Las Vegas-- The Komets announced from the ECHL league meetings in Las Vegas Monday that two players have inked agreements for 2018-19. Forward Anthony Petruzzelli has agreed to terms and will return to the Fort Wayne roster and fourth-year defenseman Kevin Gibson has agreed to terms.
Petruzzelli (pet-ruh-ZELL-ee), 25, made his pro debut appearing in four regular season games with the Komets scoring three goals before adding 14 playoff games. Prior to joining Fort Wayne last year the Federal Way, Washington native completed a four year stint at the University of Vermont. During his college career Petruzzelli scored 21 goals and 43 points in 140 Hockey East games and was named to the Hockey East All-Academic Team in 2015-16.
“Coach Gary Graham recruited Anthony last spring and he turned out to be a good player for us”, Komets general manager David Franke said. “He is quick and tenacious and has some offensive up-side. Anthony is excited to be back and looking to improve on his late season and playoff success.”
Gibson, 28, will be joining the Komets after appearing in 54 games with Toledo last season scoring 10 assists, 13 points and ranked fourth with +18. The Grosse Pointe, Michigan native began the season skating 11 games with Milton Keynes of the British Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL). 2018-19 will be Gibson's fourth career year after starting his career with Quad City in 2015-16. The defenseman skated two seasons with the Mallards and in 2016-17 led Quad City defensemen with 28 assists while leading the Mallards in plus/minus with +32. Gibson has amassed ECHL career totals of six goals, 46 assists, 52 points, 129 penalty minutes and +51 in 171 games. Gibson is the son of former professional baseball player and National League Manager of the Year Kirk Gibson.
“Kevin is a player we had liked since he played in Quad City,” Franke stated. “Once he became a free agent we jumped at the opportunity. Kevin is a solid two-way defenseman and his plus-minus stats are very impressive. Kevin is excited to be finally coming to Komet-land.”
The Komets also announced Monday that they have mutually agreed with the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL to not renew their affiliation for 2018-19. The Komets will continue to pursue new affiliation options.
The Komets' 2018-19 season home opener is slated for Saturday, Oct. 20 against the Kalamazoo Wings. Season tickets are on sale at the Komet office at 1010 Memorial Way in Fort Wayne. For more information visit the Komet office, Komets.com or call 260-483-0011.
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