Comets Open AHL Season With 2-1 Win Over Providence

Gabe Klassen and Ben Steeves each scored in their first game for Utica, helping the Comets defeat the Providence Bruins 2-1 at Amica Mutual Pavilion on Friday, Oct. 2. The win opened Utica’s 2026-27 AHL season.

Klassen put the visitors ahead 4:31 into the first period. Ryan Schmelzer found him in the right circle, and Klassen beat Jiri Patera with a wrist shot. Vladislav Kolyachonok also assisted on the goal.

Steeves doubled the lead at 17:59 of the second, redirecting an attempt by Matyas Melovsky. Lenni Hameenaho received the other assist. Both scorers marked their Comets debuts with goals.

Utica had a third goal disallowed early in the final period. Riley Tufte put in a rebound from Mikael Diotte’s shot, but Providence challenged the play and the review found an offside. Brendan Gaunce then brought the Bruins within one at 5:45, with assists from Ivan Ivan and Joey Abate.

David Rittich protected the remaining lead, including when Providence removed its goalie for an extra attacker late in regulation. The Comets held Providence scoreless on all four of its power plays and did not score on their own two opportunities.

Utica’s next game is its home opener against the Rochester Americans at NBT Bank Arena on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 6 p.m.