Fort Wayne, IN — The Komets announced Wednesday that center Mathieu Curadeau and rookie defenseman Alexandre Dulac-Lemelin have been added to the roster for 2008-09.

Curadeau, 23, skated his rookie season last year with the Komets ranking second with 34 goals and adding 25 assists for 59 points in 70 games. Curadeau earned the IHL rookie of the Week honors twice during the season and collected the IHL Rookie of the Month award for February, 2008. He was also named to the IHL 2007-08 All-Rookie Team.

The center appeared in all 13 Komet playoff games in Fort Wayne's run for the 2008 Turner Cup Championship scoring five goals and 11 points.

"Due to Mathieu's breakout season we were able to secure a two-way contract for him with Norfolk of the American Hockey League which is the #1 affiliate of Tampa Bay", Komet's general manager David Franke said. "Mathieu will attend Norfolk's training camp starting September 21st and if he doesn't start the season in Norfolk then he'll be with the Komets and eligible for call-ups during the season."

Dulac-Lemelin, 22, completed three seasons of play in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 2003-2006. The rookie defenseman also skated 14 games with Cincinnati in the ECHL last season registering four assists. Dulac-Lemelin checks in at 6-foot, 4-inches and 193 pounds and was a ninth round pick by Montreal in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

The Komet's 2008-09 roster grows to 21 players including 11 forwards, nine defensemen and one goaltender. Curadeau becomes the 11th Komet returnee from last season's championship squad. Training camp begins Monday, Oct. 6 at the Coliseum.

Three exhibition games are scheduled. The Komets will host Bloomington Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 7:30pm and travel to Kalamazoo Friday, Oct. 10 for a 7:30pm faceoff at Wings Stadium. The Komets and Wings will conclude pre-season play with a 7:30pm match at the Coliseum in Fort Wayne Saturday, Oct. 11.

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.