Here Come the Komets: Team opens training camp for 72nd season

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - The Komets embark on their newest season, with few familiar faces returning to ‘The Jungle.’

The team underwent a significant overhaul during the off-season, with only a handful of players returning to the team.

New head coach Jesse Kallechy led the team through it’s first practice on Monday afternoon. He’s excited about the group that the team has assembled for the start of camp.

“We check a lot of boxes,” Kallechy said. “We have some big guys. We got a lot of guys that have been winners before.”

Things started off with a more toned-down practice, but Kallechy will ratchet things up as the week goes on.

“We’re going to get into it a little bit harder,” Kallechy said. “The exhibition games, we’ll put a lot of stock into those, but ultimately every time these guys step on the ice, they’re being evaluated.”

The Komets started camp with a large group, so some significant cuts will have to happen before game one.

“It’s not a fun part of the job, but it is a part of the job,” Kallechy said. “It’s just trying to give ourselves as much time to get to see these guys and who they are as players and figure out the best 23 guys that help the Komets win hockey games.”

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