IHL 2 Fort Wayne Komets

Puhalski to remain chief of Komet bench

Published on June 28, 2005 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Fort Wayne Komets News Release


Fort Wayne, IN - The Komets announced today that Greg Puhalski has inked an agreement to return as Komet Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel. He will serve a record 6th consecutive season behind the Komet bench when the puck drops on the 2005-06 season. Puhalski made his Fort Wayne coaching debut with the 2000-01 season and set a new Komet franchise head coaching record with his 5th consecutive year last season. Puhalski is the only person to serve as head coach more than 4 straight seasons.*

"I'm very excited to have Greg back as our Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel," said Komet vice president and general manager David Franke. "We have a great working relationsip and I expect that to continue. I feel Greg is the top coach in the UHL and his success in Fort Wayne proves that."

Puhalski, 40, became the Komet's 24th head coach July 12, 2000. In 5 seasons as Komet head coach Puhalski has posted a regular season record of 227-112-41 for 495 points in 380 games for a .651 point percentage. "I am extremely pleased to be back in a place you're wanted," Puhalski said. "The Franke's have treated me fabulously and I am looking forward to the coming season."

The Thunder Bay, Ontario native was named a UHL All Star Head Coach for 2004-05 and became the first coach in UHL history to register 300 regular season wins with a 4-1 win over Port Huron in Fort Wayne Feb. 19, 2005 and is the UHL's winningest coach with 499 regular season victories over 7 campaigns.

Puhalski steered the Komets to a UHL Colonial Cup Championship in 2003 and was named the UHL's Coach of the Year for 2002-03. He has earned 2 Tarry Cup Championships winning the regular season titles in 2002-03 and 2003-04. In 2004-05 "Chief" led the Komets to the post-season after winning the UHL Western Conference Title with a 51-24-5 season record. Puhalski then skippered the Komets to first and second round wins before dropping the UHL finals to Muskegon 4 games to 1.

As a player, the former center won 2 consecutive Riley Cup Championships with Toledo and led the Storm in scoring during the 1993-94 season (49gp, 22g, 68a, 90pts). The 2005-06 season will be Puhalski's 12th as a head coach since starting his coaching career in 1994 with Toledo of the ECHL.

2005-06 Season Tickets on Sale.....season tickets for the Komet's 2005-06 season are on sale at the Komet office at 1010 Memorial Way in Fort Wayne. For information the Komet general offices are open Monday thru Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4pm during the summer. Fans can also call the Komet office for information at (260) 483-0011 or make inquiries via email at komets@komets.com. Season ticket information is also available at the Komet's website at www.komets.com.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from June 28, 2005


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