Comets use extended practice week to prepare for Rochester home opener
Utica hosts the Americans on Saturday after a 2-1 season-opening win, with Ryan Parent working on systems and a new forward combination.
The Utica Comets will host the Rochester Americans in their 2026-27 home opener on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 6 p.m. at NBT Bank Arena. The Comets have not played since opening their season with a 2-1 road win over Providence on Oct. 2.
Coach Ryan Parent is using the interval to work on systems and competitiveness, he told the Daily Sentinel. The extra practice follows a shortened preseason tied to the NHL's exhibition schedule. Utica then visits Belleville on Sunday for a 5 p.m. game.
One combination Parent liked in the opener put captain Ryan Schmelzer between Gabe Klassen and Justin Pearson, who were making their Comets debuts. Klassen scored Utica's first goal of the season, with Schmelzer providing the primary assist, according to the club.
Parent told the Sentinel that the trio also works together on the power play and penalty kill. He said the staff was still assessing the newcomers, but was pleased with how the three complemented one another in their first game.
