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.FORT WAYNE – All season, the Komets have been trying to recover from the departure of Jamie Milam, the offensive defenseman who helped them to the CHL’s championship last year.
They filled the void Monday – with Jamie Milam.
Milam, 28, has agreed to play the remainder of the ECHL season after he played in England and Poland. ECHL teams had until 5 p.m. Monday to sign players returning from Europe.
Milam had six goals and 12 points in 16 games as a rookie forward with the Komets in 2006. He had 23 goals and 53 points in 84 games as a defenseman last season.
The Komets’ leading-scoring defenseman this season has been Daniel Maggio with five goals and 18 points in 43 games, but he was called up Monday to Lake Erie of the AHL. Brent Henley was returned to the Komets from Lake Erie on Monday.
The addition of Milam gives the Komets five veterans – one more than they can play in games – including Henley, Tyler Butler, Brett Smith and injured captain Colin Chaulk.
“By signing Jamie for the rest of the season and playoffs, we are reaching back to last year’s championship team,” said general manager David Franke, adding Milam won’t play Wednesday at Colorado but could play there Friday. “Jamie is a proven player in the ECHL as well as the other leagues he has played in and he will quarterback our power play which is an area we need help.”
Kenny Reiter, who is with Bridgeport of the AHL, was selected as ECHL goaltender of the month.
He was 6-1-0 with a 1.96 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage for the Komets.
