A Historic Induction
On a crisp autumn evening in Troy, New York, the Clinton Comets were formally welcomed into the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. The ceremony, held at the historic venue that once hosted many of the team’s early matches, drew a crowd of longtime fans and members of the local hockey community. Former teammates gathered to share memories, underscoring the deep bonds forged on the ice decades ago.
The Comets’ journey began in 1927, when the franchise first took to the rink under the name Clinton Comets. Over the next four and a half decades the team competed in several leagues, most notably the Eastern Hockey League, where it amassed five championships. The franchise’s most celebrated season arrived in 1967‑68, guided by head coach Pat Kelly, whose strategic vision helped the team dominate that year.
Among the legends who wore the Comets’ colors were Jack Kane, Bordie Smith, and Bill Bannerman, each of whom left an indelible mark on the sport. Their contributions were highlighted during the induction when former players Pierre Prevost, Tom Mitchell and Dave Armstrong took the stage to reflect on the team’s legacy. Prevost described the era as one of “tough, hard‑core hockey,” while Smith spoke of “epic battles” that defined the squad’s identity.
Legacy for the Future
Dave Armstrong, who attended the ceremony, emphasized the camaraderie that had sustained the team through its most challenging moments. “The chemistry we built on the ice translated into a brotherhood off it,” he said, noting that the Hall of Fame honor was as much a tribute to the fans and the community that supported the club throughout its existence. Though the Clinton Comets ceased operations in 1973, their influence persists in the Mohawk Valley’s hockey culture. Young players growing up in Clinton, New York, and the surrounding region continue to look to the Comets’ story as a benchmark for excellence and perseverance. The induction not only cements the team’s place in history but also inspires the next generation to carry forward the spirit of the game.