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Three Comets to Play in World Championships

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May 9, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL) Utica Comets Three members of the 2013-14 Utica Comets players have been selected to represent their countries in the 2014 IIHF Men's World Championships that begin today in Minsk, Belarus. Goaltender Joackim Eriksson (Sweden), forward Nicklas Jensen (Denmark) and defenseman Yannick Weber (Switzerland) will participate in the tournament that runs through May 25.

Jensen and Eriksson will face each other in their opening game of the preliminary round on Saturday at 9:45 a.m. EDT. The 16-team tournament is split into two groups and will play a round-robin format before the quarterfinals begin on May 22.

In his first season in North America, Eriksson appeared in an AHL-high 52 games for the Comets. He posted a 24-20-4-2 record with a 2.61 goals-against average and a 0.911 save percentage. He finished third in the league with five shutouts and 1342 saves. A native of Gavle, Sweden, the 24-year-old signed with the Vancouver Canucks on June 17, 2013.

On the international stage, Eriksson has played for Sweden in the 2007 IIHF World U17 Championships and 2008 World U18 Championships as well in both the 2009 and 2010 World Junior Championships. Eriksson and current Canucks goaltender Jacob Markstrom backstopped the Swedes to a silver medal in 2009 and bronze in 2010.

Jensen registered 15 goals and added six assists in 54 games with the Comets this season. He was recalled to Vancouver on March 7 and played in the season's final 17 games for the Canucks. He scored his first NHL goal on March 14 and finished with six points (three goals, three assists) and 10 penalty minutes. A native of Herning, Denmark, the 21-year-old was selected by Vancouver in the first round (#29 overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

This will be the seventh time that Jensen has dressed for Denmark during international competition. He played for Denmark in the 2013 World Championships and recorded two goals in three games. He has collected three silver medals and one gold medal (2011 Division I Group B) in international play.

Weber was only with the Comets for a short period of time this season but made an impact during his brief stay. He collected seven points (two goals, five assists) in just seven games during late November and early December before he was recalled by Vancouver. He registered 10 points (six goals, four assists) in 49 games with the Canucks.

A native of Morges, Switzerland, Weber is no stranger to the international scene. A mainstay on the Swiss blue line since the 2005 IIHF World U18 Championships, the 25-year-old represented his country three times at the World Junior Championships and also participated in the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics.

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Three Comets to Play in World Championships

Comets rally past Bruins

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The Newman Comets broke a 2-2 tie when they scored three runs in the top of the seventh to beat St. Bede 5-2 in Peru.

Julie Hurd had three hits, including a double, while teammate Jenna Stevens added a double and two RBIs.

Lakyn Waldschmidt (8-4) earned the win in relief of starter Sam Miller. Waldschmidt pitched 2 2/3 innings without allowing a hit, striking out five. Miller allowed two earned runs in 4 1/3 innings.

Amboy 12, Riverdale 11: The Clippers led by nine runs heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, but just barely hung on for a Three Rivers North win in Port Byron.

Kelsie Thurman had four singles, while Courtney Rhine had two hits, including a home run, and four RBIs.

Karlee Doege was the winning pitcher for Amboy (14-8, 5-4). She pitched three scoreless innings to start the game, before giving way to Destinee Oenes, who went the rest of the way.

Lexi VenHuizen took the loss.

Erie-Prophetstown 16, Princeton 2, 5 inn.: Stephanie Thulen ripped a grand slam and an RBI double to lead the Panthers in a nonconference rout on the road.

Clare Kramer had three hits, including a double, and drove in three runs for EP (20-2), which set a new school record for wins in a season. Emily Cox singled, homered, and drove in two runs to help Kylie Ackerman improve to 17-0 in the circle.

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Comets rally past Bruins

Workington Comets' Bach to ride through pain barrier

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by John Fuller

Last updated at 11:23, Friday, 09 May 2014

Rene Bach will ride through the pain to ensure Workington Comets progress in the Knock-Out Cup.

Rene Bach

The west Cumbrian side have a 14-point lead going into tonights first round second leg at Somerset.

Captain Bach is still recovering from the hip injury he picked up in the Danish Champiomship semi-final last week. He made his track return earlier this week, but admitted being sore afterwards.

Comets will, however, be without Ashley Morris and Ricky Wells, who are riding for parent club Wolverhampton.

Newcastles in-form Lewis Rose with rider replacement being operated for Wells.

Team manager Tony Jackson said: We realise that this will be a very difficult meeting and of course Somerset know exactly what they need to do to overhaul us and will no doubt try to hit us hard from the start.

We will simply forget about the first leg and look at it as a match we want to win, which hopefully will keep our aggregate lead, or much of it, intact and get us over the finish line.

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Workington Comets' Bach to ride through pain barrier

Blue Comets fall just short for MPC Tournament title

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ASHEBORO The joy of victory and the agony of defeat is sometimes separated by only inches. For the Asheboro High School varsity baseball team, the difference between advancing to the state 3-A playoffs and having their season come to an end was just a few inches Thursday night.

Southern Guilfords Taylor Sugg blooped a two-out double just off the outstretched glove of AHS second baseman Chase Kucinski and that was the difference as the Storm captured the Mid-Piedmont Conference Tournament championship with a 3-1 victory over the Blue Comets at McCrary Park.

Seventh-seeded Asheboro, which defeated Southwestern Randolph and Central Davison to earn a berth in the championship game, needed to win the tournament in order to qualify for the state tournament. Instead, the Blue Comets season comes to an end at 9-14.

Its tough to know that right now we are playing the best weve played all year, said a disappointed but proud AHS coach Tim Murray. We just dug a hole early on we couldnt get out of. These guys believed they could win this.

They almost did. However, SG hurler Ryan Hedrick, who fanned 15 Blue Comets during a regular-season meeting, pitched a two-hitter. He walked one, hit one batter and fanned eight.

He struck out 15 of our guys with a really good fastball last time, and although he didnt have that same fastball, he had all his other pitches and kept us off balance, Murray said. You have to tip your hat to him. But we were in the game against a very good pitcher and a very good team. We kept it close.

AHS starter Brady Wright, who missed the first two games of the tournament because of sickness, pitched very well for the Blue Comets. He gave up the two runs in 4 1/3 innings of work. Kucinski and Nick Hannon finished up.

Our pitchers did what they were supposed to do and kept us close, Murray said.

With one out in the bottom of the second, Noah Carter was hit by a pitch and with two outs, singles by Jonathan Hendricks and Nick Warden loaded the bases. Sugg then lifted a fly to short right field that Kucinski and Adam Gross converged on. After a very long run, Kucinski had the ball glance off his glove and the Storm had a 2-0 lead.

Our right fielder said he didnt know if he could get there, Murray said. It just fell in the right spot. I never knew it would be the difference-maker. It just fell in the right spot for them.

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Blue Comets fall just short for MPC Tournament title

Asteroids, Comets, Meteorites – NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

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Asteroid Ida and its moon Dactyl, imaged by the Galileo spacecraft. Full image and caption:

There are a wide range of space rocks in our solar system. Most of them are not on orbital paths that bring them anywhere near Earth. Below is an overview of the main categories.

Asteroids Asteroids are rocky fragments left over from the formation of the solar system about 4.6 billion years ago. Most asteroids orbit the sun in a belt between Mars and Jupiter. Scientists think there are probably millions of asteroids, ranging widely in size from hundreds of kilometers across to less than one kilometer (a little more than one-half mile) wide.

Occasionally, asteroids' orbital paths are influenced by the gravitational tug of planets, which cause their paths to alter. Scientists believe stray asteroids or fragments from earlier collisions have slammed into Earth in the past, playing a major role in the evolution of our planet.

Comets Comets are relatively small, fragile, irregularly shaped bodies and, like asteroids, they are left over from the solar system formation process. Comets, however, are icy dirtballs that form in the outer solar system. The icy surface is embedded with dust, grit and particles from space.

Many comets have elliptical orbits that cut across the orbits of the planets, taking them very close to the sun and then swinging them far away, often past Pluto. The most distant comets may take more than 30 million years to complete one orbit. Comets with smaller orbital paths can take less than 200 years to orbit the sun, making them more predictable.

When far from the sun, comets are very cold, icy dirtballs. As they approach the sun, their surfaces begin to warm and volatile materials vaporize. The vaporizing gases carry small dust grains with them, which form an atmosphere of gas and dust and can look like a bright tail when seen from Earth.

Scientists believe that impacts from comets played a role in the evolution of Earth billions of years ago. One theory suggests that comets brought some of the water and a variety of organic molecules to the early Earth.

Near-Earth Objects Some asteroids and comets follow orbital paths that take them much closer to the sun -- and therefore Earth -- than usual. If a comet or asteroid's approach brings it to within 1.3 astronomical units of the sun, we call it a near-Earth object. [One astronomical unit is close to the mean distance between the sun and Earth approximately 150 million kilometers (about 93 million miles).] Near-Earth objects may provide needed raw materials for future interplanetary exploration. Some should also be fairly easy to land on for future exploration.

Potentially Hazardous Objects A relatively small number of near-Earth objects pass close enough to Earth and are large enough in size to warrant close observation. That's because the gravitational tug of the planets could, over time, cause an object's orbital path to evolve into an Earth-crossing orbit. This allows for the possibility of a future collision.

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Asteroids, Comets, Meteorites - NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Comets – Kids Science Videos, Games and Lessons that Make …

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Comets are small icy objects that originate in the outer Solar System and orbit around the Sun in elongated elliptical orbits. Comets are made up of loose collections of ice, dust and small rocky particles, and they range in size from few kilometers to tens of kilometers across. When they come near the Sun they partially vaporize, developing a bright tail that is sometimes visible to the naked eye.

Grade: 2 - 12

Explore comets with this video. Learn where comets come from, what they are made of, NASA missions to visit comets and much more.

9:20

Grade: 2 - 12

Learn how scientists use observation domes and powerful telescopes to study comets. As the black comet rock reflects back only 4% of the light, these cosmic rocks can be a little tricky to spot.

2:25

Grade: 2 - 12

Comets are very important because they represent the leftover bits and pieces from the outer solar system formation process, which took place four and a half billion years ago. In this lesson, learn all about the comets - what they are made up of, their possible role in the origin of life on Earth, NASA missions to comets, and much more.

4:50

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Comets - Kids Science Videos, Games and Lessons that Make ...

Blue Comets role into MPC finals

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ASHEBORO Hanging in the Asheboro High School dugout the past two days was a simple reminder given to the players by the coaching staff. It is a written message that simply states, Whatever it takes, make it happen.

For the second straight game, the Blue Comets made a lot happen.

AHS scored six runs in the first inning and Matt Stickle had an impressive varsity debut as the sophomore right-hander threw a two-hitter in helping the Blue Comets to a 13-0 six-inning victory over Central Davidson in the semifinals of the Mid-Piedmont Conference Tournament at McCrary Park Tuesday. The victory keeps the season alive for the seventh-seeded Blue Comets, who must win the tournament championship in order to qualify for the state playoffs.

That opportunity comes Thursday night at approximately 7 p.m. when AHS will meet Southern Guilford for the tournament title.

Central Davidson, the sixth-seed which upset third-seeded Ledford in first-round action Monday night, ends the season at 7-11.

Live another day, AHS coach Tim Murray said after the Blue Comets won their third straight game and improved to 9-13. Weve played better the last few days. The big first inning really took a lot of pressure off us. We came out and swung the bats.

That they did as AHS recorded six runs in the first inning, registering six hits. Freshman Tristan Marsh had two hits, one run scored and two RBIs in the inning and Jay Rorie had a RBI double.

They absolutely came out and hit the ball, said CD coach Matt Parsons. We made two errors the whole game and the second one didnt matter. Hats off to them. They came out more prepared and swung the bats early.

The early outburst was more than enough for Stickle, who missed the first three weeks of the jayvee season because of a broken hand. Stickle allowed a single to John Hanes in the second, but he was erased on a double play, and a two-out single to Ryan Shull in the third. Stickle walked one and struck out one and he retired the final 10 batters he faced.

We thought about it last night, Murray said of starting Stickle on the mound. We needed someone who throws strikes and we knew he could locate it and keep their running game in check. I know he was a little nervous pitching for varsity for his first time. I think giving him that big lead really took a lot of pressure off him.

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Blue Comets role into MPC finals

Back-to-back home runs spark Lady Comets to win over Honesdale

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S. ABINGTON TWP. Alivia Plevyak and Dom Emmett struggled to get on track early in the game against Honesdale on Monday afternoon.

That all changed for the Abington Heights duo in the fifth inning with two swings of the bat.

Left fielder Plevyak and catcher Emmett blasted back-to-back home runs to lead the Lady Comets to a 7-5 win in a Lackawanna League crossover game.

After shortstop Cassie Toth singled, Plevyak, who had popped out in her first two at-bats, lined a two-run homer over the left field fence to tie the game, 5-5.

Youve got to stay positive, Plevyak said, and the team is really good with keeping each other up. (The pitch) was kind of high and I like them a little high.

Emmett, who had grounded out in the first and fourth innings, followed with a solo home run to deep center field to give the Lady Comets a 6-5 advantage.

Alivias home run sparked us, Emmett said. I was kind of struggling all day, but I knew how important (this game) was to the team so I just wanted to step up.

Jessa Sablan, the eighth hitter in the lineup, added an RBI double to cap the rally.

The bottom of the lineup really helped us, Abington Heights head coach John Kelly said. (Number-seven hitter Caroline) Mattise had two hits and Sablan had three.

It was a big game, because we were tied with them in the district standings. It was a big win for the district seeding.

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Back-to-back home runs spark Lady Comets to win over Honesdale

Inner Workings of the AUD

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May 6, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL) Utica Comets Throughout the year, we've featured members from the Utica Comets staff who people may initially overlook; sometimes it's difficult for fans to realize how much work goes into a Utica Comets game day. But now it's time to sit down with perhaps the most crucial individuals responsible for the Utica Comets game day running smoothly - the Utica Memorial Auditorium's arena operations staff.

Together, Frank LaBella and Jerry Hendenberg operate and run all arena operations in "The AUD.' Putting in hours upon hours of work every day, it is somewhat of a miracle these two push through such long days of work.

"On a typical game day, we're here from about 8 in the morning to 11 at night," Frank LaBella, who has worked at "The AUD' full-time since 1979, explained.

Without any official training, Frank's knowledge comes solely from experience.

"We have to check the cables, check the gates and drill the holes for the marsh pegs." Jerry added, "It it's a busy schedule right up until the blocked ice slot for the Comets, we have to cram a lot into a very short period of time. That means making sure we have the proper staff - like Randy and Donnie - in on time to scrape the edges of the ice and then use the edger to trim 16-18 inches from the boards out that the zamboni doesn't get a chance to cut."

They both explained how much work and time goes into making the ice durable and enjoyable to play on.

"We always ask the officials, whether they be for Utica College or Utica Comets, how the ice is, and they all say it's easily the best ice in the league. That makes us happy because we know we're doing our job." Frank and Jerry are usually part of an eight-person staff on game night, whose responsibilities range from cleaning during intermissions to driving the zamboni to setting the nets in place. "Since you never know what's going on, you need the extra guys on staff," Frank said.

For Jerry Hendenberg, the return of AHL hockey to Utica meant leaving his position as the General Manager of the Myrtle Beach Speedway in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to return to upstate New York.

"That was more of an office job," he said. "Here it's much more hands on. I like it a lot more."

When asked what his favorite part of working at The AUD is, Jerry did not hesitate. "It's gotta be the people. I get along really well with Frank and the rest of the guys on staff."

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Inner Workings of the AUD

Workington Comets flying high after back-to-back victories

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Last updated at 11:36, Tuesday, 06 May 2014

Workington Comets season is quickly gaining momentum after superb back-to-back victories at the weekend.

Tony Jackson

Key personnel missing from their ranks failed to derail Comets as they recorded two convincing wins that will have the rest of the Premier League looking on nervously.

A 52-38 victory against Somerset Rebels in the first leg of the Premier League Knockout Cup was followed by a crucial 49-44 win away at Newcastle Diamonds in the Premier League.

But just 24 hours before Saturdays meeting, Comets were left rocked by the news that captain Rene Bach had been injured in a collision in Denmark and would miss the weekends matches.

Bach suffered a hand injury and bruising to his hip during Fridays Danish Championship semi-final, but should be fit for Workingtons Knockout Cup return leg at Somerset on Friday.

Comets riders responded to the setback of losing their skipper in the best possible way by romping to two consecutive wins.

Team manager Tony Jackson said: I am absolutely delighted. Saturday went better than we thought it would. To win by 14 points was fantastic.

Against Newcastle, the whole team picked up points. Josh Grajczonek was brilliant and picked up another paid maximum.

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Workington Comets flying high after back-to-back victories

Comets, Mohawks battle to close match

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MASON CITY | The spring sports season has faced a number of obstacles so far this season.

For Mondays girls tennis match between Charles City and Mason City, both teams faced a new situation unrelated to the weather.

Both the Comets coach Steve McGrew and Mohawks coach Jim Cornick were forced to juggle their lineups due to band concerts at their respective schools.

What are you going to do? Cornick said. Our girls are involved in a lot of things. We have to make some concessions.

Charles City managed to claim the 3-through-6 singles matches to pull out a narrow 5-4 victory.

The bottom part of the Charles City lineup was the difference as Hannah Carr had a convincing win at No. 5 singles and then teamed with Julia Page for the decisive win at No. 2 doubles.

Hannah Carr is a fantastic doubles player for us, McGrew said. Everybody works hard, but she had a spectacular night.

Emma Sheckler, who started the season as the No. 9 singles player for the Comets, also had a big singles victory.

Ashley and Sydney Rottinghaus combined for a 3-0 mark for Mason City as they claimed singles wins and teamed for another win at the No. 1 doubles match.

Charles City returns to action today when it plays host to Clear Lake on Senior Night.

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Comets, Mohawks battle to close match


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