The Komets announced Thursday that an affiliation has been formed between the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets and the Fort Wayne CHL team for 2010-11.
The Komets will be entering their 59th season of minor league play in Fort Wayne and first season as an affiliate with the Blue Jackets who are celebrating their 10th anniversary as a member of the NHL. Columbus also carries an affiliation with the AHL's Springfield Falcons.
"Since Columbus started in the NHL 10 years ago, we have entertained the thoughts of being affiliated with them because of their geographic location and solid reputation in the NHL and the Columbus area," Komets general manager David Franke said. "We anticipate Columbus/Springfield players coming to Fort Wayne before our opening night and there will be call-ups to Springfield from Fort Wayne which should be of special interest to our younger developing players. Komet fans will have a closer link to the NHL through this affiliation with the Blue Jackets."