The Fort Wayne Komets got a nice surprise at practice this morning with the return of a popular player. After getting called up to Tucson of the American Hockey League a couple of weeks ago, forward Artur Tyanulin was back in practice.

Though he did not play in a game with the Roadrunners this stint, Tyanulin had five goals and 13 points in 10 games with the Komets before his call-up.

“It’s unfortunate he didn’t get a chance to play up there,” Komets coach Gary Graham said. “They had a couple of injuries that were day-to-day and they had a suspension, but they were hoping to get him into a game but it didn’t work out. They’ve been rolling pretty much, one of the best teams in the league so there’s no reason to change the lineup unless you have to when you are playing well. He’s going to get his chance sometime this year.”

Tyanulin will be in the Fort Wayne lineup Wednesday morning in Toledo.

“He’s such a great kid here,” Graham said. “He’s got a positive attitude and he doesn’t bring negative energy when he comes down here. He’s always got a smile on his face all the time and he wants to get better.”