Fort Wayne, IN -- The Komets announced today that they have traded defenseman Jeff King to the Idaho Steelheads for the rights to forward Justin Kea. Kea's rights had been acquired over the summer by Idaho from the Florida Everblades.
Kea, 24, skated 65 games with Florida last season scoring career highs of 18 goals, 23 assists and 41 points while capturing the Brabham Cup (ECHL regular season title) before helping the Everblades advance to the ECHL Finals with six goals and 11 points in15 playoff games.
The Woodville, Ontario native was selected by Buffalo in round 3 of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft while a member of the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL. Kea made his pro debut appearing in an AHL game with Rochester at the end of the 2013-14 season. The forward split the following three seasons between Rochester and the ECHL's Elmira Jackals before joining Florida for 2017-18.
King skated both games with the Komets to open the season last weekend scoring no points and a plus-2.
The Komets also announced that defenseman Chris Rygus has agreed to terms and has been added to the roster. Rygus (RIE-gus), 24, participated in the Peoria training camp of the SPHL after making his pro debut last year skating three playoff games with the Indy Fuel. The Mississauga, Ontario native completed a four-year collegiate stint with St. Norbert College last season winning the NCAA III Championship in his senior year.
In additional player movement, the Komets placed forward Brandon Morley on waivers today and announced that forward Jamie Schaafsma has been placed on the 14-day injured reserve list.
Komets home opener Saturday-- The Komets will skate two games this weekend. Friday the Komets face the Wings at Kalamazoo at 7:30pm. Saturday the Komets host the Wings at 7:30pm for the 67th Fort Wayne home opener. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for the pregame festivities.
Komet Hockey Tickets-- Single game tickets for all 36 Komet regular season home games are on sale at the Coliseum Ticket Office. Season Tickets also remain on sale at the Komet office at 1010 Memorial Way. For more information visit Komets.com or call 260-483-0011.
Komet Hockey on WOWO-- Fans can follow Komet hockey action again this year with Shane Albahrani calling the play-by-play on WOWO Radio AM 1190 and FM 107.5, and streaming on the web at Komets.com, courtesy OmniSource.
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