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 Fort Wayne Komets

Komets Re-Sign Two-Time Champion Thomas

August 18, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Fort Wayne Komets News Release


Fort Wayne, IN -- The Komets announced Thursday that veteran center Leo Thomas has agreed to terms and will be returning for his fourth consecutive season with the K's.

Thomas, 29, skated to IHL championships with the Komets in 2009 and 2010 and led Fort Wayne during the 2009-10 regular season with 33 goals. Last season Thomas posted 18 goals, 27 points and 70 penalty minutes in 50 games. During his Fort Wayne career of 182 games Thomas has amassed a total of 78 goals, 61 assists and 139 points. The Toronto, Ontario native has been the recipient of the Komets' Mr. Hustle Award in 2008-09 and was named Unsung Hero for 2009-10. Thomas will be entering his ninth career year since making his pro debut with Flint in the UHL in 2003-04 following a Continental Elite Hockey League championship with Detroit in 2002-03 when he led the Lightning with 42 goals and 84 points in 50 games.

The Komets' preseason roster grows to 22 players with the addition of Thomas and includes 13 forwards, eight defensemen and one goaltender.

Franke returns to manage Komet locker room -- The Komets also announced Thursday that Joe Franke will be returning to the Komet locker room as equipment manager for the upcoming season. The 30-year hockey veteran began his career as Komet equipment manager in 1978 and served in Fort Wayne until joining Indianapolis of the Central Hockey League in 1983. He then served five years with Muskegon in the International Hockey League before his move to the NHL with Pittsburgh in 1989 where he earned a Stanley Cup ring as a member of the 1990-91 champion Penguins. Franke returned to Fort Wayne in 1991 and worked the Komets' locker room for an additional 15 consecutive seasons thru the 2005-06 season collecting two league championships. "Joe Franke is one of the top equipment managers in professional hockey," Komet general manager David Franke, who is no relation, said. "He has worked in the NHL, IHL, AHL, UHL and CHL. Joe is dependable, hard working and an expert at profiling and sharpening player skates, managing equipment, etc." Franke most recently was a member of the New York Islanders NHL organization from 2008-2010.

Komets 60th home opener Oct. 22 -- The Komets' 60th anniversary schedule was released Monday and can be viewed online at www.komets.com, or by clicking here . The eight-time champion Komets will skate two exhibition games. Both tune-ups will be against the Dayton Gems with the first preseason tilt scheduled for Friday, Oct. 14 at Hara Arena in Dayton at 7:00pm. The Komets will reciprocate by hosting Dayton Sunday, Oct. 16 at 5pm at the Memorial Coliseum.

The Komets will open their 60th anniversary season at home on Saturday, Oct. 22 against the Evansville IceMen at 7:30pm. Many events, promotions and presentations are planned for an unforgettable season. There will be recognition of former Komets throughout the year with special ceremonies, autograph sessions and photo opportunities in the Meijer Autograph Zone at home games. New members will be inducted into the Comcast Komet Hall of Fame along with exciting new endeavors both live and on the coliseum video board. 60th anniversary season season tickets are on sale at the Komet office at 1010 Memorial Way. For more information visit the Komet office at 1010 Memorial Way in Fort Wayne, call 260-483-0011 or click here for season ticket info . Also, watch for announcements and news when it happens at the Komets' website at www.komets.com.


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