Fort Wayne, IN — The Komets announced Monday that winger David Hukalo has agreed to terms and will return to the Komet lineup for 2008-09.

Hukalo, celebrating his 30th birthday today, will be entering his sixth pro season and fifth with the Komets. The left winger started his pro career in 2003-04 skating 40 games with the Kalamazoo Wings in the United Hockey League. He appeared in 11 games with the Wings at the start of the 2004-05 season before being traded to Fort Wayne.

Hukalo has appeared in 223 games with the Komets over the past five seasons registering 53 goals and 123 points. The Edmonton, Alberta native posted his best season last year with career highs of 20 goals, 24 assists and 44 points in 70 games. Hukalo also was awarded Best Defensive Forward for the second straight year in addition to collecting his first league championship.

The Komet's 2008-09 roster expands to nine players including five forwards, three defensemen and one goaltender with 11 weeks remaining before training camp. Camp begins Monday, Oct. 6 at the Coliseum.

The Komet's defense of the Turner Cup championship begins on the road at Port Huron Friday, Oct. 17. The Fort Wayne home opener is slated for Saturday, Oct. 18 against the Flint Generals at 7:30pm.

The Komets will skate three tune-up tilts beginning with a visit from the Bloomington Prairie Thunder Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 7:30pm. The Komets will skate in exhibition at Kalamazoo Friday night, Oct. 10 at 7:30 at Wings Stadium. The Komets and Wings will return to Fort Wayne for the final pre-season match Saturday, Oct. 11 at 7:30pm. Both Komet home exhibition games will be held at the Memorial Coliseum.