Komets gain split of weekend double-header

Fort Wayne, IN --  The Komets gained a split of a home weekend double-header against the visiting Gwinnett Gladiators Friday and Saturday. After dropping a 4-2 decision Friday at the Memorial Coliseum the Komets rebounded with a 1-0 shutout victory Saturday to earn two points for the weekend and improve to 3-2-1 and seven points after six games.

Friday night right wing Brandon Marino scored both Fort Wayne tallies while goaltender Marco Cousineau suffered his first loss of the year stoppoing 33 of 37 Gwinnett shots. Saturday Josh Brittain (RW) scored the only goal needed with helpers from Marino and Colin Chaulk (C). Netminder Charlie Effinger pitched his sixth pro shutout, first ECHL shutout, in his second appearance of the season making 43 saves.

This week the Komets hit the road to Toledo Friday and Kalamazoo Saturday. Friday's game at Toledo will be broadcast on WOWO AM 1190 and FM 92.3 FM.  Saturday afternoon's game at Kalamazoo will be broadcast on WFGA FM 106.7.  Both games will be webcast at www.komets.com Xfinity KometCast with Bob Chase calling the action.

 Komet leaders of the week—Brandon Marino (RW) notched two goals and added an assist for three points. Josh Brittain scored the game winner Saturday and passed two assists Friday for three points. Overall, Marino leads the Komets with five goals and ranks second in the ECHL with 11 points after six games while Colin Chaulk tops the Komets with seven assists.

Streaking Komets—The top three Komet point leaders, Brandon Marino (2g, 4a), Josh Brittain (2g, 2a) and Colin Chaulk (4a), are each riding three-game point-scoring streaks.

Special K’s—The Komets’ penalty killers were successful on 10 of 11 penalty kills in the two games played and rank third in the ECHL on the penalty kill at 94.1% (32/34).

GAMES THIS WEEK

• Friday at Toledo Walleye (4-2-0), 7:05pm—The Komets will face a Toledo team for the first time since 1986 when they skate at the Huntington Center (7,431) this Friday night at 7:05. The last time the Komets met a Toledo team was when the Goaldiggers visited Fort Wayne Jan. 29, 1986 (Fort Wayne 4, Toledo 2). The last time the Komets traveled to Toledo was Dec. 27, 1985 (Fort Wayne 8, Toledo 7, shootout). The Walleye won two out of three games played last week to move one point ahead of the Komets in the North Division with a 4-2-0 record for eight points. Toledo skates at Wheeling Thursday before hosting the Komets Friday in the first of 11 meetings this year. Friday’s game is the first of four visits to Toledo this season by Fort Wayne.

• Saturday at Kalamazoo Wings (5-1-0), 3pm-- The Komets will make their second of 10 trips to Kalamazoo Saturday when they face the Wings for a rare 3pm matinee game at Wings Stadium. Kalamazoo leads the North Division with a 5-1-0 record and 10 points and is riding a four-game win streak which began when the Komet last met the Wings at Kalamazoo Oct. 19 and were edged 1-0 in a shootout. The Wings will skate at Cincinnati Wednesday and host the Cyclones Friday before welcoming the Komets Saturday afternoon. 

Hottest ticket in town-- Single game tickets and season tickets are on sale.  Single game tickets can be purchased at the Coliseum Ticket Office and online at www.ticketMaster.com.  Season tickets are on sale at the Komet office, 1010 Memorial Way, Fort Wayne.  For information visit www.komets.com, or call 260-483-0011.

TIP-A-KOMET AT APPLEBEE’S TUESDAY NIGHT—The Komets invite all fans to the annual Tip-A-Komet benefit at Applebee’s North Clinton location by the Coliseum this Tuesday night, Oct. 30, from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Fans have a chance to be served dinner by a Komet player as the entire team will be on-hand for the special night at Applebee’s. All tips benefit Applebee’s Make-A-Wish Foundation Fundraising efforts. For more information fans can call the Komet office at 260-483-0011.