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ECHL Indy Fuel

Komets Edge Fuel in Goaltender's Duel

October 24, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Indy Fuel News Release


FORT WAYNE, IN. - Despite a stingy defensive performance, offense was not in the cards for the ECHL's Indy Fuel (2-1-0-0) during a 3-0 blanking at the hands of the Fort Wayne Komets (3-0-0-0) Friday night at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. An unfortunate third-period bounce spoiled a strong performance from Indy netminder Shane Owen, and set the stage for a 21-save shutout victory for Spencer Martin in his professional debut.

With the game still deadlocked at a scoreless tie in the third period, it was a rebound and a missed clearing attempt that gave the Komets all the cushion they would require to pick up the victory in the first of 11 meetings with the Fuel this season. Indy defenseman Dillon Fournier tried to clean up a rebound off the stick of Alex Belzile, but ended up with an own goal after the puck caromed off of the skate of Zach Miskovic. Belzile was credited for the go-ahead goal at 8:15 of the third, his second goal of the season.

A couple of late empty netters by the Mike Embach and Trevor Cheek ballooned the Komets lead to 3-0, picking up their third-straight victory to start the season, while handing the Fuel their first loss of 2015-16.

The first 50 minutes of the game belonged to the goaltenders however, as Owen and Martin traded off stops in what was a high-tempo game between the two teams at the top of the Midwest Division. Owen finished with 26 saves, including 11 in the second period.

Indy's best offensive opportunities also came in the second, but nothing found its way behind the rookie Martin. Matt White narrowly missed on a 2-on-1 break early in the period, and Cody Sharib found the crossbar soon afterward. Martin was only tasked with stopping six shots in the third period, as the Fuel struggled to mount scoring pressure down the stretch.

Both teams came up empty on the man advantage despite numerous chances; Fort Wayne was scoreless in three power play chances and the Fuel went 0-for-4, including an elongated 5-on-3 power play in the first period.

The Fuel and Komets will meet again tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. as they conclude their weekend doubleheader at the War Memorial Coliseum. It is the second of three games in eight days between the in-state rivals, with the third coming at Indiana Farmers Coliseum next Friday night.

NEXT HOME GAME: Friday, October 30 vs. Fort Wayne Komets - 7:35 p.m. Indy returns to Indiana Farmers Coliseum to "Fuel the Fight" against breast cancer in their second annual Pink in the Rink Night, presented by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. The Fuel will sport special pink jerseys during their battle with the Komets, which will be available after the game during a post-game auction, with all net proceeds benefitting Susan G. Komen Central Indiana. All in attendance will also receive a free pink Fuel buff.

Single-game tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster or at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum box office, while a variety of different ticket plans and group specials are available by calling (317) 925-FUEL or visiting IndyFuelHockey.com. Don't miss out on anything from the Fuel in 2015-16, follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@IndyFuel) and don't forget to 'Like' the Fuel on Facebook.

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