Komets Shut-Out by Ice Hawks 2-0

The Fort Wayne Komets (12-8-1) lost for the second time in 2 games to the Port Huron Ice Hawks (15-6-1) on Saturday, and were shut-out for the second time this season and for the second consecutive road game since November 2004. The game began as a mostly defensive battle starring the two teams' goaltenders -- Larry Sterling for Port Huron and Tim Haun for Fort Wayne. Despite having their players pick up 3 of 4 first period penalties, the Ice Hawks outshot the Komets in the opening frame 8 t0 6. Fort Wayne's production picked up in the second and third, when they fired 10 shots on goal to Port Huron's 5 and 17 shots to Port Huron's 12 respectively, but nothing was going in the net for either team. It wasn't until 9:22 of the third that the Ice Hawks got exactly the sort of fluky turn of events they needed to break through. Haun came out of the net to play the puck, lost an edge and fell to the ice. Meanwhile, Port Huron's Nick Lindberg, his team short-handed due to a high sticking penalty on forward Bradon Naurato, was able to pick up the puck and put it into the empty net for a 1-0 lead. Tensions begame to mount in the final 10 minutes of play, and Haun was whistled for roughing at 17:32. His penalty was followed by a cross checking call on Bobby Phillips at 18:36 and a tripping penalty on Justin Chwedoruk at 18:59. Skating 5-on-3, Port Huron's Derek Patrosso netted an insurance goal to cap the scoring at 2-0. The tally was assisted by Lindberg and Naurato. Soon after that, the wheels completely fell off for Fort Wayne, much to the delight of the 1586 Port Huron fans in attendance. At 19:29 Patrosso received an interference penalty in addition to a 10 minute misconduct. Haun, who had swung his stick at Patrosso like a baseball bat, received a match penalty as well as being called for a high stick with attempt to injure. When Ice Hawks goalie Sterling skated across the ice to fight Haun, both netminders received 5 minute fighting majors. Additionally, Sterlng was slapped with a minor penalty for leaving his crease. Haun was suspended indefinitely as a result of the turmoil, and it is expected that he will face additional discipline from the IHL. Fort Wayne defenseman Kevin Bertram was also called for a 10 minute misconduct as a result of the fray. Fort Wayne's emergency back-up goaltender Parris Duffus finished out the final seconds of the game but faced no shots. Sterling had 23 saves in the victory. Haun stopped 23 of 25.

Notes: Fort Wayne has now lost 4 of their last 5 games. Port Huron has won 4 straight after dropping 2 in a row. The Komets are averaging 2.61 goals per game so far this season. The Komets record for fewest goals per game in a season is 2.83 in 1956-1957. Fort Wayne goaltender Nick Boucher is expected to return from IR this week.