Komets Announce NHL Affiliation
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Fort Wayne Komets have announced a one-year affiliation with the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes. The ECHL team spent the 2016-2017 without an NHL partner. Fort Wayne was last paired with the Colorado Avalanche, an agreement that was called prior to last season over disagreements on roster philosophies.
The new collaboration also involves affiliation with the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL. The Komets, which will play its 66th season in Fort Wayne this year, were previously the only non-NHL-affiliated organization in the ECHL.
Komets General Manager David Franke says "the Arizona Coyotes understand the importance of a solid ECHL affiliate. We will work hand-in-hand to ensure a successful relationship. At this point in time, I feel this is the best way for the Komets to improve over last year." The Komets finished the 2016-2017 regular season second in the Central Division before losing 4-1 to the Toledo Walleye in the division finals.
Coyotes General Manager John Chayka calls the Komets "a first class organization with a very passionate fan base" and says "we look forward to a great partnership."
Fort Wayne opens its 2017-2018 campaign October 14th against Toledo at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne.