Fort Wayne, IN-- The Komets announced Tuesday that Lutheran Health Network, FWO and the Orthopedic Hospital will continue their medical affiliation with the Komets, as the organizations begin year 25 of their partnership.

"It is a pleasure to work with the Lutheran Health Network, FWO and the Orthopedic Hospital and we fully trust their recommendations and treatments for Komet players," said Komet general manager David Franke. "Pete Paonessa, Dr. Gregg Sassmannshausen and Dr. Matt Snyder have provided the care our players need and they understand the nature of our sport."

Athletic trainer Zachary Creighton's assignment from FWO enters its second season with the Komets. "Zach's assessment of player injuries is a real benefit in getting players treated as soon as possible." Franke said. "We look forward to the upcoming seasons knowing our players are in good hands medically with the entire Lutheran Health Network family."

Assistance from Creighton and the rest of the sports medicine team is available to Komet players daily. Coverage begins each season before the opening of training camp, and fortunately for Fort Wayne sports fans, often extends long after the regular season ends.

“Our sports medicine program has been fortunate to help the Komets celebrate multiple championships over our quarter century of keeping the pros in the game,” said Brian Bauer, chief executive officer, Lutheran Health Network. “It’s gratifying to know our physicians and athletic trainers continue to play an important role with professional sports teams who know a thing or two about bringing league championship banners home to the Memorial Coliseum.”

Throughout the Fort Wayne Orthopedics group, multiple physicians have experience providing professional sports teams at the highest levels with sports medicine services.

“We have long been the Komets choice as exclusive sports medicine providers,” said Peter Paonessa of The Orthopedic Hospital’s sports medicine program and rehabilitation services. “Many players have had the necessity and confidence to be medically evaluated, treated, and rehabilitated by the excellent sports medicine staff of TOH and FWO.”

The Komets training camp is underway and continues through Friday, Oct. 17. There will be three home exhibition games at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. The Komets will host Evansville twice, Friday, Oct. 10 at 8pm and Saturday, Oct. 11 at 7:30pm. The Kalamazoo Wings visit for a preseason tilt Monday, Oct. 13 at 7:30pm. The Komets will open the 2014-15 campaign at Indianapolis Friday night, Oct. 17 with a 7:35pm faceoff at the newly renovated Fairgrounds Coliseum before both teams return to Fort Wayne for the Komets' home opener Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Memorial Coliseum at 7:30pm.

Tickets to all exhibition games and regular season individual home games are on sale at the Coliseum Ticket Office and online at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information visit Komets.com or call 260-483-0011.