Perhaps the temporary change to the Blacksnakes was good for the Fort Wayne Komets, as they broke a five-game losing streak and turned in two convincing wins Friday and Saturday nights in front of their home audience.
Friday night, the Ks beat the Indy Fuel 5-2, with goals from team Captain Jamie Schaafsma, Garrett Ladd, Marco Roy and J.C. Campanga. Goalie Lukas Hafner, who won two Kelly Cups with Colorado the past two seasons and was moved to starter status after Zach Fucale was called up to the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, stopped 33 shots.
Then Saturday night, the Komets won 6-3 over the Kalamazoo Wings, with goals from Jason Binkley, Justin Hodgman – who also had four assists for a total of five points – Anthony Petruzzelli, Felix Martineau, and Justin Kea. Hafner again served in net, stopping 26 Kalamazoo shots.
The Komets had changed their name to “Blacksnakes” as part of Military Appreciation Weekend, honoring the men and women of the 122nd Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard. The team donned special jerseys to auction off after Saturday’s game, with proceeds benefiting Honor Flight of Northeast Indiana.
The Ks will be on the road for a five-game road trip, including three consecutive games against Rapid City starting on Wednesday, before returning to Fort Wayne on Thanksgiving night for the annual Bob Chase Memorial Game.
This year, a special Bob Chase bobblehead will be sold at the game, with all proceeds going to WOWO’s annual Penny Pitch effort. Tickets are available at Komets.com.
