Hunter Johannes and Drake Rymsha score twice as Fort Wayne rallies from a second-period deficit to defeat its longtime rival.
By Nathan Brooks | Final Score 360 Hockey
FORT WAYNE, Ind. | October 19, 2026 — The Fort Wayne Komets opened their historic 75th anniversary season in winning fashion Saturday night, defeating the Toledo Walleye 6–3 at Memorial Coliseum.
In a game celebrating one of minor league hockey’s longstanding rivalries, the Komets overcame a three-goal Toledo surge in the second period and answered with four consecutive goals to secure their first victory of the 2026–27 ECHL season.
Hunter Johannes and Drake Rymsha each scored twice, while rookie Cody Morgan contributed three assists.
Komets Strike First
Fort Wayne wasted little time giving its home crowd something to celebrate.
Johannes opened the scoring at 8:30 of the first period with an unassisted goal, putting the Komets ahead 1–0.
Jonny Tychonick doubled the advantage at 17:32, scoring on the power play with Morgan earning an assist.
The Komets carried a 2–0 lead into the first intermission, but Toledo responded with a determined second-period comeback.
Toledo Turns the Game Around
The Walleye erased Fort Wayne’s lead with three unanswered goals.
Sam Craggs started the rally at 4:39 of the second period before Tanner Dickinson scored twice, at 6:54 and 9:56, to give Toledo a 3–2 advantage.
The momentum had shifted dramatically.
However, Fort Wayne refused to let its anniversary celebration become a disappointing opening night.
Johannes scored his second goal at 18:03, tying the game at three.
Just 41 seconds later, Rymsha scored to restore Fort Wayne’s lead at 4–3.
The two late goals completely reversed the direction of the contest heading into the third period.
Rymsha Helps Seal the Victory
Fort Wayne carried its renewed momentum into the final period.
At 9:56, Rymsha scored his second goal of the night, extending the Komets’ advantage to 5–3.
Morgan collected his third assist on the play, completing an impressive three-point performance in his first regular-season appearance with the club.
Toledo continued searching for a response, but Fort Wayne’s defense and goaltending held firm.
Jack Gorniak added an empty-net goal at 18:07 to complete the 6–3 victory.
The Komets finished with 33 shots on goal compared with 30 for Toledo.
Goaltender Nathan Day earned the win after making 27 saves.
A Historic Opening Night
The victory carried special significance as Fort Wayne began its 75th anniversary season.
The Komets first took the ice in 1952, and Saturday’s matchup honored that history with throwback jerseys inspired by the inaugural meeting between Fort Wayne and the Toledo Mercurys.
The rivalry remains a central part of the franchise’s identity, making Toledo a fitting opponent for the anniversary celebration.
For Fort Wayne, opening the season with a comeback victory against a familiar rival provided an encouraging beginning to a milestone campaign.
What’s Next for Fort Wayne?
The Komets return to action Friday, October 23, when they travel to Illinois to face the Bloomington Bison.
Fort Wayne then returns home Saturday, October 24, to host the Indy Fuel at Memorial Coliseum.
Those matchups will provide another early test as the Komets attempt to build momentum following their opening-night victory.
With a milestone season underway, Fort Wayne has already delivered an entertaining first chapter.
And if Saturday’s comeback is any indication, the Komets’ 75th anniversary campaign could offer plenty more memorable moments.
Final Score 360 will continue covering the Fort Wayne Komets throughout the 2026–27 ECHL season.
