Fort Wayne Comes Up Short In Attempt To Grab The Top Spot In Division

Michelle Davies – The Journal Gazette

Kenny Reiter, goaltender for the Komets, slaps the puck away after an attempted shot on goal by the Toledo Walleyes in the second period of Friday night’s game.

Fort Wayne, IN – The Komets had a chance to jump into the top spot in the North Division for the first time since Opening Day. The K’s had to mount a huge comeback, but fell short in the later stages of the game.

The first period was fairly uneventful. The two teams traded power plays that resulted in no goals.

The second period started out fast and furious. Toledo (20-16-4) got things kicked off with a goal by winger Nino Musitelli at the 1:45 mark. Walleye left winger Willie Coetzee made it 2-0 two minutes later. The Komets (22-18-2) got on the board at the 6:50 mark on Mike Hoban’s fourth of the year, and third is as many games.

The third period saw Toledo score twice within two minutes on goals by Tyler Brenner and Cody Lampl. Komet All-Star Daniel Maggio netted his fifth of the year from Brandon Marino at the 16:09 mark of the final frame to start a rally. Standout winger Luca Caputi got the K’s within one a minute and half later. Coach Al Sims tried to get the equalizer by pulling Kenny Reiter late for an extra attacker, but resulted in the Walleye icing the game on Coetzee’s second of the night.

The Komets will finish up the first half of the season tonight against the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:30 p.m. EST. Audio is available through the Komets website.

Three Stars:

1. TOL LW 15 Willie Coetzee

2. TOL RW 7 Nino Musitelli

3. FW RW 13 Brandon Marino

SOG: