Fort Wayne, IN— The Fort Wayne Komets announced today that three defensemen, Tyler Inamoto, Dustyn McFaul, and Harrison Rees, have re-signed for the upcoming season. The trio joins returners, Matt Murphy and Owen Gallatin, along with newcomer Grant Gabriele at the blueline.
Inamoto, 26, split time with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors and the Komets last season. In the black and orange, the Barrington, Illinois, native had three assists in 32 games. The 6’2 left-handed shot has played in 23 career American Hockey League games, scoring five assists. Before turning pro, Inamoto was a teammate with current Komet, Jack Gorniak, at the University of Wisconsin. With the Badgers, he scored five goals and 24 assists for 29 points in 158 games.
“It is terrific to be able to bring back three solid defenseman to Fort Wayne,” said Head Coach Jesse Kallechy. “We are very proud and fortunate to have the roster we have at this time of the offseason. These three solidify our blueline with their skill and work ethic. They are also great teammates and tremendous people off the ice, and that’s very important to us as a franchise.”
McFaul, 24, scored two goals and five assists for seven points in 58 games last season with the Komets. Previously, McFaul appeared in three games for the Florida Everblades in 2023-24 after he finished his college career at Clarkson University.
Rees, 25, has played 61 games with the Komets over the past two seasons, scoring four goals and 20 assists. The 6’2 righty has also made two appearances in the AHL with Hartford and Cleveland. Before playing pro, the Mississauga, Ontario, native served as captain at the University of Connecticut, racking up 11 goals and 32 assists in 162 contests.
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, Tyler Inamoto, Dustyn McFaul, Matt Murphy, Harrison Rees
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.
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