Komets general manager David Franke still believes he will have a coach in place by June 1, though he declined to get into specifics about potential candidates – with one exception.Leo Thomas’ go-ahead goal with four minutes gone in the third period held up as the Komets claimed a significant 4-3 victory at Port Huron on Wednesday.
The win strengthened Fort Wayne’s grip on second place in the IHL standings.
The Komets (39-18-3) went into the night one point ahead of the Icehawks (37-21-4) but bumped the lead to three points (81-78) thanks to Thomas’ rebound goal with 16 minutes remaining.
Komets goaltender Nick Boucher turned aside 30 of 33 shots and kept Port Huron off the board in the third period. Of the three Icehawks goals, two came on power plays.
The K’s jumped out to a 1-0 lead on Justin Chwedoruk’s unassisted goal at 1:30 of the first period, only to be caught 14 minutes later on Brandon Naurato’s power-play goal.
It was Thomas’ first goal of the game that put the Komets ahead at 3:58 of the second period, but Port Huron took its only lead on goals from Mike Gershon (11:45) and Cody Hamilton’s power-play score at 17:06.
But with 1:14 remaining in the second period, Kaleigh Schrock, with assists from David Hukalo and Frankie DeAngelis, scored to even the game at 3, setting up Thomas’ second goal and game-winner.
The Komets return home Friday to face Quad City.
