The Komets lost their hottest player, Corey Elkins, the ECHL’s reigning Player of the Week, when he was called up to Norfolk of the American Hockey League on Wednesday.
And they lost their leading goal scorer, Thomas Beauregard, to an upper-body injury.
So it’s not surprising that the offense struggled in a 4-1 loss at the Ford Center in Evansville.
The IceMen (14-21-3) got goals from Daniel Tetrault from the right circle, Kevin Baker on an odd-man rush, Aaron Gens on a blue-line shot and Dylan Clarke.
Fort Wayne (19-16-2) got a goal from Jean-Michel Rizk, after a one-handed pass across the slot from Matt Firman.
Before the game, the Komets activated Matt Kennedy, who had missed 26 of the previous 27 games with injuries.
With more players expected to be called up by the Anaheim Ducks and Norfolk because the NHL lockout has ended, the Komets have made some pre-emptive moves.
Brayden Metz and Peter Cintala have been called up from Dayton of the Federal Hockey League, the Demonz’ coach tweeted, and there have been reports that Jeremy Gates, Ron Cramer and John Dunbar are en route from Pensacola of the Southern Professional Hockey League.
BASKETBALL
Ex-Whitko star transfers to Grace
Former Whitko basketball star Logan Irwin, the school’s all-time leader in points, assists, steals and free throws, is transferring from Division I Stetson University to Grace College of the NAIA. He will be eligible to play in 2013-14 and have three years remaining. In seven games at Stetson, he averaged 5.9 points and more than 21 minutes per game.
Around the NBA
Investor Chris Hansen contacted the Maloof family about buying the Sacramento Kings, setting up the possibility of the NBA’s return to Seattle. … Washington point guard John Wall (knee) said he’ll be ready to make his season debut Saturday against Atlanta.
CROSS COUNTRY
Carroll boys to get runner-up rings
The Carroll boys cross country state runner-up team will be presented their rings at halftime Friday when the Chargers play host to New Haven.
CYCLING
Armstrong met with USADA chief
Lance Armstrong recently met with U.S. Anti-Doping Agency CEO Travis Tygart to explore a “pathway to redemption,” according to a report Wednesday night on “60 Minutes Sports” dealing with the investigation that cost the cyclist his Tour de France titles. USADA has provided no details, including when the meeting was held and where.
FOOTBALL
Former Irish All-American dies
Mirko Jurkovic, a consensus All-America offensive guard at Notre Dame and member of the 1988 national championship team, died Wednesday, the university announced. Jurkovic, 42, died in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka after a battle with cancer, Notre Dame said in a news release.
Top players to return to schools
Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan, an All-America first-team player and Big Ten offensive lineman of the year, announced that he is coming back for his senior season. … Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd, ACC player of the year, will return to the Tigers for his senior season.
GOLF
Woods returning to Torrey Pines
Tiger Woods is returning to Torrey Pines to start his PGA Tour season. He will make his 2013 debut in Abu Dhabi next week before getting back to San Diego for the Farmers Insurance Open on Jan. 24-27.
HOCKEY
Owners OK deal; players’ vote next
NHL owners have ratified the tentative labor deal. All that now remains is player approval to start the season. Players are expected to vote Friday and Saturday. If two-thirds of the more than 700 members agree to the terms, training camps can open Sunday. An expected 48-game season can then begin Jan. 19.
SOCCER
MISL honors former Charger
Former Carroll star Jeff Richey was selected as the Major Indoor Soccer League’s Player of the Week. A goalkeeper, he had a league-record 45 saves in an 11-0 victory over Syracuse. He graduated from Carroll in 1996.
