Komets sign Schaafsma

Looking to take advantage of some championship experience, the Fort Wayne Komets have signed veteran forward Jamie Schaafsma who last season hoisted the Kelly Cup.

Schaafsma, a 32-year-old, 6’0,” 194 lbs. native of Chatham, ON played the past three seasons with Allen Americans and last year, as team captain, he appeared in all 72 regular season games, collecting 54 points (17g, 32a) and 54 penalty minutes and he finished the season with a +5 rating. In 25 more games in the post season, he added another 16 points (5g, 11a) along with 12 penalty minutes and a +7 rating.

Other than his three seasons at Allen, Schaafsma has played most of his pro hockey in Europe, beginning with the 2004-05 season. He has played primarily in Netherlands, with stints in Germany and Italy and a one season interlude (2009-10) with Flint in the IHL.

“Jamie is a key signing for us as we work to build a championship caliber team,” Komet general manager David Franke said in a team issued press release.  “We know Jamie from his Flint days and have followed his career ever since.  Jamie will bring a veteran presence to the Komets. He is a solid two-way player and will contribute greatly to our offense.  Jamie knows how to win and what it takes to be a champion.”

Southorn added as well

Earlier this month, the Komets announced the signing of Jordon Southorn, a 25-year-old, 6’2,” 185 lbs. defenseman from Montreal who was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the Fourth Round (104th Overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Last season Southorn split his time between Portland in the AHL where he played 26 games and collected nine points (3g, 6a) and eight penalty minutes and was a +8 on the ice and Gwinnett in the ECHL where he added nine more points (2g, 7a) in eight games with eight penalty minutes and a +3.

Southorn played four years of junior, all with Prince Edward Island in the QMJHL before beginning his pro career with Trenton in the ECHL. He spent two years there and moved on to Elmira and Wheeling. He also played previously in Fort Wayne in 2013-14, collecting 32 points (12g, 20a) as well as 40 penalty minutes and a +5 on ice rating.

“At the end of the 2013-14 season Jordon told me how much he liked playing in Fort Wayne,” Franke said in a team press issued press release.  “He indicated a desire to return at some point and that time is now.  Gary Graham deserves a pat on the back for his work on getting Jordon signed.  Jordon’s return is huge for the Komets.”