IHL

Posted in: IHL
Komets complete the deal, win Turner Cup
By Jennifer Sleeper
May 9, 2009 - 9:27:18 AM

FORT WAYNE, Ind – “Domination” is the word that comes to mind for this Turner Cup Championship best-of-seven series. 

Fort Wayne’s philosophy has been dominate early, score early, control the puck, control the game and own the Cup. 

Photo by Jennifer Sleeper

That is exactly what the IHL Regular-Season Champion Komets did Friday night in front of a loud, supportive sell-out home crowd. It’s been the team’s philosophy throughout the series, taking four out of five games to deny the Lumberjacks another opportunity in their quest for the Cup.

Rick Verone lit the lights early in the first period, besting Jacks netminder, rookie Kevin Armstrong, who stopped 34 out of 38 shots on goal in the game.  Even Komets fans were heard saying "wow" at some of the fantastic saves made by Armstrong.  He's either an awesome netminder or extremely lucky, and, based on his performance throughout the month of April and the playoffs, no one has that much luck on his side, he is amazing and definitely one to watch in future years.  Armstrong achieved his first pro win, pro shut out and pro shootout win all in only a little over a month of play as a pro. 

Dan Boeser netted a power play goal in the last minute of the first, tying the game at one-all.  Boeser’s goal was the first power play goal surrendered by the Komets during this series.  Mark Versteeg-Lytwyn scored the game-winning goal mid-period in the second, giving the Komets the last tally they needed to secure the Cup.  The icing on the cake came early in the third, with Leo Thomas and Justin Hodgman adding a goal each within 41 seconds. Komets goalie, Nick Boucher, who played for Muskegon a few years ago, faced a dismal 23 shots from the visiting Lumberjacks.

 

Photo by Jennifer Sleeper

Despite a hard-fought effort on the part of the Jacks’ vets and their newly-acquired rookies, as well as overcoming many organizational obstacles throughout the past couple years, the dejected Jacks went home empty-handed, leaving them with only a long bus ride back to Muskegon.  Their season was an exciting one, even so.  Many players came and went, new owners looked to improve the team's reputation and increase its fan base, lots of hard hits, good fights and many positive changes beginning, with next year promising to produce a solid, consistent team and leadership.

Following the Komets’ victory, IHL commissioner, Paul Pickard presented the IHL MVP trophy to David Hukalo, who netted eight goals, along with 14 assists, and played in all 11 games that Fort Wayne faced in the playoffs. 

This is the third consecutive championship for Komets Head Coach Al Sims who is the seventh coach to earn back-to-back IHL championships.

 

Photo by Jennifer Sleeper

Family members and friends of Komets players swarmed the ice following the final buzzer.  PC Drouin spent the first 15 minutes of the celebration skating around the ice with his video camera – reveling in and recording what seemed like every orange and black streamer flowing from the ecstatic crowd, every teammate skating with the Cup, and many high fives and congratulatory hugs.

Congratulations, Komets - a well-deserved championship for you.  We'll see you next season. 

Contact Jennifer.sleeper@prohockeynews.com

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