IHL 2 Fort Wayne Komets

Komets Add Three to Roster; 2009-10 Leading Scorer Leo Thomas Re-Signs

Published on July 7, 2010 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Fort Wayne Komets News Release


Fort Wayne, IN | Wednesday, July 7, 2010 --- The Komets announced Wednesday that veteran forward Leo Thomas has agreed to terms and will return for his third straight season with Fort Wayne.

Thomas, 28, will be entering his eighth pro season. Thomas (6-1, 190) made his pro debut in 2003-04 with Flint of the UHL and played for three seasons. Thomas appeared in 58 games with Laredo of the CHL in 2006-07 before skating in the 2007 CHL Finals with the Bucks. Thomas was a member of the IHL's Bloomington PrairieThunder parts of two seasons from 2007 to 2008 before joining the Komets in December of 2008. The Toronto, Ontario native finished 2009-10 leading the Komets with 33 goals and adding 27 assists for 60 points in 72 games. Thomas has appeared in all of Fort Wayne's playoff games the past two seasons totaling eight goals and 19 points in 23 post-season games while capturing two straight IHL Turner Cup Championships. Thomas was honored with the Komets' "Mr. Hustle" award for 2008-09 and the Unsung Hero Award for 2009-10.

The Komets also announced the addition of defenseman Craig Cescon and forward Matt Ward to the 2010-11 roster.

Cescon, 23, will be starting his fourth pro year after a two-year ECHL stint in Idaho 2007-2009. Last year the defenseman registered a goal and eight points in 76 games with the IHL's Flint Generals.

Cescon (6-2, 195) is a native of Mississauga, Ontario and appeared in all 12 of Flint's playoff games including the five-game Finals run for the Turner Cup against the Komets.

Ward, 25, completed four years at Neumann College of the NCAA last season and also made his pro debut skating eight games with Reading in the ECHL scoring two goals and six points. The Kemptville, Ontario native led the Knights in scoring the last two seasons while guiding Neumann College to an NCAA Division III National Championship in 2009.

Ward (5-9, 175) also was named the Knights' most valuable player for 2008-09 while playing alongside 2010 Komet champion and Fort Wayne native Kaleigh Schrock.

The Fort Wayne roster grows to eight players with today's signings. In addition to Thomas, Cescon and Ward, the lineup includes defensemen Bobby Phillips, Danko Mironovic and Keith Rodger and forwards Derek Patrosso and Brandon Naurato.

Komet camp opens Oct. 4.....The Komets will begin training camp the week of Oct. 4 and expect to open their 59th consecutive season the weekend of Oct. 16. The Komets will continue to be a member of the International Hockey League and participate in the Central Hockey League under the CHL moniker. As announced by the IHL and CHL June 1, both leagues have joined forces for the upcoming campaign. The circuit will consist of 13 CHL teams and five IHL teams for an 18-team coalition.

Season tickets for the 59th season of Fort Wayne Komet Hockey are now on sale at the Komet's office at 1010 Memorial Way in Fort Wayne. Fans can enjoy a savings of up to 20% off walk-up prices with season ticket packages. For more information call the Komet office at 260-483-0011.

Komets honorary grand marshals of 2010 Fort Wayne Festival Parade......This year's Fort Wayne Newspapers Three Rivers Festival parade will celebrate both of Fort Wayne's championship teams. The Komets and Tin Caps will serve as honorary co-grand marshals after the Komets won their third straight IHL Turner Cup title in 2010 and the Tin Caps captured the 2009 Midwest League crown. The parade will be held this Saturday, July 10, in downtown Fort Wayne at 10am.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from July 7, 2010


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