``I am very well aware of the tradition of hockey here in Fort Wayne. When you think about iconic markets in minor league hockey across the country that have survived over the decades, It's a very, very select list. Certainly you think of places like Hershey, Rochester, Providence, but certainly Fort Wayne needs to be at or near the top of that list. What has occurred here over the last six decades is truly amazing.''
ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna
``...The best league we think we've ever been in. Initially we will work on our core group of players to bring those guys back who we feel we want on this team moving forward. Then we will work from that end to build the whole team.''
Komets general manager David Franke
``We're going to have a lot of those guys back because we believe they are quality players no matter what league they play in. the rest will be through hard work and on the phone.
``It's a new challenge, a new league. The adrenalin is flowing already to play in Kalamazoo again and play in Cincinnati and Toledo. I really look forward to the challenge of winning our division against those teams and hopefully moving on and challenging for the cup.''
Komets coach Al Sims
``This is where we belong. The decision we made two years ago was a great decision. The Central Hockey League is a great league, great people, great owners but geographically it just didn't work any more... This is a permanent deal. This isn't a two-year deal or a five-year deal or anything like that, we're in the league.''
Komets president Michael Franke
