The Utica Comets will play their first preseason game on October 6.
UTICA, N.Y. -- The New Jersey Devils American Hockey Affiliate, Utica Comets, announced their training camp roster for the 2023-24 season on October 2, 2023.
Of note are Ryan Fitzgerald, the son of Devils' general manager Tom Fitzgerald, and Will MacKinnon, the son of Comets' general manager Dan MacKinnon. Below is the team's roster, preseason schedule, and notes.
Comets Training Camp Roster
Forwards: Travis Broughman, Samuel Laberge, Yushiro Hirano, Ryan Fitzgerald, Erik Middendorf, Jace Isley, Ryan Schmelzer, Timur Ibragimov, Xavier Parent, Joseph Gambardella, Filip Engaras, TJ Friedmann, Ryan Smith.
Defensemen: Matt Stief, Will MacKinnon, Ryan Orgel, Tyler Wotherspoon, Topias Vilen, Robbie Russo, Colin Felix.
Goaltenders: Tyler Brennan Vinnie Purpura.
Notes:
- On October 3, the Devils assigned the following players to Utica: Graeme Clarke, Kyle Criscuolo, Chase Stillman, and Daniil Misyul. Goaltender Erik Kallgren was placed on waivers with the intent of being assigned to Utica.
- Goaltender Nico Daws is recovering from labrum surgery and is expected to be out until Christmas. For those unfamiliar with Purpura, he spent time last season with the Adirondack Thunder, the New Jersey Devils' ECHL affiliate.
- Jace Isley attended Devils rookie camp as a tryout. He collected a couple of assists during the 2023 Prospects Challenge and then signed an AHL two-way contract for the 2023-2024 season.
Preseason Schedule
At the end of August, the Utica Comets announced their preseason schedule. It will consist of two games against North Divisional opponents.
Oct. 6th: Comets vs. Rochester Americans at Adirondack Bank Center at 7:00 P.M.
Oct. 7th: Comets @ Syracuse Crunch at Upstate Medical University Arena at 5:00 P.M.
The Comets will open the regular season at home against the Crunch on October 13th at 7:00 P.M.