Fort Wayne, IN-- The Komets announced today that captain Anthony Petruzzelli has re-signed for a sixth season with the team. The Komets have also signed forward Semyon Babintsev and rookie defenseman Marc-Antoine Pépin.
Petruzzelli, 29, reached career highs in goals (27), assists (30) and points (57) last season. The 5’9 forward has not missed a game due to injury since joining the Komets on March 31, 2018, totaling 251 games. Petruzzelli played four games in the AHL with the Chicago Wolves during the 2019-20 season, missing nine games with the Komets, putting his current consecutive games played streak at 179. He was named captain on January 5, 2022.
“Having the captain of the Komets coming back for another year is definitely good news,” said Komet General Manager David Franke. “Anthony led the team in goals scored and had probably his best all-around season with the Komets.”
Babintsev, (buh-bin-sev) 27, signed with Fort Wayne before the 2021-22 season but did not play a game due to immigration issues. The Moscow, Russia, native played three seasons with the Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL, accumulating 82 points (35g, 47a). After three seasons at the junior level, the 6’0 forward played in Kazakhstan and the Kontinental Hockey League for HC Sochi and the Czech Extraliga for HC Litvínov. Babintsev suited up for 32 games with the Newfoundland Growlers, scoring 22 points (11g, 11a) during the 2018-19 season.
“Babintsev will finally make it to Fort Wayne after a year off due to Covid and visa issues,” said Franke
Marc-Antoine Pépin, 21, appeared in 181 games in the QMJHL throughout six seasons. In his junior career, the 6’4 189 pound defender collected 103 points (19g, 84a).
The Komets will open up the season on October 21, at Indy, with the home opener on October 22, against Cincinnati.
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