The Cyclones, Steelheads, and Admirals picked up key wins while the Komets honored one of their own in an emotional victory at home.
It was an emotional night in Fort Wayne, as the Komets took to the ice at home for the first time since the passing of president and co-owner Michael Franke.
Rising to the occasion, the Komets upended the Utah Grizzlies 5-2 as forward Alexis D'Aoust and Xavier Cormier put up four points apiece. The loss dropped Utah to a woeful eight straight losses on the road.
Elsewhere, Idaho moved to a league-leading 39 points on the year, pushing their record to 19-4 with a 4-1 win over the Rapid City Rush. Matt Register and Ty Pelton-Byce banked two assists each while ECHL goal-scoring leader Mark Rassell netted his 16th of the year.
The Cincinnati Cyclones swept over the Kalamazoo Wings with a dominant 7-0 win. Olof Lindbom put up 28 saves for the shutout, while Luka Burzan led the club with a goal, three points, and a plus-three.
Finally, the North division-leading Norfolk Admirals pushed their win streak to three straight games with a 4-1 win over the slumping Lions. Justin Robidas scored two goals and added an assist, with Yaniv Perets putting up 22 saves opposite 23 shots in the victory. The Lions' loss moves the Canadian club to 2-8 in their past ten games.
Other news and notes from Friday night hockey included Shane Sellar earning his first pro-hat-trick as the Royals outdueled the Railers 5-2, Colby McAuley added a hatty of his own in Allen's 4-1 win over the Mavericks and Tristan Ashbrook's two-goal performances lifted Adirondack over the Newfoundland Growlers, 5-3.
Here is the full list of scores from Friday, December 15th:
RC 1 Final 4 IDH
ALN 4 Final 1 KC
UTA 2 Final 5 FW
KAL 0 Final 7 CIN
TOL 4 Final 3 IA
JAX 3 Final 2 ATL
NorthlandORL 1 Final 4 FLA
IND 1 Final 4 WHL
GVL 1 Final 2 SC
WOR 2 Final 5 REA
NFL 3 Final 5 ADK
NOR 4 Final 1 TR