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 have turned things around on the ice – they are on a 4-0-2 surge – and they’re getting recently re-signed center Colin Chaulk back in the lineup Friday against the Evansville IceMen.
But injuries and possible suspensions could take a toll.
Center Leo Thomas, who leads Fort Wayne with 11 goals in 26 games, has been placed on injured reserve with a sprained ankle. He won’t play in the three games this weekend and could miss a couple of weeks, general manager David Franke said.
Defenseman Brandon Warner, who has two goals and six points in the last three games, separated his shoulder in Saturday’s 4-3 shootout victory at Dayton, is also unlikely to play this weekend.
Forward Lincoln Kaleigh Shrock, who missed the last three games with a leg injury, is not expected back this weekend.
And at Dayton’s request, defensemen Danko Mironovic and Guy Dupuis are being reviewed for possible suspensions from the Central Hockey League for incidents during Saturday’s game.
“The league is taking a look at the film clips,” Franke said. “Evidently, Dayton is saying there were deliberate intents to injure. I’ve looked at the film and don’t necessarily see what they’re looking for.”
Mironovic’s first-period knee-to-knee hit on Brandon Naurato, who had scored in all seven games since Fort Wayne released him, is one incident in question. (Naurato didn’t return.) So, too, is a Mironovic hit on Brett Lutes and an alleged spear by Dupuis, Franke said.
However, the Komets could soon get help in the form of Konstantin Shafranov, the 42-year-old former NHL player who skated seven seasons with Fort Wayne between 1995 and 2010, helping them to championships the last three seasons in the International Hockey League.
Shafranov had 19 goals and 57 points in 58 games last season.
He has been assisting head coach Al Sims for several weeks, giving offensive instruction to the players, and began skating Monday to gauge a possible return to the lineup.
Fort Wayne (9-15-3) is four points back of Evansville (10-17-5) for the eighth and final playoff spot out of the Turner Conference.
Lister’s funeral
Funeral services for Colin Lister, former owner of the Komets, will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Assembly of God Church, 1400 W. Washington Center Road, with calling one hour prior. There will be calling 2 to 9 p.m. today at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave.
