The Utica Comets | 2020-2021 Thread

[VanJack]

I'm starting to seriously wonder at what point the rest of the AHL season is in peril of cancellation? As I understand it, the playoffs have already been cancelled. So it's now just a matter of how many regular season games they can squeeze into the rest of the calendar before it's baseball season.

All you can hope for now is that with the help of mass vaccinations, the AHL and hockey are back to normal come September training camps.

 

[tyhee]

For sure Utica is great. But it’s still a heck of a trip from there to here. And N.Y. to FLA is nothing like Utica to Van. A few hours and same time zone compared to 2 days to three time zones.
Nothing against Utica. Just for our team it makes way more sense to have the farm team closer.

I'm among those that think it is far better to leave the team in Utica, though during the current pandemic season it would clearly have been better to have the team in Canada so that movement between the NHL team and the affiliate would be subject to a shorter quarantine period.

Looking at relevant factors:
-timeliness of move between NHL/AHL team-this is in favour of the team being local
-player development-I think this is in favour of the team remaining in Utica, with short trips, more practice time and much less travel time
-expense-clearly this favours leaving the team in Utica so that a typical two game road trip would be a 2 hour bus ride instead of a 2 hour flight or 16 hour bus ride.

Nothing is perfect, but I'm happier to let the players have practice time and not have them always on the road while saving a few bucks on travel. (I can't imagine there is anyone out there silly enough to point out that it is cheaper to travel from Abbotsford to Vancouver then Utica to Vancouver, but just in case, saving on moving 25 or so people every game is more than the extra expense of travel for one person a few times per season.)

Benning has treated the Comets merely as a place to stash players he doesn't have room to play anywhere else. Given that I expect that Benning would be in favour of moving the Comets to Abbotsford, Langley or Surrey. It would certainly be easier for him personally. I don't think it would be better for the development of prospects, but if the organization isn't going to develop prospects anyway (and much has been written about the Canucks' failures and lack of action in that regard) then Benning's approach becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If he isn't going to provide the Comets with what they need to properly develop, then the organization might as well spend the extra money and kept their stashed depth nearby.

I don't think that is any way to run a winning organization.

 

[VanJack]

People advocating moving the Canucks farm team from Utica to Abbotsford, are probably unaware of the sweetheart deal the Flames had with the City of Abbotsford. At least it was 'sweet' for the Flames.....for the taxpayers of Abbotsford, not so much.

In essence, the City agreed to underwrite any losses that the AHL team sustained operating out of the Abbotsford Entertainment Center. And as a result of mediocre attendance and debilitating travel costs; those losses soon ballooned. The only reason the Abbotsford Heat lasted as long as they did, was that the City wasn't able to get out from under the deal and finally had to buy their way out.

Thus if the Comets ever ended up in Abbotsford, the Aquilini's would be responsible for all the losses and operating costs. And based on travel costs alone, I doubt a team in Abbotsford would ever be viable.

So I wouldn't be looking for the Comets to leave Utica any time soon.

 

[UticaHockey]

If the Comets ever put COVID in the rear view mirror they can start selling about 400 tickets per game.

 

[Bad Goalie]

If the Comets ever put COVID in the rear view mirror they can start selling about 400 tickets per game.

What a gift on top of a debacle. Don't see the gift as all that wonderful. I know I won't be one of the 400. Oneida county keeps counting way too many new cases on a daily basis and deaths keep happening. Yoyos keep insisting they don't feel safe getting the vaccine so they are out there as walking targets. Surrounding counties aren't doing much better with much smaller populations. They are making me very wary. It's almost a paranoia.

I'm hoping that things settle enough to feel safe in October 2021. I'm not sure that will even happen. It's now going to come down to how agreeable they would be to one more year of rolling over my seat. My seating partner and some near us have voiced a similar opinion.

 

[Bubbles]

People advocating moving the Canucks farm team from Utica to Abbotsford, are probably unaware of the sweetheart deal the Flames had with the City of Abbotsford. At least it was 'sweet' for the Flames.....for the taxpayers of Abbotsford, not so much.

In essence, the City agreed to underwrite any losses that the AHL team sustained operating out of the Abbotsford Entertainment Center. And as a result of mediocre attendance and debilitating travel costs; those losses soon ballooned. The only reason the Abbotsford Heat lasted as long as they did, was that the City wasn't able to get out from under the deal and finally had to buy their way out.

Thus if the Comets ever ended up in Abbotsford, the Aquilini's would be responsible for all the losses and operating costs. And based on travel costs alone, I doubt a team in Abbotsford would ever be viable.

So I wouldn't be looking for the Comets to leave Utica any time soon.

Good points. Fraser Valley fans are fickle. The Abbotsford Heat always had terrible attendance, probably because of the Flames association. Sure, if they had the Canucks affiliation a few more would show up, but not by a lot. They averaged just under 4000.

 

[mriswith]

I think a Canucks team in Abbotsford would do fine and it'd be fun for us in Vancouver, but I think it'd be bad for development to make the prospects deal with that travel schedule.

So for that reason I'm happier with them being out east taking a bus for the majority of their games. Utica being a great hockey town is just a bonus.

 

[bandwagonesque]

Good points. Fraser Valley fans are fickle. The Abbotsford Heat always had terrible attendance, probably because of the Flames association. Sure, if they had the Canucks affiliation a few more would show up, but not by a lot. They averaged just under 4000.

I think more people would probably show up to see Canucks prospects. Half of this board would be there regularly. In any case, the problem was that the team was in Abbotsford. Put the same team within walking distance of any Skytrain station and it would attract another 1000-2000 fans.

Incidentally, the Comets play in an arena with a capacity of just under 4000.

 

[Dab]

I think a Canucks team in Abbotsford would do fine and it'd be fun for us in Vancouver, but I think it'd be bad for development to make the prospects deal with that travel schedule.

So for that reason I'm happier with them being out east taking a bus for the majority of their games. Utica being a great hockey town is just a bonus.

Langley is a hockey town and the LEC can seat over 5,000. Might be the best option unless Francesco wants to build an arena in Surrey.

 

[bandwagonesque]

Langley is a hockey town and the LEC can seat over 5,000. Might be the best option unless Francesco wants to build an arena in Surrey.

Surrey is probably building a 10,000 seat arena in the City Centre area within the next 5-8 years. To me this is by far the best option due to a) transit access and proximity to New West and Burnaby and b) the fact that the whole area is being intensively redeveloped and gentrified.

 

[Bad Goalie]

Back to actually talking about the Comets (that is what this thread is dedicated to) who are still playing in Utica. Today the St.Louis Blues sent forward Shawn Cameron to the Utica Comets. Once again it's St. Louis taking the lead for Vancouver's farm team. The Comets are still short forwards and with Lind still in Vancouver and now riding in the Taxi the Comets forwards totaled 13 as well as the D total is 7. The team's schedule after having had 10 games postponed is going to become a lot more hectic as the league slots those games back into their schedule. It is without a doubt that the number of players currently on the roster will take a major hit as things move on.

Cameron has NY State ties. The 25 yr-old, 5'11"/194 lb, rookie RW hails from Sherbrooke, QC. He played 4 years at NCAA D1 R.I.T (Rochester Institute of Technology) before turning pro this season. My son is a graduate of RIT and the hockey team was a big rival of my college team.

I wouldn't expect big things from him, but I always hope for a surprise from any ECHL player that Utica slots into the lineup.

The last surprise came in the 2018-19 season with D-man Colton Saucerman who came to Utica from the ECHL Idaho Steelheads. He played 24 games for the Comets and played remarkably well. He notched a goal and 3 assists while going +9. He killed penalties and took a regular shift. Was signed to 2 PTOs over the time he spent here.

I sat with his agent one game and there was great interest from Colton and his agent to sign an AHL contract, if not during that season, then the 2019-20 season.He was a huge fan favorite especially with the kids who he was very good with. However with the addition of Rafferty, Teves, and Eliot to go along with Juolevi Briesbois, Sautner, and Chatfield, and Blujus. LeBlnac would be the emergency guy.

Welcome aboard Shawn.

 

[Catamarca Livin]

I'm among those that think it is far better to leave the team in Utica, though during the current pandemic season it would clearly have been better to have the team in Canada so that movement between the NHL team and the affiliate would be subject to a shorter quarantine period.

Looking at relevant factors:
-timeliness of move between NHL/AHL team-this is in favour of the team being local
-player development-I think this is in favour of the team remaining in Utica, with short trips, more practice time and much less travel time
-expense-clearly this favours leaving the team in Utica so that a typical two game road trip would be a 2 hour bus ride instead of a 2 hour flight or 16 hour bus ride.

Nothing is perfect, but I'm happier to let the players have practice time and not have them always on the road while saving a few bucks on travel. (I can't imagine there is anyone out there silly enough to point out that it is cheaper to travel from Abbotsford to Vancouver then Utica to Vancouver, but just in case, saving on moving 25 or so people every game is more than the extra expense of travel for one person a few times per season.)

Benning has treated the Comets merely as a place to stash players he doesn't have room to play anywhere else. Given that I expect that Benning would be in favour of moving the Comets to Abbotsford, Langley or Surrey. It would certainly be easier for him personally. I don't think it would be better for the development of prospects, but if the organization isn't going to develop prospects anyway (and much has been written about the Canucks' failures and lack of action in that regard) then Benning's approach becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If he isn't going to provide the Comets with what they need to properly develop, then the organization might as well spend the extra money and kept their stashed depth nearby.

I don't think that is any way to run a winning organization.

What do players in Utica need to develop properly that they do not already receive in Utica? It has been a competitive team most years with a trip to finals with Markstrom and a good year just last year. I heard facilities were greatly improved. What is missing? I hear complaints that they do not sign more vets, but it can be argued this blocks development as much as aiding it. Not many Utica players have contributed to Canucks but the seems to reflect players sent there more than development issue. Current prospects were showing well by all accounts. It seems like complaints are just projecting the Canuck fan's frustrations to Utica. If Canucks were winning the image of Utica would be positive. Local Utica fans want a winner and know it could be guaranteed with some more money spent. However that is not really the mission of the Canucks for the Comets. So to expect Canucks to spend on elite Ahl depth is likely just setting yourself up for disappointment.

 

[Bad Goalie]

What do players in Utica need to develop properly that they do not already receive in Utica? It has been a competitive team most years with a trip to finals with Markstrom and a good year just last year. I heard facilities were greatly improved. What is missing? I hear complaints that they do not sign more vets, but it can be argued this blocks development as much as aiding it. Not many Utica players have contributed to Canucks but the seems to reflect players sent there more than development issue. Current prospects were showing well by all accounts. It seems like complaints are just projecting the Canuck fan's frustrations to Utica. If Canucks were winning the image of Utica would be positive. Local Utica fans want a winner and know it could be guaranteed with some more money spent. However that is not really the mission of the Canucks for the Comets. So to expect Canucks to spend on elite Ahl depth is likely just setting yourself up for disappointment.

"So to expect Canucks to spend on elite Ahl depth is likely just setting yourself up for disappointment"

Then I guess if you say they won't pay for elite AHL depth, then they better draft some guys who can compete at that level because they will get their young asses kicked without it. When regular season rosters vs Toronto, Syracuse, Rochester, Cleveland and even Binghamton have those players a roster without them gets the short end of the stick.

You mention last season the club had a very good year. Well even though some were Vancouver property, the Comets had very well paid elite AHL depth in Boucher, Goldobin, and Baertschi combined with experienced elite AHL depth in Bailey, Camper, Perron, and Graovac. That was 7 players of that ilk all up front. Not surprising the Comets were one of the league's highest scoring teams. #3 Gf and #4 PP.

The Canucks ONLY SENT 3 forward prospects here. Jasek, Lind, and Gadjovich.

The defense did not have a single elite AHL depth D-man which might account for their mediocre defesnsive play. #16 in GA, #22 PK, and #1 in SHGA.

The 2014-15 team you mention that went to the finals was loaded with elite AHL level talent with Cal O'Reilly, Dustin Jeffrey, Bobby Snaguinetti, Sven Baertschi, Cory Conacher, Will Acton, Brandon Defazio, Kent Huskins, and Alex Biega.
Solid AHL Vancouver talent in Alex Grenier, Nicklas Jensen, Darren Archibald, Frank Corrado.
The first years of forechecking/back checking/energy line/defensive stalwarts Carter Bancks and Wacey Hamilton and rookie Mike Zalewski who formed the AHL's best checking line.

The were only 2 Vancouver drafted rookies on this squad, Hunter Shinkaruk and Brendan Gaunce.

Andrey Pedan was a very good D-man with a lot of physicality in his first season here and then his desire to fight cost him the last 20 games or more and the entire playoffs. he was never the same again.

They were later joined by an excellent offensive D-man for the AHL in Adam Clendening.
This was a Lorne Henning constructed team.

The teams without a few of those elite AHL depth players has never fared well.

 

[UticaHockey]

Tuesday is media day at Comets practices. Should have more info later but here is the initial report.

 

[UticaHockey]

More updates.

 

[Bad Goalie]

More updates.

"Cull hopeful four of them will be available, but did not specify."

"Said they're trying to make sure they're not pushing players too hard, but enough to prepare."

So the game they are preparing for is Friday. Today is Wednesday. 12 forwards and 5 D-men. Am i being led to believe the game must go on and if it's with this skeleton lineup, so be it?
This outfit is being run just like the parent, but they have the option to completely strip the Comets in order to ice a complete roster.

You would thing that if the team has guys still unable to practice that 2 days (that's if they are on the ice today) is not going to have them game ready even if they do prop them up and slide them out there.

The Comets called up to play in the NHL will not make the Canucks an NHL team, but at least it would be a team of players able to play regardless of the skill level. What do the Comets (Johnson or is that the Canucks) have against bringing in ECHL players to skate in the place of guys who are not physically able to play? They have been toying with this depleted lineup for weeks and all they have done is sign one guy, Shawn Cameron, to a PTO. Bring in 3 or 4 forwards and 2 or 3 D-men to cover your ass. The schedule from here to the end is going to get very condensed and if some guys are recovering from COVID they are not going to be ready to take on that workload. I don't care if Cull doesn't "push (these players too hard, but enough to prepare." WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN ANYWAYS?

 

[UticaHockey]

 

[tyhee]

If the Comets ever put COVID in the rear view mirror they can start selling about 400 tickets per game.

If the Comets sell out their 10% of capacity because that is all they are permitted to sell, will people consider the sellout streak still going or finished?

 

[Bad Goalie]

This allows Keppen to maintain his amateur status. He is just turned 20 yrs-old (March, 20).

His best Jr numbers were before the 2019 draft, his draft year, 59Pts/68GP. Last year he put up 29Pts/44GP and hasn't played since. Can't believe he is condition ready to play games. He becomes the 13 the forward if McGing and Arseneau are not ready to go by Friday.

Wesley and Tucker are the 2 D-men that were not ready on Tuesday. That would leave the Comets with 5 D-men.

With the condensed game total the Comets are going to be playing in order to squeeze the 10 missed games into the schedule, the team needs to add some more bodies. The ECHL is playing and those guys would be in a better level of game shape. Shawn Cameron, who was added Monday, is from the ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits.

The ECHL is not AHL level, but in this season of the watered down AHL, ECHL players have actually been making impacts around the AHL. Thus, it would behoove the Comets to add a few of these guys to their shortened roster.

 

[Fatass]

This allows Keppen to maintain his amateur status.

How does staying an armature help Keppen’s career? He played CHL, so he can’t play US college.

 

[Bad Goalie]

How does staying an armature help Keppen’s career? He played CHL, so he can’t play US college.

Because with his age and weak JR numbers he could go back for an overaged JR season if he remains an amateur. Thus, the Comets signed him to an ATO (Amateur Tryout) rather than a PTO (Professional Tryout) in which case he would have lost his amateur status.

Also not sure if Benning has any spots left on his 5o contract list. I haven't followed that issue this season. This is a non Vancouver deal though I would assume they were involved since he is their 2019 4th round selection. If Vancouver does have room, this signing might indicate they don't have plans to sign him yet next season, but this would maybe give him a chance to improve his stock.

 

[The Iron Goalie]

Because with his age and weak JR numbers he could go back for an overaged JR season if he remains an amateur. Thus, the Comets signed him to an ATO (Amateur Tryout) rather than a PTO (Professional Tryout) in which case he would have lost his amateur status.

Also not sure if Benning has any spots left on his 5o contract list. I haven't followed that issue this season. This is a non Vancouver deal though I would assume they were involved since he is their 2019 4th round selection. If Vancouver does have room, this signing might indicate they don't have plans to sign him yet next season, but this would maybe give him a chance to improve his stock.

Indeed. This is a great opportunity for him to get his feet wet at the pro level, and as you said 'rebuild' his stock after a poor D + 1 season.

 

[UticaHockey]

This allows Keppen to maintain his amateur status. He is just turned 20 yrs-old (March, 20).

His best Jr numbers were before the 2019 draft, his draft year, 59Pts/68GP. Last year he put up 29Pts/44GP and hasn't played since. Can't believe he is condition ready to play games. He becomes the 13 the forward if McGing and Arseneau are not ready to go by Friday.

Wesley and Tucker are the 2 D-men that were not ready on Tuesday. That would leave the Comets with 5 D-men.

With the condensed game total the Comets are going to be playing in order to squeeze the 10 missed games into the schedule, the team needs to add some more bodies. The ECHL is playing and those guys would be in a better level of game shape. Shawn Cameron, who was added Monday, is from the ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits.

The ECHL is not AHL level, but in this season of the watered down AHL, ECHL players have actually been making impacts around the AHL. Thus, it would behoove the Comets to add a few of these guys to their shortened roster.

Ethan Keppan is a prospect that hasn't been mentioned much so I didn't know much about him. What I read on another forum is Keppen suffered a wrist injury the next season after he was drafted which is why his numbers were down. The OHL still hasn't been able to start play this season so Keppen along with 100's of other players had no where to play this year. Having him come to the Comets on an ATO gives him an opportunity to play and gives the Canucks a chance to evaluate him for a potential contract offer down the road. Unless he has been here for a while practicing and not reported on I doubt he is in game shape and it will be a few weeks before he plays.

 

[Bad Goalie]

Ethan Keppan is a prospect that hasn't been mentioned much so I didn't know much about him. What I read on another forum is Keppen suffered a wrist injury the next season after he was drafted which is why his numbers were down. The OHL still hasn't been able to start play this season so Keppen along with 100's of other players had no where to play this year. Having him come to the Comets on an ATO gives him an opportunity to play and gives the Canucks a chance to evaluate him for a potential contract offer down the road. Unless he has been here for a while practicing and not reported on I doubt he is in game shape and it will be a few weeks before he plays.

Like I said.

"it will be a few weeks before he plays"
I agree, but the Comets only have "a few weeks" and their roster will take hits as it has all season and if he's all that's left, he will be trotted out there. The Comets schedule is going to get very hectic having to add 10 games into what time is left.

If the Vancouver posters turn out to be soothsayers, the Comets may lose several players under contract to the Canucks. It's very possible that ready or not the NHL is going to say you resume play on such and such a date. Do what you have to in order to ice a team. If COVID guys are simply unable to play, the Comets is the only place they have to turn and they are going to have to make that decision yesterday based upon the number of mandatory quarantine days.

 

[UticaHockey]