1960s Archive
We Saw it Happen, But Did It Really?
By Bud Gallmeier
Muskegon, Mich. The land of Make Believe has lost its fascination. Fantasy-has faded intooblivion. Fact has become more unbelievable than fiction. All because of 13 courageous guys who just won't be beaten.
KOMET FLASHBACK ... Len Thomson The Most Outstanding Center in the History of the IHL
by Bob Chase
In 1956-57 the IHL yearbook listed Len Thomson's statistics as 14 goals, 19 assists and 33 total points in 56 games ... a very misleading entry, as history would reveal.
In the next 12 seasons Len Thornson would average better than 34 goals, 65 assists, 99 points and 63 games per year, to become one of the most outstanding skaters to ever wear the uniform of the Fort Wayne Komets.
Fort Wayne News-Sentinel April 20, 1963
By Bud Gallmeier
Two Little Changes Help Chuck, Komets
MINNEAPOLIS- Sometimes it's the littlethings in sports which are resposible for the most significant developments.
A batter may alterhis hitting stance a fraction of an inch and add 100 points to his average. A slight change in pitching motion - or on the grip of the ball - may make a 20-game winner out of a tired bullpen pitcher.
IHL Champions Have "New Look"
Saturday October 24, 1964
By Bud Gallmeier
For the first time since Don Westbrook slipped the puck in behind a sprawling Chuck Adamson back on April 21, hockey returns to the Memorial Coliseum tonight.
Westbrook was the "villain" who snapped the Komets' reign as Turner Cup champions of the International Hockey League at the minimum range - one year. Westbrook scored at 3:23 of the second sudden-death overtime period to give the Toledo Blades a 3-2 triumph - and the best of seven series, four games to two.
Goalie Jim Shaw Stars as Komets Beat Flags, 2-1
Jim Shaw, who he?
That appeared to be the question on everybody's mind as the lights went down low and Bob Chase announced the Fort Wayne Komets' starting lineup for their opening 1968-69 International Hockey League game last night at Memorial Coliseum and listed Jim Shaw as the starting goaltender. It isn't likely though that the puzzled 7,203 will forget Jim Shaw in a hurry as the K's started on the right foot beating the Port Huron Flags 2-1.
Ullyot Impressed With rookie Crop
Fort Wayne News-Sentinel Oct. 1963
"I'm impressed with all of them" That was Komet coach-general manager Ken Ullyot's response today when asked about the rookies in the Komet training camp.
"I'm real pleased with what I have seen so far. Davidson (Doug) has displayed a real deft touch around the net. The others are working hard and I would say they have all looked good," he continued.
Minneapolis Balked Over Playing Series
Saturday April 13,1963
By Bud Gallmeier
The series that came pretty close to not being played at all, opens tonight at the Memorial Coliseum. That's right. For four hectic hours Wednesday there was more than a little doubt that Minneapolis would play for the Turner Cup, symbolic of the playoff championship in the International Hockey League.