too.

• The Flint Generals have given their head-coaching job to Peter South, who was one of the three assistants that ran the team after Kevin Kerr was fired last season. South is a former scout with the Komets, who coached them in one game and then raided their roster with big contract offers. He did decent job with the Generals, who made the playoffs and lost in the first round, but I'm surprised the team didn't go for someone with a more proven track record. But maybe that team can improve with some stability behind the bench.
• Still no progress on Youngstown's possible entrance to the IHL. Click here to read more. Despite some reports to the contrary, adding the SteelHounds to the IHL's ranks would be great. I would add a new partner that fits well geographically, has a good arena and decent ownership group. And we don't really want to go another season with just six teams, two of them likely bad, do we? I'm not reading to much into the SteelHounds' rift with the Central Hockey League. What kind of morons really thought that travel and possible subsidization of it by the league would work? Youngstown and the IHL makes sense and will work. But someone need to let owner Herb Washington in on the skill of the IHL.
• Welcome back to one of my favorite bloggers -- Greg Rajan -- who was without a team to cover in Corpus Christi, Tex., for what? Ten minutes. He used to be one of those guys who bashed the IHL with no credible evidence, but we here at Ice Chips have whipped him into shape.
• The Chicago Wolves won the American Hockey League's Calder Cup. If Wolves coach John Anderson, the former Komets player who has been the most overlooked coaching prospect in, perhaps, all of sports, doesn't get an NHL job, there is no justice in the sports world. Oh, wait, we already know there isn't.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Frenchy looking for help

Former Komets goaltender Kevin St. Pierre is holding a golf outing benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. It will be June 14 at Noble Hawk Golf Links in Kendallville.

For those wanting information, call Tim Dykstra at 1-888-GOLF-321.

The fee for a four-person team is $240, which includes greens fees, carts, lunch, dinner and beverages. There will also be gift bags and awards. The tournament will have a 2 p.m. shotgun start.

The tournament coordinators will help individuals looking for a team.

They are also looking for sponsors or prize donations.

JDRF was founded in 1970 by parents of children with juvenile diabetes, which the second most prevalent disease among school-age children.

• Click here to see the latest out of Youngstown on the SteelHounds' possible move to the International Hockey League.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

IHL interested in adding Youngstown

International Hockey League commissioner Paul Pickard told me he is interested in adding the Youngstown (Ohio) SteelHounds to his league's ranks. He will have exploratory talks with the team soon and if the two sides decide to move forward it could happen in time for next season.

"We've had conversations and we'd like to get together face-to-face," said Pickard, whose IHL has six teams, including the Turner Cup-champion Fort Wayne Komets. "Obviously, there are many things that have to be taken into consideration. We're only three weeks away from our annual Board of Governors meeting and our schedule is already completed. ... We would entertain changing it, if it were the right situation. The nice thing is Youngstown is not a start-up franchise. It's been doing business for a few years."

The SteelHounds were booted from the Central Hockey League on Monday for undisclosed reasons and are alleged to be interested in both the IHL and ECHL. Pickard said Youngstown would certainly fit the IHL's geographical framework, which is aimed at cost certainty through reduced travel costs and solid ownership.

Step one for Pickard will be a meeting with owner Herb Washington.

While I've heard for months that the IHL was hoping Youngstown would come to the IHL, Pickard said he's never made any advances toward that team -- until today.

"They weren't really on my radar as a representative of this league," Pickard said. "I was trying to do things the way I'd want to be treated. I don't want to go into another league, one of our competitors, and try to court a team away from it. As far as we were concerned, they were part of the Central Hockey League and I had no contact with the CHL or Youngstown."

Youngstown is about 266 miles from Fort Wayne. The SteelHounds are coached by former Fort Wayne player Kevin Kaminski.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Lucky number 7?

So, you may recall, not so long ago I was predicting that the International Hockey League would have seven teams next season, regardless of what the higher-ups or the schedules said.

To steal a line from John "Hannibal" Smith, I love it when a plan comes together.

As I suspected, the Youngstown SteelHounds are out of the Central Hockey League, though the team claimed it was a shock. Click here to read about it. And there's more from later in the day: Click here.

The SteelHounds are coached by former Komets player Kevin "Killer" Kaminski, who coached in the IHL (with Missouri) when it was the United Hockey League.

Though they won't talk about it on the record, the IHL has coveted Youngstown because of its proximity to the rest of the league. And even though the spin has been the SteelHounds believe they'd be a better fit for the ECHL, it'll make much greater financial sense for them to be in this league.

We'll have to keep our eyes on this situation.

Speaking of the CHL, it's dropping teams left and right. I hope this won't spell the end of one of the best hockey blogs in the minors -- that of Greg Rajan -- who once called me an "Uberblogger."

Though I've read elsewhere it's not official, this site claims that former Flint Generals coach and ex-Fort Wayne player Kevin Kerr will coach in juniors with the Atlanta Knights.

And I'd like to thank those of you who have been rubbing in the Penguins' triple-overtime victory. Sorry to say, your elation won't last. I picked Red Wings in six coming into the series and I'm sticking with it. By the way, how horrible have those goaltender interference calls been? Here's hoping that garbage doesn't trickle down to the minors. Now you're supposed to control your momentum while attacking the net and not brush a goalie's sleeve? Yuck.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Any day now, a schedule would be nice

I know the Komets are still basking in the glory of their Turner Cup championship, but it would be nice if they'd release the schedule the International Hockey League is saying should be available.

According to the IHL web site, the Komets will open their 57th season Oct. 17th at Port Huron, Mich. -- that'll be a rematch of the finals -- and play host to the Flint Generals at Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 18th.

For those of you who thought last season was way too long, given that there's only six teams, well, too bad. We're getting another 76-game campaign in 2008-09. For very limited information, click here.

Meanwhile, former Komets enforcer Jeff Worlton has been named coach of the Tri City Icehawks, a junior team based in Midland, Mich.  Click here to read more, including the note that Greg Puhalski apparently played in the NHL without anyone's knowledge. Note to people at all levels of hockey: Not only is Icehawks a weak nickname, it's getting very overused.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

The Wings have a new coach. (No, not those Wings, silly.)

The Kalamazoo Wings didn't take too long in their search for a new coach, tabbing Nick Bootland on Thursday. A player with the team for the last four seasons, Bootland seems like a solid choice.

"Priding ourselves on the ability to promote (from) within, Nick, who is a proven leader on and off the ice, (led) us to a championship as a player," general manager Wade Welsh said in press release. "We feel he will do the same as our head coach."

The Wings were coached by Brian Curran last season and he was fired shortly before the Wings missed the playoffs.

There have been a lot of surprised fans on the message boards about this one; I'm not sure why, since I'd been hearing talk of this months ago. Regardless, this seems like a solid hire to me. He knows the city, knows the league, knows the players at this level. I've also heard that this hiring will get some of the Wings' better players back on board early this summer.

Besides, the Wings can't do much worse than last season, when they didn't play inspired and, more importantly, didn't play particularly well.

Meanwhile, the Bloomington PrairieThunder and Flint Generals are continuing their coaching searches. It's not set that Bruce Ramsay will be back with the Muskegon Fury, though I expect he will be.

According to The Bloomington Pantagraph, there were only 15 resumes submitted for the PrairieThunder job as of last week. Wow, that number sure seems low to me. That should be a relatively attractive job, given the venue anyway.

Meanwhile, it was brought to my attention today that there is a vocal group of Penguins fans reading Ice Chips. I replied, it had to be a minority. You're not all pulling for the cheapshot Pens are you?

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Can I get a Cup holder with that? Paging Michael, er, Mikael.

First, the Komets break the Turner Cup. Now, the Spokane Chiefs do this to the Memorial Cup.

OK, when I broke something as a kid, I always thought the key was to act like nothing happened, not stand there stunned. They didn't get that message in Spokane, I guess.

But, clearly, they don't make Cups like they used to.

In other strange news, anyone who has followed the Stanley Cup Finals -- Go, Wings! -- has probably noticed that sudden nomenclature changes. When did Mikael, as in Samuellson, get the pronunciation "Michael?" When did Michel Therrien become "Michael Therrien?"

Or is this just Manchester native and esteemed broadcaster Mike Emrick dumbing down the verbiage for us?

A few years back, Komets star Michel Massie decided to go all "Michael" on us. He explained it was for two reasons: A) He was sick of the constant mispronunciations; and B) More importantly, he felt Michel was too feminine in the States.

Coincidentally, Massie played for Therrien in juniors.

OK, don't change your name just because Versus can't get it right. (They don't get anything right.) And certainly don't do it because it's not tough enough. (This is hockey, after all.)

Speaking of the finals, isn't it amazing to see Darren McCarty, he who began his season with Flint of the International Hockey League, two games from hoisting the soon-to-be-broken Stanley Cup? Amazing.

I wonder if he could score on Nick Boucher now.

And every time I see Paul McLean behind the Red Wings' bench, I flash back to the late 90s, him in the Memorial Coliseum locker room, celebrating his victories coaching the Kansas City Blades with a can of beer. I also remember his time with the Quad City Mallards.

I don't remember him breaking the Colonial Cup, though.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

I'm in the inbox crowd

It took a week, but my ears have finally stopped ringing from all the noise at Memorial Coliseum last week. There was some kinda big event going on there. Oh, yeah, that's right -- a Game 7 triple-overtime victory by the Komets.

Anyway, so I spent some time today going through all the e-mails I hadn't had time to answer during the playoffs. Amazing the things you get a kick out of in retrospect.

Some readers were amazed throughout the playoffs at all the negativity being espoused by other readers throughout the season, especially in what was looking like it would be "a magical conclusion." I'm not sure the Komets' Turner Cup victory was magical, but it sure was amazing to watch. Are there still people out there knocking facets of this team? Still not enough enough toughness?

One reader was incensed at my so-called bias against Kevin Reiter. I still can't believe that one. I think Reiter is a tremendous goalie. I praised him many times. I think Nick Boucher is great, too. After Boucher won the last three games of the Komets' finals comeback, does anyone think coach Al Sims was wrong to call him "the best goalie in the league" a few weeks back, even after Reiter won the league's Best Goaltender trophy?

Still, so many readers come at me with the "why aren't the Komets in the AHL" questions? I get it. I really do. Believe me, I'd rather be covering the American Hockey League. But it makes no sense for the Frankes to do it. They're a huge draw in a league that has very little overhead. Why move up, add all the expense (travel, salaries), and lose control of their own roster, when the attendance would only go up marginally if at all? It doesn't make financial sense.

I got lots of notes about the deteriorating fan behavior at the Coliseum. I've noticed it, too. You know what they say: Do unto others as you'd have done unto you.

I got even more notes berating the Komets, the Coliseum and the league for the 1-1-1-1-1-1-1 series formats. I doubt anyone hated it more than me. I had to do all the driving back and forth. I still think it was dumb. But the Komets must have been laughing all the way to the bank, what with the pivotal Game 7, after coming back from a 3-1 series deficit. And the Coliseum must have made a fortune, too, after smartly leaving the concession stands open. Still, here's hoping someone realizes  the wonderfulness of a 2-3-2 format before next April.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Komets win Turner Cup, immediately break it

Hey, it's not a Cup until it gets some wear and tear on it. The Fort Wayne Komets captured the Turner Cup as champions of the International Hockey League and, upon hoisting it above his head, captain Guy Dupuis snapped the cup part right off.

Oops.

But the team was all smiles, all gasps, after a marathon game that took three overtimes to win. The youngest guy on the ice, Justin Hodgman, got the winner. He grabbed a Dupuis shot out of midair, dropped it to the ice and sent it past goaltender Larry Sterling.

It was about the Komets' 20th great chance of overtime. It seemed only a matter of time until they got the best of Sterling, who was phenomenal in this game.

Hodgman was at a loss for words after the game. He was named Playoff MVP by commissioner Paul Pickard. He was the right choice, the only choice. I asked him, as the 10,462 fans chanted his name, if he'd consider forgoing his final year of juniors to come back to Fort Wayne. He wasn't ruling it out.

Frankly, though, he's destined for higher levels.

This was an amazing game. I actually thought regulation was a little boring. It seemed like the Komets had it won, up 2-1 with less than a minute to go. Then a Tab Lardner shot ricocheted off the skates of two Fort Wayne players and went in.

The Komets were downtrodden in the locker room after the third period but, I'm told, were more confident with every passing minute.  Overtime was awesome to watch.

Consider this: After the Komets fell behind 3-1 in the series, they never again trailed in a game. That's what I call a comeback.

Here are postgame interviews:

Nick Boucher: Download boucher_championship.WMA

Justin Hodgman: Download hodgman_championship.WMA

P.C. Drouin: Download drouin_championship.WMA

Guy Dupuis: Download dupuis_championship.WMA

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Nostradamus? Or, no way?

I probably shouldn't tell you this story, but I will anyway.

After the Komets lost Game 4 of the Turner Cup Finals and fell to a 3-1 series deficit, I made a prediction. Beleaguered by all the travel, I figured, as I usually do, it was all a conspiracy against me. So, I told everyone in the press box, the following would happen: The Komets would squeak out a win in Game 5, so that I could go over 3,000 miles in the playoffs, and that they'd decimate the Icehawks in Game 6 at Port Huron, Mich., forcing a Game 7.

Then, just so there'd be nothing fun to cover in the end, I predicted the Komets would lose the finale.

I bring this up just because the first two steps have come true. So you know who to hate if the Komets do in fact lose Monday.

All that being said, no way will it happen. There are less than 1,500 tickets remaining for Game 7. (Tickets go back on sale at Memorial Coliseum at 10 a.m.) That means this could wind up the largest sporting event ever in Fort Wayne. The Komets won't lose with that kind of crowd there. No way.

Can't you just feel the Icehawks' jitters all the way from here?

It'll be an amazing atmosphere. They make fun of the lowly International Hockey League in places like Peoria, but let's see them come up with this kind of event. They rag on the Komets in Flint, but that's because they can't stomach that a fellow IHL city can have such a well-polished product, so beloved by the fans, with so much media attention, when they can hardly get people to the games.

This will be Fort Wayne's time to shine -- the hockey team, the fans, the Coliseum -- and I don't expect a letdown. So let's all behave, have fun and enjoy the night. Win or lose, it's been an exciting series and an even better season.

• Ben Smith has some Komets related stuff on his blog. Check out the part about the Freedom football team. You thought you were mad before that they took some Saturday night dates?
• Click here to see coverage from the Port Huron Times-Herald.
• Though he doesn't have the courtesy to link to the coverage he's griping about, here's a Flint Journal writer ripping on Fort Wayne yet again. By the way, getting neutral goal judges to a game wouldn't cost that much. Give me a break.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Why we don't have 2 referees? Here's why.

PORT HURON, Mich. -- An Ice Chips reader asked the following question of me: "Why, if we have a backup referee in the building during the finals, doesn't the IHL go with two referees? Wouldn't another set of eyes help?"

So, I asked the IHL's vice-president of hockey operations, Brad Jones.

He said, first of all, any change like that would have to approved by the Board of Governors and that's a complicated process. Secondly, since everyone, players, coaches, officials, etc., got accustomed to having one referee in the regular season, it would be too drastic a change to suddenly have two referees out there.

Personally, I agree. It would change too much and be unfair all around to go with that change in the finals. I think the officiating in the finals has been pretty good, actually. So far, anyway.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Game on! Car! Game on!

Let the Turner Cup Finals begin! As I predicted, Nick Boucher will be in net for the Komets tonight. And the referee will be John Searle.

Lots of people in the press box. I haven't seen it this full in years. Commissioner Paul Pickard, vice-president Brad Jones and referee Bob Langdon, who is the backup referee in case something happens to Searle, are i nthe box. So is former Komets coach/player Robbie Laird, director of pro scouting with the Los Angeles Kings.

In case you missed it, here's today's story on Matt Reynolds, the Iron Chef of Fort Wayne hockey.

And, a bit belated, here's Ben Smith's story on the 1-1-1-1-1-1-1 format.

• Tonight's game will be replayed Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 8 a.m. on Comcast 55 and Verizon 25.
• On Sunday, there will be a presentation made to B.J. Lomow  and his family in the amount of $6,500, raised in the charity game between the Fire Department and ex-Komets.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Chaulk's story & predictions from around the league

Click here to read Ben Smith's story about what's been going on with Colin Chaulk on and off the ice.

And for Turner Cup Finals predictions from around the league, click here. Thanks to those who participated, even if everything/everybody didn't make the paper.

Komets dominate and oust Fury; bring on Icehawks in the finals

MUSKEGON, Mich. -- The Fort Wayne Komets took care of business early -- they scored three goals on the first six shots -- and they treated it like business as usual after winning 5-1 Saturday night.

In other words, it wasn't the most jubilant locker room I've ever been in, mostly because the Komets felt they could have been playing this way all along.

But they didn't and so we had a more tense series than anyone expected, at least until the Komets won 3-0 on Friday and then whooped up on Muskegon in this one. The Komets won the semifinals series 4-2 and will face the Port Huron Icehawks in the best-of-seven Turner Cup Finals.

That series will begin Friday at Memorial Coliseum, team president Michael Franke said, with the rest of the schedule to be finalized on Monday. You can count on another 1-1-1-1-1-1-1 format though, because of building availabilities.

I can tell you there is some disgruntlement from the Komets' organization that the Coliseum didn't set aside some Saturday night dates for them at this time of year. They've got a point, considering Fort Wayne has missed the postseason only once since 1996. The Komets, and by extension the fans, will pay for the lack of available dates. But I'm sure the Freedom football fans have been happy with the home games.

After dropping the first two road games against the Fury, the Komets dismantled Fury starting goalie Isaac Reichmuth on Saturday. They knew all season long he was weak glove-side and they exploited it, and he was yanked from a third straight start. I'm not sure what Fury coach Bruce Ramsay was thinking starting Reichmuth, after two strong outings by Clayton Pool. But Ramsay did a good job this season with limited talent.

As if Reichmuth doesn't have enough to worry about right now, the Fury's official scorers have him allowing three goals on three shots, even though the unreliable shot clock had six shots on the board when he was yanked. That won't look good on his record.

Speaking of surprise starters, Fort Wayne's Kevin Reiter was solid with 15 saves, one night after Nick Boucher had the 23-save shutout. I was flabbergasted that Boucher didn't start tonight and Fort Wayne coach Al Sims had a grin on his face about the decision before he hopped onto the bus.

By the way, I know some fans wanted to greet the team when it gets back into town. I'm estimating, it'll be back at the Coliseum at about 2 a.m., but, um, don't quote me on it.

Instead of players of the night, here are the players of the series. For Fort Wayne, in order: Mitch Woods, Matt Reynolds, Mathieu Curadeau, Guy Dupuis, Brent Henley, Kevin Bertram, Luciano Aquino. That's right, I think Woods was awesome in this series. For the Fury:  Dan Riedel, Jeff Nelson, Dave Van Drunen, Pool, David Herring, Kyle Kos.

The early feelings are that the series with Port Huron will be physical. And by the way, I thought John Searle called a solid game tonight. So that makes two well officiated games in a row.

And how about Sims? A year ago, he was out of a job. Now he's in the finals.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

'Best goalie in the league' leads K's to 3-0 victory; they're 1 win from the finals

After his team defeated the Muskegon Fury 3-0 on Friday night, to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven International Hockey League semifinals series, Fort Wayne coach Al Sims had this to say: "What a great time for the best goalie in the league to get a shutout."

Whoa. That was interesting on many levels.

First of all, it was Fort Wayne's Kevin Reiter, not Nick Boucher, who won the Best Goaltender Award this season. So it was interesting to actually hear someone voice that Boucher is superior. But secondly, it summed up the victory. Boucher was so-so in his previous playoff appearance, the 4-3 loss at Muskegon in Game 2, which was more memorable for Boucher getting into a mid-game scuffle with teammate Kevin Bertram, and this brought Boucher some redemption.

But it wasn't just him. The entire defense was solid. Much, much more like the Komets of the regular season, eh? So I would expect Boucher to get the start Saturday at L.C. Walker Arena in Muskegon, Mich.

If we've learned anything from this series, which has seen the home team win every game, it's that the Komets are a different team on the road. What they want to do now is not have the penalty marred, defensively absent hiccup in the middle of the game that's dogged them the last two trips up there.

I gotta say, I still think we're back here for Game 7 on Tuesday. Why? Because I don't get the impression Muskegon came away from this game thinking they can't play with the Komets, just because they were shutout. This was closely matched, it's just that Muskegon didn't get a lot of great offensive opportunities. But there were a few; it's just that the so-called best goalie in the league snubbed them.

By the way, the Port Huron Icehawks won the other semifinals series 4-1, thanks to a 4-3 overtime victory Friday. Josh Aspelind had the winner.

• Best players for the Komets tonight, in order: Boucher, Matt Reynolds, Brent Henley, David Hukalo, Justin Hodgman. Best players for the Fury: Clayton Pool, Dan Riedel, Dave Van Drunen, Bill Zalba.
• The Komets' Colin Chaulk lucked out in the second period, getting only a minor penalty for tripping, after he drove Kyle Kos head-first into the boards. I wouldn't have had a problem with a double-minor or even a major penalty. A couple of minutes later, Chaulk did get a double-minor, for high-sticking Dave Van Drunen.
• Kudos to referee Craig Welker for a game well called.
• Congrats to Bill Schwartz (aka Steve Fletcher), the Ice Chips reader who won the musical chairs competition in the second intermission. Cheater! I must give kudos to Hoss for his grab-the-chair -and-run-away-with-it method. And Conley? Wow, time for a diet if you're breaking the chair. Kidding, I'm kidding.
• Tonight's game will be replayed on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. on Comcast 55 and Verizon 25.
• Brace yourselves: I'm hearing if the Komets advance to the final, it'll be another 1-1-1-1-1-1-1 series. But that's just preliminary speculation and could definitely change. If I were the Komets, though, especially having seen what's happened in this back-and-forth series, I'd lobby hard for a 2-3-2.
• Check out this story from the Port Huron Times-Herald.
• Holy Toledo: A game with five overtimes? And it didn't involve the Washington Capitals?

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Who wants in on the Pool?

Pardon me as I unglue my keister from my car seat. Yes, all this travel back and forth to and fro Muskegon, Mich., is grueling.

Anyway, sources have informed me that the Komets were pretty loose at practice, even though they're surprisingly tied with Muskegon at 2 in the best-of-seven series.

I have to believe that Clayton Pool will be in net for Muskegon on Friday at Memorial Coliseum. Normally, that would be OK news for the Komets, since they've done pretty well against him in the past, but he was solid in the Fury's 6-5 victory Wednesday, after replacing Isaac Reichmuth. And let's not forget, Pool looked like an MVP candidate for some of this season.

Never one to shy away from putting pressure on a player, I think P.C. Drouin has to become a pivotal player for Fort Wayne. If he doesn't produce in the next three games, the Komets could be in trouble. I also think Terry Marchant could have a big role to play.

• Maybe it's just because I'm a Red Wings fan, but this is sacrilege. The NHL is spitting on tradition with this one. Note to the NHL brass: You had better tell your beloved Versus network to stop using the octopus in all their commercial breaks if you frown on it so much. And check this out.
• The Komets never gave me a "lineup" for the musical chairs promotion of Ice Chips readers, which will take place in the second intermission Friday. So shoot me an e-mail at [email protected] with your real and/or screen name, if you're scheduled to participate, so I can let the fellow readers know who you are so they can laugh, I mean, cheer.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Reiter in net -- for a 2nd straight game

MUSKEGON, Mich. -- Greetings from L.C. Walker Arena, where it seems the Komets are straying from their much successful goaltender rotation to ride the hot hand in Game 4 of their semifinals series against the Muskegon Fury. In other words, Kevin Reiter is expected to start tonight. He is 2-0 with a 1.33 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage. Nick Boucher, who is 0-1, has a 4.07 GAA and a .778 save percentage.

So far, this place is empty. Speaking of empty, check out this picture from Flint, Mich., the other night.

• Because Fort Wayne center Colin Chaulk was suspended by the league one game for leaving the bench during an altercation Sunday, the Komets have to play one man short of a full 19-player lineup tonight.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

6 teams confirmed for next season

The International Hockey League's Board of Governors announced that all six current teams would return next season. The dormant Chicago Hounds franchise could still come back, but it was given a deadline of May 9 to work things out with the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

I hate to say I told you so, but I told you Muskegon wouldn't be going anywhere. And its interesting that the Hounds are negotiating with the Sears Centre, after all signs pointed toward them going to the Polar Dome at the former Santa's Village amusement park.

Of course, this is still pretty early and much could change over the summer and, with this league, usually does.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

No word on Chaulk; Ice Chips readers must unite

Still no word from the International Hockey League on whether Colin Chaulk will face any sort of suspension for leaving the bench during an altercation, during Sunday's 7-3 victory over the Muskegon Fury.

The Komets lead the best-of-seven semifinals series 2-1.

• I got an e-mail from former Komets forward Bobby Stewart, who wanted to pass along good luck to this year's team in the playoffs. Check this out. His Brantford team just won the Allan Cup, after a tournament of AAA teams from across Canada. Also on his team: Former Komets Brent Gretzky and Chris Grenville.
• And, let it never again be said that the Komets don't read Ice Chips. I got the following e-mail from the Komets, who have noticed all the interest on our beloved site and apparently want to get you readers involved. (By the way, last weekend's Ice Chips readership was at an all-time high, so thanks for reading.)

We're looking for a "Bloggers Dozen" (13) of contestants. The first 13 Komet bloggers from either Justin Cohn's "Ice Chips" blog or Blake Sebring's "Tailing the Komets" blog to compete in the 1st annual Technology Specialists Komet Bloggers' Musical Chairs Competition.

The first 13 who register via e-mail to: [email protected] will be selected to compete, during the second intermission of this Friday's game.

Registration must include:

Subject line: 1st Annual Technology Specialists Komet Bloggers' Musical Chairs

Name:

Date of birth:

Phone number (day):

E-mail address:

Seat location for Friday night:

Prizes will include a team autographed hockey stick.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Rockford copycats, Take 3

The honors keep rolling in. I'm an "uberblogger." Sweet.

In more important matters, is it me or is the Muskegon Fury starting to look like the old Rockford Icehogs? The Fury players should get some Emmys for all the spectacular acting and, strange thing is, the Komets are still dominating with a 2-1 lead and a 28-6 edge in the shots early in the second period of Game 3.

• Ben Smith writes about the Komets.
• Best Ice Chips comment I've seen in awhile comes from St. Chris:  "Come on, it's playoff hockey, expect the unexpected. Enjoy the ride and keep the faith, if you feel you're not getting your money's worth...well I guess you're investing it in the wrong thing."

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Fighting, a disputed goal and a whole lotta penalties lead to Game 2 loss

MUSKEGON Mich. -- So let's delve into the most important question first. If two teammates get into a fight, should they get penalties for, say, unsportsmanlike conduct?

Personally, I think so. But they didn't.

During the Komets' 4-3 loss to the Muskegon Fury in Game 2 of the International Hockey League semifinals Saturday, there was a little tiff between goaltender Nick Boucher and defenseman Kevin Bertram. It happened after Boucher allowed a goal on which he said he was screened by Bertram.

"On that play, I was screened by my own guy," Boucher said. "And I said, not very nicely, for him to stay out of my way. You saw the rest of it."

The rest included a couple of punches from Bertram, who couldn't be found for comment. Then the linesmen had to separate them.

Boucher said they'll put it behind them.

"When you're battling in the heat of the moment, things like that can happen and let's chalk it up to that."

But that wasn't the only strange occurrence. How about 20 power plays? Three goals on 5-on-3 power plays for the Fury? Typical Jim Hawthorne officiated game, eh?

Yup, the Komets were focusing on one thing after this game -- staying out of the penalty box come Game 3 on Sunday at Memorial Coliseum. (I hate to belabor the point, but is Hawthorne the best the IHL could come up with? There were two games tonight? In the semifinals?) Anyway, the Komets did dominate the even-strength play.

On the winning goal, which came from Rafal Martynowski, after the Fury recovered from a two-goal deficit, the Komets claim it shouldn't have counted. The puck slipped by Boucher and Matt Reynolds swept the puck away from the goal line, the Komets believe, before it crossed the goal line. I didn't get a good look myself, so I'll leave that to their vision.

All totaled, this has been one weird series. And it could get weirder: I don't think I've seen the Komets as tight as they were after this game. Somebody had better pull a prank or something to get them laughing again.

The players of the game for Fort Wayne, in order: David Hukalo, Guy Dupuis, P.C. Drouin, Justin Hodgman, Kevin Hansen, Terry Marchant. For Muskegon: Dan Reidel, Mark Cadotte, Bill Zalba, Jeff Nelson, Isaac Reichmuth.

For Sims' postgame interview: Download sims_after_game_2.WMA

For Boucher's postgame interview: Download boucher_after_game_2.WMA

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Wow, this is going to get interesting

Late in the second period of a scoreless game, Fort Wayne coach Al Sims has been ejected, apparently for berating the referee. I'm not sure what happened, but it came after Cassidy Preston checked Fort Wayne's Kevin Bertram after an icing call. Still, for this to happen in Game 1 of the playoffs, with the best referee in the league here, doesn't seem like it bodes well for the Komets or that Sims should have been so enthusiastic on the bench.

By the way, it's Sims' 55th birthday.

-- By Justin A. Cohn.

It was the correct call

Scoreless after one period between the Komets and the Muskegon Fury, though the Komets have dominated play, outshooting the Fury 15-4.

There was an apparent goal with one second left in the period, after Mitch Woods put a rebound into the net. It was blown dead because goalie Isaac Reichmuth's mask had come off. I reviewed the replay and it was a good call. The mask was off before the puck was in and referee Bob Langdon is required to call the play dead.

Komets look very good. This game should be 4-0.

• Tonight's game will be replayed Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. on Comcast channel 55 and Verizon channel 25.
• Don't forget about the benefit game tonight involving some former Komets. Click here to see information.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

The story on Woods

Click here to read today's feature on Mitch Woods. In our print edition, there is more coverage, including a position-by-position breakdown of the series with Muskegon.

Comfortable with the goalie rotation? I'm not so sure.

I usually adhere to that old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't try and fix it."

This, for me, is an exception.

The Komets plan on continuing what they've done for most of this season: alternate their goaltenders, Kevin Reiter and Nick Boucher. Obviously, it's worked thus far. The Komets got 56 victories, 120 points, both franchise records, and steamrolled the competition.

However, this is playoff hockey and if there's one sure thing about that, it's a hot goaltender rules the days of spring. So what if Kevin Reiter goes out and pitches a shutout in Game 1? Still go with Nick Boucher in Game 2? I wouldn't.

I think you go with the hot hand, er, glove, and stick with it.

I know, there's something to be said for staying in the rhythm the Komets have created. And I'm not sure I totally disagree. But I do know we've seen some incredible runs by goalies in the playoffs here. Pokey Reddick in 1993. Tom Lawson in 2003. And if I were Al Sims, I would rather not have to question myself later for sitting a guy with a win or two under his belt.

But who knows. This is the playoffs and Sims may have some tricks up his sleeves we're not privy to yet. It'll all start Friday against Muskegon.

• I wish I could give you a lot of spin out of Muskegon, but the Chronicle hasn't done much. Click here to see beat writer Ron Rop's blog. And here's one preview of the series from the newspaper. And here's another.
• The Flint Journal has predicted a sweep by the Komets and a Flint win over Port Huron in seven games.
• And more less-than-witty use of the letter K by prohockeynews.com, which predicts Fort Wayne victory.
• Me? I've got the Komets winning in five games.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Could the Komets become the Gulls?

Check out today's column about the lessons of the 1993 San Diego Gulls, which may benefit the Komets.

Not going to Muskegon? Don't forget about this.

Click here to see information on an upcoming benefit game between the Fort Wayne Fire and Police Departments and some former Komets, including Colin Chin and Steve Fletcher. Of course, there are former Komets in the FWFD, including Kelly Hurd, Jim Logan and Parris Duffus.

Shirokov, Legault off the playoff roster

As I predicted, the Komets have left defenseman Maxsim Shirokov and forward Olivier Legault off their playoff roster. Shirokov will be available to other teams in a Tuesday waiver draft. Because Legault was placed on a non-roster spot, the Komets will retain his rights.

For most of this season, Shawn Degagne occupied the Komets' non-roster spot. He was the goalie who injured his shoulder before the season began and was ultimately replaced by Nick Boucher. Degagne will also be available to other teams.

The Komets can carry 19 players, plus two amateurs, during the playoffs. The amateurs will be Justin Hodgman and a new addition, defenseman Ken Dufresne, who had three goals and 32 points with Terrebonne in juniors.

The Komets will be unable to add any players in the playoffs, even if they lose, say, 10 players to injury. There is one exception: if they lose two goaltenders to injury, they can add an emergency goalie at that time. That goalie would have to be an amateur, so coach Al Sims' son, Tyler, is not an option.

Meanwhile, the playoff schedule has been finalized:

Game 1, Friday, at Memorial Coliseum, 8 p.m.

Game 2, Saturday, at Muskegon, 7:30 p.m.

Game 3, Sunday, at the Coliseum, 6 p.m.

Game 4, April 23, at Muskegon, 7:30 p.m.

Game 5, April 25, at the Coliseum, 8 p.m. *

Game 6, April 26, at Muskegon, 7:30 p.m. *

Game 7, April 29, at the Coliseum, 7:30 p.m. *

* if necessary

Now, I would have loved to be a fly on the wall for the negotiations about this 1-1-1-1-1-1-1 schedule. The Komets could have fought for a 2-3-2 format, but that would have left Muskegon with fewer weekend dates and that's where the money really is. So, and those who say Fort Wayne is bad for the league should take note, it seems the Komets bit the bullet for the financial good of another team. The downside is home-ice advantage is barely discernible here.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Congratulations, Flint, you won a meaningless game

The Flint Generals can gloat all they want -- and they did plenty as they skated off the ice Sunday -- but I fail to see why this was so significant.

It was a 3-2 victory for the Flint Generals, thanks to a Jason Cirone goal in overtime, but there's one reason the Generals won: goaltender Eric Marvin. He was stupendous in this game.

It ended the Komets' winning streak at 11 games. Snapped their home winning streak at 25. But the Komets went 22-0-2 in their last 24 regular-season games, including 2-0-1 in three straight games to finish the season against Flint, and this was reason to talk trash to fans while coming off the ice?

Cirone got his goal on a power play, after Fort Wayne's Kevin Bertram coughed up the puck at the offensive blue line and then had to haul down Michel Beausoliel to prevent a goal.

After the game, the Fort Wayne locker room was nonchalant, to say the least. Most said they couldn't have cared less about the loss. Others said if anything, it was a positive because it reminded them they aren't infallible.

I'm sure the spin out of Flint will be this: "You see, the Komets are beatable." Well, if anyone had doubted that, they weren't paying attention. Most of the Komets' games have been decided by one or two goals.

But the Komets still put together one of the best regular seasons in hockey history with 56 wins and 120 points. Six teams in the league or not, that was impressive. I wouldn't bet against them.

In other news, center Colin Chaulk was selected as the Komets' MVP after voting by the players. He took the same honor in 2004 and 2006. Interestingly, teammate Guy Dupuis was the runner-up for the league-wide MVP award behind Kalamazoo's Kory Karlander.

I'm not particularly surprised, though I think Dupuis is the MVP. I know some have pushed P.C. Drouin for this award, but from the players' perspectives, they probably wanted to reward someone who's been here the entire season and has impacted both ends of the ice a lot. Still, to me, that's Dupuis, but Chaulk's deserving, too.

The rest of the awards were voted on by reporters and front-office personnel.

Luciano Aquino won Rookie of the Year. Guy Dupuis took Defenseman of the Year. David Hukalo won the Stonewall Defensive Forward honor. Jake Pence won Most Improved Player. Kevin Bertram took the Unsung Hero Award. Mitch Woods won the Mr. Hustle trophy. Chaulk got the "True Komet" award for team spirit and positive attitude.

The News-Sentinel's community service award went to Pence and Olivier Legault.

• Looking for someone to blame for today's loss? How about the tandem of Evgeny Saidachev, who didn't play, and assistant equipment manager Andy Desmonds. Last week, I wrote about how the Komets hadn't lost with Desmonds wearing a lucky hat he kept nabbing from Saidachev's locker. Well, Saidachev didn't bring the cap. Desmonds didn't wear the cap. And the Komets lost.
• The first-round schedule between the Komets and the Fury has yet to be finalized, Komets president Michael Franke said, but we do know this much: Game 1 will be Friday at the Coliseum at 8 p.m., Game 2 will be at Muskegon, Mich., Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Game 3 will be Sunday at the Coliseum at 6 p.m. (Note, that's later than the usual Sunday game.) You can count on a 1-1-1-1-1-1-1 format, mostly because of conflicts at both arenas. That'll be brutal for anyone, including myself, who will be attending all the games. (Some other outlets are releasing "tentative" schedules. Don't trust them because it could change beyond Game 3.)
• I'd like to thank the academy ... I've been awarded a Dickie by The Flint Journal. Sweet. Although, I would point out comments are great, but readership is even more important. Luckily, Ice Chips gets plenty of both. And, by the way, Savage Thoughts is a pretty entertaining blog, too, especially when he rags on everything Fort Wayne. Although, Brendan, best addition? Uh, I think P.C. Drouin might have been slightly more significant than Justin Depretis, but that's just my opinion.

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

It'll be the Fury

The Komets will play Muskegon in the first round of the playoffs.

Reminder: Tonight, I will be appearing on Indiana News Center's live "Sounding Off" show, talking about the Komets. They will be taking calls and e-mails, so I expect your participation. It will be on 7-8 p.m. on NBC 33 (Comcast 13).

Generally speaking, it could be 3 dull games

The Komets will finish the regular season with three straight games against the Flint Generals. So what should we expect from these games? Good hockey, but not physical hockey.

Even though these teams dislike one another, as Fort Wayne coach Al Sims pointed out, it's unlikely anyone will want to drop the gloves and risk injury in fairly meaningless games. Fort Wayne is locked into the No. 1 seed and Flint is almost set in the No. 3.

This doesn't mean the teams won't play hard. Fort Wayne has been on cruise control for several weeks and wants to make sure it doesn't lose momentum now. Flint had better want to keep improving after a midseason slide, although, if the Generals decide to rest players, that could change things.

Some have the notion that it might be good for the Komets to lose a game before the playoffs, so they realize they're not infallible. Believe me, they already know that. Besides, a loss at this point would do nothing but instill doubt in their minds about what could happen later on.

• Nothing is finalized yet, including who the Komets will face in the first round of the playoffs, but there's a good chance the series will have a 1-1-1-1-1-1-1 format. In other words, Games 1, 3, 5 and 7 would be at Memorial Coliseum. (The first two home games will be April 18 and 20.) I was so busy crying about the travel implications for myself, it took some co-workers to point out the obvious: Doesn't this lessen the value of home-ice advantage? Anyway, nothing's set in stone on this schedule yet, but it's clear the Fort Wayne Freedom having something to do with it because they're at the Coliseum on April 19 and 26.
• Things just get weirder and weirder in Kalamazoo. The Wings fired coach Brian Curran with three games remaining in the regular season on Tuesday. Then general manager Wade Welsh, who has no playing experience, takes the reins. They get crushed 5-1 by Flint, leaving the Wings two points out of the playoffs now, and they announce that Brent Jarrett will now coach the team this weekend. Jarrett was the IHL's MVP in 1982 and hasn't coached pro hockey either.
• Brendan Savage of The Flint Journal has a must-read story about the 3-star awards in the IHL. Click here to see it.  Personally, I think the 3-star awards are a great idea, terribly executed, since they're not given out at any arena by objective parties. (No, I've never had a part in any selections at the Coliseum.) More and more, teams like the Komets and Wings, use the stars as a way to interview players on the ice after games. That's fine, but it's disingenuous of the IHL to make on its web site like there's anything scientific about it. Sad, too, because I remember growing up and sitting in the Joe Louis Arena stands with my brother after games, just to see who got the stars. And, yes, I remember times when they all went to the visiting teams' players. Anyway, Fort Wayne goalie Kevin Reiter has gotten the most No. 1 stars in the league with eight.
• The Fort Wayne design-a-logo jerseys auctioned off to benefit Arts United raised $4,721.
• Reminder: On Saturday night, I will be appearing on Indiana News Center's live "Sounding Off" show, talking about the Komets. They will be taking calls and e-mails, so I expect your participation. It will be on 7-8 p.m. on NBC 33 (Comcast 13).

-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette

Henley called up

Komets defenseman Brent Henley has been called up to Springfield of the American Hockey League. He's expected to play three games before returning to Fort Wayne on Monday.

Wings fire Curran

With three games remaining and the Kalamazoo Wings one point out of the fourth and final playoff spot, they fired coach Brian Curran. Click here to read more.