Durdin, 27, hails from Riga, Latvia, and was the Komet's first pick in the IHL Dispersal Draft held June 27.

Durdin began his career in Latvia with the Riga 2000 team in 2003-04 before starting a career in North America with Quad City UHL in 2004-05 (60gp, 6-15-21, 65pim). The defenseman was traded to Elmira and finished the season skating 13 games (1-0=1, 6pim).

Durdin was a member of the Danbury Trashers UHL for 2005-06 (67gp, 4-20=24, 38pim) and was called up that season for 2 games with Bridgeport Sound AHL.

Last season the defenseman posted a career high 35 assists, 43 points and 76 penalty minutes in 69 games with Quad City UHL.

The addition of Durdin brings the Komet's preseason roster to 22 players including 13 forwards, 6 defensemen and 3 goaltenders.

The Komet's 2007 training camp begins Monday, Oct. 8 with the annual noon press luncheon at the Coliseum. More details will be forthcoming.

The Komet's 2007-08 IHL campaign begins at home Saturday, Oct. 20 against the Port Huron IceHawks at 7:30pm. The Komets will host 2 preseason tilts including Wednesday, Oct. 10 against the Bloomington PrairieThunder at 7:30pm and Saturday, Oct. 13 against the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:30pm.

Komet single game tickets go on sale Friday, Sep. 21 at 10am at the Coliseum ticket office and at www.ticketmaster.com . Komet season tickets for 2007-08 continue on sale at the Komet office at 1010 Memorial Way in Fort Wayne. Fans can also call for information at (260) 483-0011, make inquiries via email at komets@komets.com or visit the Komet's website at www.komets.com .