We know the Komets are off to a good start with a 7-3-2 record heading into Friday’s game at Memorial Coliseum against the Quad City Mallards. They’re actually ahead of the pace of last season, when they were 7-5-0 through 12 games and went on to finish the season 40-23-9 and with a division championship.

The competition may be more difficult this season thanks to realignment – they are in a division with Tulsa (11-4-0), Toledo (10-3-0), Quad City (7-3-1), Kalamazoo (6-6-1), Wichita (6-3-0) and Indy (4-6-1) – and the Komets are 4-2-1 record against Central Division foes.

On Friday, defenseman Bobby Shea will complete his three-game suspension for actions in an 11-player melee at Missouri.

Shawn Szydlowski, who leads the Komets in goals (six) and points (14), is on a seven-game point-scoring streak, during which he's totaled 11. Atlanta's Justin Buzzeo is on the ECHL's longest active streak at eight games. The longest of the season was 10 by Idaho's Jefferson Dahl.

Radio broadcaster Bob Chase, who hasn't called a game this season as he recovers from congestive heart failure, remains in a rehab hospital but he's continuing to improve. If you want to send a get-well card, do it C/O Komets, 1010 Memorial Way, Fort Wayne, IN 46805

jcohn@jg.net