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Utica Comets

Comets in the Community

January 2, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release


Holiday cheer extended past Christmas and into 2014 as Utica Comets players were on hand for community appearances both inside and away from The AUD. The Comets made an appearance at the New Hartford Public Library on Monday December 30 for another meet and greet with the youth of the Mohawk Valley.

What was originally thought of as a small meet and greet for the children of New Hartford became a massive show of fan support for the team.

Kellan Lain and Brandon DeFazio were present as nearly 200 children came for the opportunity to meet two members of what many called their "favorite hockey team".  The two players, who are both frequent in the local community were happy as usual to provide a positive scene for the kids present.

With a line out the door, Monday's event was certainly one of the Comets' largest gatherings to date as many children got the chance to meet players from their favorite team. Kids and parents alike were excited for the opportunity, something that the players enjoy just as much as the fans do.

"It's really exciting they all have huge smiles on, there's a big line here waiting for us, so it makes us feel good," Lain said in an interview with WUTR. "It's nice to interact with them a little bit we don't get to see them too much being on the ice so any time we get the chance to do stuff like this it's a lot of fun."

Following the Comets' game against Lake Erie on New Years Day, the players participated in their first ever post-game skate with the team. Each of the Comets stuck around following their victory over Lake Erie as fans were encouraged to bring their skates to the game to take The AUD ice with their favorite players.

Over 100 fans were on the ice skating with the Comets, where players were eager to take pictures and sign autographs for the fans, even after a taxing 60 minutes effort beforehand. Included in that group were the Utica Junior Comets mite "˜C" team, who played before the near sellout crowd at The AUD during the first intermission.

Following tomorrow evening's game, the Comets are on the road for the next two weeks, with four games spanning two countries and three different states and provinces. Be sure to be on the lookout for the Comets next visit to your local community when they return home towards the end of the month.

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