The Komets showed off their three new players Wednesday night, but it was the goaltender who has been tremendous all season – Kenny Reiter – that cinched a much-needed victory for the Komets.
Reiter stopped 44 shots, including a first-period penalty shot and three breakaways in the final minute of the game, as the Komets defeated the Gwinnett Gladiators 4-3 in Georgia.
It was the second Fort Wayne victory in the last seven games, and it came in the team’s 5,000 game, including postseason.
Fort Wayne (9-7-1) was up 4-1 on goals from Josh Brittain, Daniel Maggio, Thomas Beauregard and Tyler Butler (his first of the season) before the Gladiators (14-5-1) got goals from Casey Pierro-Zabotel and Doug Jones in the final 4:15.
The Komets debuted former NHLer Luca Caputi, Ryan Lasch and Garrett Klotz, all down from Norfolk of the American Hockey League, but they were scoreless. Defenseman Ryan Hegarty was also back in the lineup from a hand injury.
To see video highlights of the game, visit the “Ice Chips” blog at www.journalgazette.net.
AUTO RACING
Truck Series plans 2013 race at Eldora
NASCAR will race on the dirt for the first time since 1970 next season when the Truck Series visits Eldora Speedway in Ohio. The trucks will go to the Tony Stewart-owned track in Rossburg on July 24 as a lead-in to the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series races later that weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
BASEBALL
Bonds, Clemens, Sosa on Hall ballot
Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa are listed on the baseball Hall of Fame ballot for the first time, setting up an election sure to become a referendum on the Steroids Era. The results will be announced Jan. 9. Craig Biggio, Mike Piazza and Curt Schilling are among the 24 first-time eligibles. Jack Morris, Jeff Bagwell and Tim Raines are the top holdover candidates.
MLB news
A person familiar with the deal says free-agent outfielder B.J. Upton and Atlanta have agreed to a five-year contract. Multiple reports put the value of the contract around $75 million. … Cincinnati signed closer Jonathan Broxton to a three-year, $21 million contract. … Andy Pettitte signed a one-year deal with the Yankees worth $12 million. Pettitte went 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA in 12 starts last season.
COLLEGES
ACC approves adding Louisville
The ACC unanimously voted to add Louisville as the replacement for Maryland, which announced it will join the Big Ten in 2014. … Also, Middle Tennessee has accepted an offer to join Conference USA and is leaving the Sun Belt.
FOOTBALL
Ball State grabs 15 All-MAC honors
Ball State’s 9-3 football team filled 15 spots, more than any other school, on the All-Mid-American Conference team. Tight end Zane Fakes, offensive lineman Austin Holtz, placekicker Steve Schott and wide receivers Jamill Smith and Willie Snead were named to the first team. Linebacker Travis Freeman, defensive end Jonathan Newsome and quarterback Keith Wenning made the second team. Running back Jahwan Edwards, offensive linemen Jordan Hansel and Cameron Lowry, defensive tackle Nathan Ollie and defensive back Eric Patterson made the third team and Smith was the third-team punt and kick return specialist.
LSU gives Miles extension
LSU football coach Les Miles is getting a raise and an extension through 2019. A person familiar with the contract said that Miles’ new annual pay would be in the range of $4.3 million.
GOLF
Rule bans pressing club against body
The sport’s ruling bodies announced a new rule that would make it illegal to anchor the club in making a stroke. The proposed rule for 2016 is aimed at belly putters and long putters that are pressed against the body. The rule would apply to golfers at every level.
HOCKEY
NHL, union talk
With the help of federal mediators, the NHL and the players’ association got back to bargaining after a week apart. The location was secret, and so was what was discussed. The sides will talk again today.
Inside the rink
Adam Schaffer scored twice to lead the Leo to a 7-2 victory over Snider at the Lutheran Health SportsCenter. The Panthers’ David Siler had 14 saves. … In Carroll’s 10-1 victory over Northrop, Logan Gottschalk, Nick Janiszewski and Jake Ramsey each scored twice. … Paul Lee’s hat trick led Homestead to a 6-0 victory over Bishop Dwenger.
