5 Things You Want to See on Friday and Saturday Night!

By: Jason Shaya

Oct 9, 2024

As the Utica Comets prepare for their highly anticipated home opener this weekend, fans can look forward to an unforgettable start to the 2024-25 season. From a brand-new in-game production experience to the return of fan-favorite players like goaltenders Nico Daws and Isaac Poulter, the Adirondack Bank Center will be buzzing with excitement. Here's five things you need to know!

1. The Brand New In-Game Production: With the Comets looking to hit the ice in-stride this weekend, the Utica Comets game production staff is also thinking about things off the ice. The organization spent many hours planning a new and improved game-day experience. Opening night begins with a red-carpet entrance team entrance. There will be enhanced elements including music and lighting that will get fans out of their seats during the game. There will be a new on-ice intermission game unveiled along with a return of an old favorite. Also, during Friday nights, there will be live music on the concourse. Saturday’s will be doing “Season Ticket Member Saturday” where will recognize the season ticket members who are the foundation of the team and the community. This is just a small slice of things to come from the Comets game-day presentation at the Adirondack Bank Center

 

2. Nico Daws and Isaac Poulter: At Turning Stone Resort Casino, I had the privilege of introducing the 2024-25 Utica Comets squad. When I announced  the goalies, I can say without hesitation, those two guys had the loudest pop of all the players. There is no question that the Comets fans adore both Daws and Poulter. Expectations are high that both goaltenders can reach their potential this season. With the departure of Akira Schmid, there is more room for both goalies to have starts in the biggest games of the year. With the incredible team that surrounds them, this should be one of the most stable in the blue paint for Utica.

 

3. Saturday Night Post-Game Meet and Greet with the Team: At the conclusion of the game against Rochester on Saturday, the team will head to the village across the street from the arena where the entire team will be in attendance to sign autographs, take pictures and meet all the fans who are there to support them. After playing in back to back games at home to start the season, the players want to make sure they have a chance to meet the fans who showed up and cheered them on. 

 

4. Because We Don’t like Syracuse or Rochester: We might play them often but, there is no love lost between these teams. These are the rivalries that make hockey what it is… When the puck is dropped on Friday night against the Crunch, I imagine the hate will be palpable. The Crunch signed tough guy, Kale Kessy in the offseason. He already fought during the pre-season, and no one will be surprised when he drops the gloves on opening night. I am more than certain; the entire Comets team will be ready battle this weekend. The best way to start a season is not only winning but beating both your division rivals.

 

5. The Solid Veteran Core:  In order to win a Calder Cup, which is the goal of every single team in this league, you must have a solid group of veteran leaders. For the Comets, you don’t have to look much further than team captain, Ryan Schmelzer, He led the team in scoring last year and had a career year in production. He is surrounded by players like Justin Dowling, Sam Laberge, Andy Welinski, Max Willman, Nick DeSimone, and Joe Gambardella. Head coach, Kevin Dineen, one of the winningest coaches in AHL history, often talks about true leadership comes from the locker-room. I don’t see any scenario where these guys aren’t completely prepared