Photo Courtesy of the Fort Wayne Komets

The Fort Wayne Komets announced that forward Anthony Petruzzelli and defenseman Matt Murphy have re-signed for the 74th season of Komet Hockey.

The 2025-26 season will be Petruzzelli’s eighth in Fort Wayne. Murphy returns for his fourth stint with the club.

The 32-year-old Petruzzelli has skated in 393 regular-season games with the Komets, including playing in 243 consecutive games from 2018 to 2023.

The Federal Way, Washington, native has scored 115 goals and 121 assists for 236 points in the black and orange. Petruzzelli has also appeared in 59 post-season contests, helping the Komets win the Kelly Cup in 2021.

The 5-foot-10, 190-pound left-shot winger is a five-time winner of the True Komet award and has twice taken home the Mr. Hustle award. He has also been named Most Improved Player and the best Defensive Forward.

“Anthony Petruzzelli epitomizes what it is like being a Komet,” general manager David Franke said in a statement. “His hustle, grit, and style of play make him the player he is. Him winning the Komet Mr. Hustle Award and True Komet award has endeared him to Komet fans. His leadership qualities will once again be an important part of this game.”

The 30-year-old Murphy played with Cincinnati, Tahoe, and Fort Wayne last season, scoring a total of three goals and 22 assists for 25 points in 67 games.

With the Komets, the 6-foot-2, 196-pound lefty defenseman has scored 10 goals and 28 assists for 38 points in 81 games and was a member of the 2021 Kelly Cup championship team.

Murphy was also named to the 2023 ECHL All-Star Game as a member of the Iowa Heartlanders.

“Matt Murphy is a solid player -- in your face style of player,” Franke said. “He does not shy away from the physical part of the game. He is a great puck mover, solid defensively, and our top defenseman on the penalty kill.

“Both he and Petruzzelli were part of the Kelly Cup championship team, so they know what it takes to win.”