There have been some occurrences that might affect the chances of the Komets going to the ECHL.

It seems as if Denver is closer to getting a CHL team next season -- click here -- and that would fill the void left by the move of the Colorado Eagles to the ECHL last summer.

I've also heard from a couple places that the CHL is close to having a team in St. Charles, Mo., you know where the River Otters used to play. The trick with that is that I've heard an existing CHL team would move there. I kind of disbelieve that part of it, though, because I don't see the ownership group leaving its local market for St. Charles.

However, if these two teams are in the CHL next season, it could make the Komets think twice about going to the ECHL. Maybe.

I still think the draw of going to a league with Cincinnati, Toledo and Kalamazoo will be too much for the Komets, who would like to lessen their travel costs. Especially since so many CHL teams are on shaky ground.

However, having a team in Denver would make Rapid City more likely to stay in the CHL. And having a team in St. Charles would help matters for Evansville and Fort Wayne, who are both considering the move.

Which means we get back to teams like Quad City, Bloomington and Dayton; if they fold, no way the Komets stick around, in my opinion.

Of course, who knows? What if Denver goes to the ECHL? Hmmm.

• Don't forget that Friday at Memorial Coliseum is Report Card Night, and that's normally a sellout. Students with a 'A' or equivalent grade on their report card get a free ticket to the game against Quad City. Just present the grade -- or a letter from your teacher -- in advance of the game. I recommend you do this early.
• We're going to pick the winner for the Ice Chips contest Friday, so get your submission in. Click here to learn more: