Al Sims, 60, who guided the Komets to five championships between 1993 and 2012 with a stint coaching the NHL’s San Jose Sharks in between, retired Monday as the winningest coach in the francise’s 61-season history.
As previously reported by The Journal Gazette, forward Bobby Chaumont will not be back with the Komets this season, the team’s first in the ECHL.
That became official when he signed with the Braehead Clan in Scotland on Friday.
Chaumont led the Komets with 66 points last season. He had 24 goals, in 66 games.
He had eight goals and 14 points in 18 playoff games as the Komets won the CHL title.
Chaumont skated with Braehead in its inaugural season – 2010-11 – scoring 22 goals and 53 points in 54 games.
“He is a big, strong forward, who skated very well,” Clan coach Jordan Krestanovich said in a statement. “I’ve played on a line with Bobby, so I know first-hand how dangerous he can be, and I believe his time with Fort Wayne has given him the experience he needs to progress as a player.”
Chaumont, 27, said in a statement: “The fans (in Scotland) made my season there very memorable, and I look forward to another great season.
“... It will be great to catch up with some of my former teammates and to get to know the new guys. I am looking forward to coming back and getting the season underway.”
Meanwhile, goalie Charlie Effinger, who played last season for Missouri of the CHL, told the Independence Examiner that he will sign with an ECHL team.
The Komets have confirmed that they have spoken with Effinger, leading to speculation he could be the replacement for Nick Boucher.
Boucher underwent hip surgery Thursday and will be out at least until January.
“I’m a 26-year-old knucklehead who is coming off a pretty good season,” Effinger told the Examiner, “and I want to give myself the best shot to make a team in the (American Hockey League).
“... I’m in the prime of my career, and I want to see if I can fit in with an AHL team, so I m signing with an ECHL team (in hopes of moving up).”
Effinger was 32-15-4 with a 2.70 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage in the regular season with Missouri. In the playoffs, he was 7-4 with a 2.50 GAA and a .932 save percentage.
The Mavericks were eliminated in seven games by the Komets in the Turner Conference finals.
