Komets Continue Strong Second Half With Win Over Orlando

Michelle Davies/The Journal Gazette

Fort Wayne, IN – The Komets are continuing their tradition of strong second halves. So far in the short new year the K’s have only have one blemish on the record (a 4-2 loss at home to Cincinnati). Fort Wayne (19-15-2) hosted the Orlando Solar Bears (15-17-4) Sunday and lead for a majority of the game.

The first goal of the game came at the 5:46 mark when Brett Smith slapped a rocket from just behind the blue line that was initially saved by Orlando’s Hannu Toivonen, but then accidentally hit it into the net off the rebound. On the ensuing face-off, Fort Wayne native Kaleigh Schrock and Solar Bear defenseman Mike Liambas dropped gloves.

In the second period, Orlando scored on the power play with 4:37 left in the frame. Left winger Garrett Klotz put the K’s up for good with a power play goal with less than a minute left in the frame.

Newcomer Corey Elkins padded the lead 6:13 into the third. Orlando tried to rally, but fell short. Brandon Marino had a penalty shot that stopped by Toivonen.

The Komets will face-off in Evansville on Wednesday. With the lockout finally over, it will be interesting to see what the roster will look like. The puck will drop at 8:15 PM EST and will be available on the Komets website.

Three Stars:

1. FW C 41 Brett Smith (1 G, 1 A, +2)

2. FW D 61 Nick Schaus (0 G, 2 A, +2)

3. FW G 1 Marco Cousineau (26 SVS, 2 GA)

Shots: