Fort Wayne, IN— The Fort Wayne Komets announced today that forwards Brandon McNally and Blake Murray have inked deals for the upcoming season. The team now has 13 players under contract for the 2025-26 season. The Komets will start their 74th campaign on Friday, October 17, at Indy.
McNally, 33, collected the most penalty minutes in the Asia League last season with 97 in 25 games played. The Saugus, Massachusetts, native has represented Italy in IIHF competitions since 2021 and will be returning to the United States for the first time since 2018. The 6'2 lefty won an EIHL Championship in 2022 with the Cardiff Devils, where he recorded 12 goals and seven assists for 19 points in 37 games. Before playing overseas, McNally suited up for 63 AHL games and 144 ECHL games with Brampton, Utah, and Cincinnati, scoring 41 goals and 69 assists for 110 points, along with 479 penalty minutes in 207 North American professional games.
“McNally will bring toughness and experience to this team, and he is sure to be a fan favorite," said Head Coach Jesse Kallechy. “Getting Blake Murray at the trade deadline was huge for us, and his numbers showed that he was a great pick up, so getting him back to Fort Wayne was a priority for us."
Murray, 24, appeared in 12 regular-season games with the Komets last season, scoring four goals and four assists after being acquired at the trade deadline from Adirondack. In the postseason, the Uxbridge, Ontario, born player scored five goals and added four assists for a total of nine points in 13 games. The 2019 draft pick of the Carolina Hurricanes has appeared in 221 ECHL games, scoring 63 goals and 87 assists for 150 points.
Pre-season roster
Forwards: Alex Aleardi, Nick Deakin-Poot, Jack Gorniak, Josh Groll, Dillon Hamaliuk, Austin Magera, Brandon McNally, Blake Murray, Anthony Petruzzelli, Kirill Tyutyayev
Defensemen: Grant Gabriele, Owen Gallatin, Matt Murphy
Keep checking komets.com for more details on Komets ticket offers, promotional events/schedules, special game jerseys/theme nights, and other highlights planned for the 74th consecutive season of Fort Wayne Komet Hockey.
Season tickets are on sale now for the 2025-26 season. For more information, visit komets.com or call 260-483-0011.
2024-2025 Jersey Auction - Bidding is LIVE for Justin Taylor, Yanick Turcotte, Jack Dugan, Connor Ungar, Kirill Tyutyayev, and Brannon McManus game-worn jerseys on Shop.Komets.com! Auction ends Thursday at 4 PM, you don't want to miss out!
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