Komets general manager David Franke still believes he will have a coach in place by June 1, though he declined to get into specifics about potential candidates – with one exception.The Komets captured a third straight Turner Cup championship, an unprecedented feat in the franchise’s 58-year history.
But it didn’t come easy.
In the semifinals against the rival Port Huron Icehawks, the Komets fell behind 3-1 in the best-of-seven series, and they even trailed by two goals early in Game 5 before rattling off seven victories over the final eight games.
That included a 4-0 Game 7 victory, in which Nick Boucher had a 33-save shutout.
The Komets’ playoff run culminated with a 3-2 victory and a five-game series victory over the Flint Generals, in front of 10,480 fans at Memorial Coliseum, for Fort Wayne’s eighth championship.
Left wing Matt Syroczynski was selected as Playoff MVP after scoring 11 goals and 16points in 12 playoff games. The Komets were keyed by their superb power play, which scored on 15 of 53 opportunities. Their defense allowed only 2.67 goals per game.
For the core group of six veterans who have led the Komets on this incredible run – Colin Chaulk, P.C. Drouin, Guy Dupuis, Kevin Bertram, David Hukalo and Nick Boucher – this could be the last go-round, as it’s unclear whether the IHL will be around next season.
