2018-19 Utica Comets Thread

[Connor comet]

2 hours ago, alfstonker said:

Decent stats. The boy deserves a chance.

He has no chance with the complete mess of a roster that will be on the ice in front of him.....

[-Vintage Canuck-]

 

[TomatoPieFan]

UTICA COMETS TO BE RECOGNIZED AS FIRST PURPLE HEART HOCKEY CLUB

Oct 29, 2018

Utica, N.Y. - Utica Comets President Robert Esche, in conjunction with Chapter 490 Military Order of the Purple Heart, announced today that the Utica Comets will be honored as the First Purple Heart Hockey Club; the Comets are only the eighth professional sports team in the country, the second team in New York State, and the first hockey team to be awarded this honor. The Comets enter a list of existing Purple Heart sports teams that includes the Kansas City Royals, Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, and Texas Rangers. The Comets plan to hold an official proclamation ceremony at their annual Military Night on Friday, November 9, when they face off against the Hartford Wolfpack at the Adirondack Bank Center.

The recognition comes as a monumental honor for the Comets, who, in conjunction with the Adirondack Bank Center and the Save of the Day Foundation, have committed to honoring veterans and all military throughout their years in existence. Most notably, the Comets have held numerous military appreciation nights, raising money for the local CNY Veteran’s Outreach Center, Wohl Family Veterans Legal Clinic, and more. Last season, the Comets also began a Hometown Hero initiative, in which they publicly recognize a veteran at each of their home games and organize a meet & greet with Comets Defenseman Jaime Sifers following the game.

Joe Fraccola, Commander of CNY Chapter 490, made the official announcement during a press conference at 72 Tavern & Grill, where he was joined on stage by Rick Redmond, GM of the Adirondack Bank Center and Purple Heart Recipient; Carl Annese, Chairman of the AUD Authority; and Robert Esche, President of the Utica Comets. Each spoke about their ties to the military, both personal and as part of the Comets, and what the night on November 9 will entail.

“Watching the Utica Comets and the fans honoring our veterans as Hometown Heroes displays the tremendous patriotism within our area,” expressed Fraccola. “It recognizes the sacrifices made by our veterans, our active military men & women and their families. The Purple Heart crosses over all military service branches, so we are very pleased that the Utica Comets will be accepting our designation from the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA to be known as a Purple Heart Sports Team. The Utica Comets help their fans walk away with an understanding of what it means to be a veteran, especially the children attending the games.”

“As the General Manager of the Adirondack Bank Center and a Purple Heart Recipient, it is an honor to be part of this great recognition,” said Redmond. “Veterans and their Families can take pride in knowing that the Adirondack Bank Center is a Memorial Auditorium that takes great pride in recognizing those that have served our great Nation.”

“The building was first erected as a Memorial Auditorium, and throughout the years, we have made it a top priority to honor our military through memorials and initiatives,” said Annese. “I know I speak on behalf of the entire Authority when I say that the Purple Heart recognition is of the utmost honor to all of us who have been a part of this building’s impact throughout our community.”

On November 9, the Comets will kick off the celebration with the Official Proclamation Ceremony on the Plaza of the Adirondack Bank Center, featuring local military and Gold Star families. The ceremony will include the raising of a Purple Heart Flag as part of a new Military Branch Memorial outside of the Adirondack Bank Center, featuring a flag from each branch of our nation’s military. The Proclamation Ceremony will conclude with the unveiling of a Battlefield Cross monument that will be permanently affixed to the Plaza; this monument will represent the lives that were lost on the battlefield where military personnel made their ultimate sacrifice.

During a pregame ceremony on the ice, the Comets will unveil a Purple Heart banner, followed by a puck drop with representation from each major conflict since World War II. The Color Guard from 2^nd Battalion 108^th Infantry Regiment of the New York Army National Guard will also present the colors during the on-ice ceremony. The first 1,000 fans in attendance during Friday’s game will receive Purple Heart Military Paracord Bracelets.

Once the Comets hit the ice, they will do so in black camo and purple specialty jerseys, a portion of which will be auctioned live at the end of the game, with all proceeds to benefit the CNY Veterans Outreach Center, Chapter 490 Military Order of the Purple Heart, and Chapter 944 of the Vietnam Veterans of America. During the game, for a donation to the game’s beneficiaries, fans will have the chance to sign a new Military Recognition Wall behind section 213, in honor of any military member, past or present.

“In all my years in the sport of hockey, this is by far the biggest honor for not just the organization, but for me personally,” expressed Esche. “The military has always been near and dear to me, with numerous relatives of mine serving throughout their lives, and I will never forget their sacrifices so that us athletes can hit the ice or field every day.”

The announcement of the Purple Heart game rounds out a fun-filled Veterans Day Weekend, including an Alabama Concert at the Adirondack Bank Center the next day on November 10. Veterans are encouraged to visit the box office for a discount on Alabama tickets, with proof of service.

If you, or anyone you know, are a Purple Heart recipient and would like to attend the Comets Purple Heart Military game, please e-mail richardredmond@adkbankcenter.com no later than November 6. The Comets are also taking photo submissions of military members for a pre-and-in-game slideshow during the game. Submissions may be emailed to erickowiatek@uticacomets.com.

[TomatoPieFan]

Utica Comets

 

1 hr ·

Vancouver Canucks recall Brendan Gaunce from the Comets.

[TomatoPieFan]

The Vancouver Canucks have recalled forward Darren Archibald.

[Nuxfanabroad]

They may's well sign a few more PTO types(like last season..it actually worked too)..with the injuries this yr, we'll prob be ravaging their lineup some more.

[Connor comet]

30 minutes ago, Nuxfanabroad said:

They may's well sign a few more PTO types(like last season..it actually worked too)..with the injuries this yr, we'll prob be ravaging their lineup some more.

No need to, comets GM Johnson signed a ton of ECHL depth so that they would never need pto guys.......I'm sure he's got this.......

Edited October 31, 2018 by Connor comet

[Kanukfanatic]

If you guys are bored go read the hfcanuck - utica thread on the last page or so. The cesspool over there never ceases to amaze. They have a bunch, of what seem like, complete morons all stroking each other's negativity and blame benning for everything. 

 

Quite funny to read lol. Everything typed by those keyboard warriors is the opposite of what is released by professional hockey people such as the Utica GM. Hahaha...man o man.

[Nuxfanabroad]

1 minute ago, Kanukfanatic said:

If you guys are bored go read the hfcanuck - utica thread on the last page or so. The cesspool over there never ceases to amaze. They have a bunch, of what seem like, complete morons all stroking each other's negativity and blame benning for everything. 

 

Quite funny to read lol. Everything typed by those keyboard warriors is the opposite of what is released by professional hockey people such as the Utica GM. Hahaha...man o man.

Yeah..had the pleasure. Back in the day you could get a decent run-down(analysis, that is) of what was going on. They didn't even have a Frackin'team for yrs..now they've had a sold-out bldg, to cheer on the game. This enabled them to get new development/complex(?..think their city is going with)..yet a few posters are incessantly whining now, not getting every outcome they demand/are entitled to(?!).

 

Filed under: no good deed goes unpunished!

[Kanukfanatic]

20 minutes ago, Nuxfanabroad said:

Yeah..had the pleasure. Back in the day you could get a decent run-down(analysis, that is) of what was going on. They didn't even have a Frackin'team for yrs..now they've had a sold-out bldg, to cheer on the game. This enabled them to get new development/complex(?..think their city is going with)..yet a few posters are incessantly whining now, not getting every outcome they demand/are entitled to(?!).

 

Filed under: no good deed goes unpunished!

Totally agree. There are a few good posters there that post relevant and informative information about what is happening in Utica (such as Uticahockey who also posts here).

 

But there are many that just moan and whine about all things benning and it constantly turns into a suicidal stroke fest conversation where it is so negative it is sickening to even read. I wonder if those posters are that negative in real life or if they just get sucked into whinyness on the internet lol.

 

[Nuxfanabroad]

1 minute ago, Kanukfanatic said:

Totally agree. There are a few good posters there that post relevant and informative information about what is happening in Utica (such as Uticahockey who also posts here).

 

But there are many that just moan and whine about all things benning and it constantly turns into a suicidal stroke fest conversation where it is so negative it is sickening to even read. I wonder if those posters are that negative in real life or if they just get sucked into whinyness on the internet lol.

 

Man..maybe HillarityClinton is a secret partner, & it's poisoned the well? Who knows?

 

Last 5 yrs the parent team has been in only 1 PO round.

 

Hell, they've had a few PO cracks, haven't they?(1 run to finals too)

[Connor comet]

The bulk of the postings over there tonight are not by the normal Utica posters.. there's only 3 or 4 posters that are Utica based. Not sure whom the others are...... 

 

The team is a mess at this point, injuries, callups and young players that were obviously over hyped....   Two games away this weekend.  But the kids will get a ton of ice time as there is no one left. 

 

The Crunch coach was on last weekend talking about his injuries and their top 3 centers are all injured, vets are injured.. kids gotta play. not much margin for error. most mistakes at this level end up in your net Pretty much what the comets are like right now...

[Guest]

Just extend the deal with Utica already.  

It makes zero sense to have the affiliate team out west. Why make the kids suffer through long flights and road trips when they should be focused on improving? 

98% of the team’s travel is for games as opposed to call ups . Let’s minimize the travel.

[Analyst82]

On 10/30/2018 at 7:11 PM, VancouverHabitant said:

Just extend the deal with Utica already.  

It makes zero sense to have the affiliate team out west. Why make the kids suffer through long flights and road trips when they should be focused on improving? 

98% of the team’s travel is for games as opposed to call ups . Let’s minimize the travel.

Been a big fan of the comets as an affiliate. Building sells out, supportive community, much easier travel schedule. I am all for the extension. If management actually thinks that more people will go watch the comets in Abbotsford they are wrong. There is way too much entertainment (sports wise) around Vancouver. Also, no one will travel to Abbotsford to watch an AHL game. 

[GoldenAlien]

1 hour ago, Analyst82 said:

Been a big fan of the comets as an affiliate. Building sells out, supportive community, much easier travel schedule. I am all for the extension. If management actually thinks that more people will go watch the comets in Abbotsford they are wrong. There is way too much entertainment (sports wise) around Vancouver. Also, no one will travel to Abbotsford to watch an AHL game. 

I don't think management cares much about viewership, you don't make money off of your AHL team. I doubt people in Bakersfield, CA are lining up to watch Oilers prospects. 

 

It's more about access and synergy.  Imagine if Cloutier can work with Demko every week, and Clark can go see him play whenever. Or Glenn go runs drills with the prospects every month, and Takahashi sets up workouts for them.  Manny can drop by and work with the young centres one-on-one.  Skating consultants, nutritionists, etc., can all be shared.

 

Of course, AHL teams have trainers too, but you don't get to work for an NHL team unless you're the best in the business.  To have NHL level resources available to these kids is a definite advantage.  Our management and coaching staff can also watch games on a regular basis and give feedback on exactly what they want to see if the prospect wants a call up.  Green would be more familiar with a prospect's strengths and weaknesses before they're slotted into the lineup.

 

Do those advantages make up for the more arduous schedule? Hard to say, but there's a reason that NHL teams are trending towards having their farm teams closer to home.

[TomatoPieFan]

CANUCKS RECALL JALEN CHATFIELD, REASSIGN GUILLAUME BRISEBOIS

Nov 1, 2018

Utica, N.Y. – Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning announced today that the club has recalled defenseman Jalen Chatfield and reassigned defenseman Guillaume Brisebois.

This is the first NHL call-up for Chatfield, who has one assist in seven games with Utica this year.

Brisebois has two points in seven games with the Comets this season. He did not appear in a game with Vancouver during his stint.

[TomatoPieFan]

COMETS RECALL REID GARDINER FROM KALAMAZOO

Oct 31, 2018

Utica, N.Y. – Comets General Manager Ryan Johnson announced that the team has recalled forward Reid Gardiner from the Kalamazoo Wings.

Gardiner, 22, has five points (2-3-5) in six games with the Wings this season. He has played in 33 career AHL games, tallying nine points (4-5-9).

[Connor comet]

15 hours ago, GoldenAlien said:

I don't think management cares much about viewership, you don't make money off of your AHL team. I doubt people in Bakersfield, CA are lining up to watch Oilers prospects. 

 

It's more about access and synergy.  Imagine if Cloutier can work with Demko every week, and Clark can go see him play whenever. Or Glenn go runs drills with the prospects every month, and Takahashi sets up workouts for them.  Manny can drop by and work with the young centres one-on-one.  Skating consultants, nutritionists, etc., can all be shared.

 

Of course, AHL teams have trainers too, but you don't get to work for an NHL team unless you're the best in the business.  To have NHL level resources available to these kids is a definite advantage.  Our management and coaching staff can also watch games on a regular basis and give feedback on exactly what they want to see if the prospect wants a call up.  Green would be more familiar with a prospect's strengths and weaknesses before they're slotted into the lineup.

 

Do those advantages make up for the more arduous schedule? Hard to say, but there's a reason that NHL teams are trending towards having their farm teams closer to home.

I agree, it will happen at some point in the next few seasons. But it also makes sense that they wait for Seattle to figure where it's AHL team will be so that the canucks AHL team will have a close rival.  

[TomatoPieFan]

18 hours ago, GoldenAlien said:

I don't think management cares much about viewership, you don't make money off of your AHL team. I doubt people in Bakersfield, CA are lining up to watch Oilers prospects. 

 

It's more about access and synergy.  Imagine if Cloutier can work with Demko every week, and Clark can go see him play whenever. Or Glenn go runs drills with the prospects every month, and Takahashi sets up workouts for them.  Manny can drop by and work with the young centres one-on-one.  Skating consultants, nutritionists, etc., can all be shared.

 

Of course, AHL teams have trainers too, but you don't get to work for an NHL team unless you're the best in the business.  To have NHL level resources available to these kids is a definite advantage.  Our management and coaching staff can also watch games on a regular basis and give feedback on exactly what they want to see if the prospect wants a call up.  Green would be more familiar with a prospect's strengths and weaknesses before they're slotted into the lineup.

 

Do those advantages make up for the more arduous schedule? Hard to say, but there's a reason that NHL teams are trending towards having their farm teams closer to home.

Do you think Virtanen would have developed in this bubble?  Markstrom probably had his best season of his career outside the bubble under the guidance of I think Rolie at the time in Utica.  Definitely pros and cons but IMO I think playing time is the most important factor.  Bakersville Condors averaged 4828 attendance last season, just for the record LOL

Edited November 2, 2018 by TomatoPieFan

[UticaHockey]

19 hours ago, GoldenAlien said:

I don't think management cares much about viewership, you don't make money off of your AHL team. I doubt people in Bakersfield, CA are lining up to watch Oilers prospects. 

 

It's more about access and synergy.  Imagine if Cloutier can work with Demko every week, and Clark can go see him play whenever. Or Glenn go runs drills with the prospects every month, and Takahashi sets up workouts for them.  Manny can drop by and work with the young centres one-on-one.  Skating consultants, nutritionists, etc., can all be shared.

 

Of course, AHL teams have trainers too, but you don't get to work for an NHL team unless you're the best in the business.  To have NHL level resources available to these kids is a definite advantage.  Our management and coaching staff can also watch games on a regular basis and give feedback on exactly what they want to see if the prospect wants a call up.  Green would be more familiar with a prospect's strengths and weaknesses before they're slotted into the lineup.

 

Do those advantages make up for the more arduous schedule? Hard to say, but there's a reason that NHL teams are trending towards having their farm teams closer to home.

There are compelling reasons for having the farm team in the same metro area as the parent team and there are compelling reasons for having the farm team close to other AHL cities to maximize practice by reducing travel.  Finding measurable metrics to determine which is the better model is the difficult part.  The LA Kings won two Stanley Cups when their AHL team was out east in Manchester, NH and none since they moved their prospects close to home in Ontario, CA.  Again that is not a true measurable metric because the Kings got older and slower since their last Cup victory but it shows that prospects can be developed without all of the internal resources available in the same metro area of the parent team.  You just need to hire good development coaches and trainers for the farm.