UTICA – There’s always learning to do for players in the American Hockey League.

That’s especially true for younger players as they adjust to lifestyle changes and a more experienced level of competition.

Kole Lind – who turned 20 years old in October — is one of those adapting to the pro game in his first full season with the Utica Comets.

“It is a huge change,” Lind said. “This is the first time for me being fully away from home and not having another family with you. It has been a lot different.”

He’s learning to live on his own, with the help of roommate and Comets defenseman Evan McEneny.

“He’s been here a couple years,” Lind said this week. “He’s taught me a lot around the kitchen and cleaning up and everything. That’s helped me out a lot.”

Lind said he has put some work into cooking and is making progress. He’s got a few “specialties,” including steak and bacon-wrapped scallops.

“I’ve started to come around in the kitchen a little bit,” he said with a smile.

The Vancouver Canucks’ 2017 second-round draft pick is also finding his way on the ice.

“It is a lot tougher than I think people expect,” said Lind, who was slowed by injuries earlier this season. “The timing is a lot less. A lot of these guys have been doing it for a long time, so they seem to be in the right place all the time. They’re a lot tougher to play against. That’s something I’ve had to adjust to and fix my game.”

Over the last 10 games, Lind has shown more confidence and consistency while being paired with older players.

"It's day and night almost, I think,” Lind said. “I feel a lot more confident. I feel a lot more positive with myself and around the team. I feel a little bit more comfortable now that I am producing a little (more) because I expected a lot from myself.”

He has seven of his nine total points in the last 10 games. That includes goals – including his first as a pro – in back-to-back games last week.

Comets coach Trent Cull said it is nice to see Lind making progress.

“He’s going to be marked on his details and how the rest of his game is being played,” Cull said. “I appreciate his offense, but that’s only one facet of the game. We have to make sure we’re creating rounded out hockey players.”

Lind knows the work needs to continue.

“I’d love to keep it going,” he said. “I just have to work hard through the (All-Star) break here and try to stick with everything and the ways I’ve been playing lately."

Utica is trending

in the right direction

The Comets are getting a break at a good time.

Utica’s North Division contest Friday at Rochester is the last before the league’s All-Star break and extended time off. The game will be Utica’s 46th, tied for most in the AHL.

“These guys have (run) hot for awhile here now,” Cull said. “I think this break is key for our group and our team just to take a step (back) and dial in and give us some extra time.”

There have been ups and downs – the Comets are coming off a 5-2 setback Saturday against Belleville - though they have found a stride with a 17-8-2-1 mark in 28 games since falling in the division in mid-November. Utica now has the fourth-best points-percentage in the North. The team has gotten solid performances from goalie Ivan Kulbakov as well as secondary scoring.

“I think the guys have done a great job of putting the team first,” Cull said. “The group is moving along really well.”

The Comets are three points back of the Amerks, which has four games in hand. The Comets have one game over 12 days.

“The good thing is that we've found a way to battle, found a way to compete and we have not made excuses,” Cull said. “We're trying to get everybody involved and I think everyone has. I think that's been the best part.”

Roll call

Defensemen Jalen Chatfield (foot, out since Nov. 21) and Ashton Sautner (facial injuries, out since Dec. 8) each were full practice participants Thursday.

Cull said it is “day-by-day” with Chatfield regarding a possible return. Sautner could return after the break.

Defenseman Jesse Graham (upper-body) is not available, Cull said. Brendan Woods had a doctor’s appointment and did not practice.

Wacey Hamilton (lower-body, out three games), Vincent Arseneau (lower-body, six-game absence) and Lukas Jasek (illness, out four games) each participated Thursday and are close to returns.

“It’s a lot of bodies, but a lot of guys are (pending) how (Thursday) goes,” Cull said.