The Fort Wayne Komets inked three players to contracts for the 2024-25 season, including returning forwards Ethan Keppen and Nolan Volcan.

The Fort Wayne Komets have signed three players to contracts for the 2024-25 season: forwards Ethan Keppen and Nolan Volcan will return, while rookie forward Austen Swankler has signed his first professional deal.

Keppen, 23, joined Fort Wayne midway through last season after playing half the season with the Maine Mariners. In 40 games with the Komets, he scored 14 goals and 12 assists for a total of 26 points. Including his time with Maine, Keppen recorded 18 goals and 24 assists, totaling 42 points. He also played two games with the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, scoring one assist and achieving a +1 plus/minus rating. The upcoming season will be Keppen's third professional campaign.

Volcan, 25, signed with Fort Wayne last offseason after four years at the University of Alberta, where he was the team captain in his senior season. In his rookie season with the Komets, he scored 29 points on 16 goals and 13 assists. He scored in his debut with the Komets and had two three-game goal streaks last year.

Swankler, 22, played in ten games for Michigan Tech last season following his transfer from Bowling Green after hazing allegations put the university in a negative spotlight. During his time with the Huskies, Swankler tallied three assists and made his team debut at the Great Lakes Invitational in late December, where Michigan Tech won its 12th GLI title. Swankler was set to play for Division III Chatham University next season but ultimately chose to turn pro.

The Fort Wayne Komets will start their 2024-25 season on the road against the Iowa Heartlanders on Friday, October 18.