The Fort Wayne Komets announced Tuesday that they have secured forward Nathan Dunkley and defenseman Victor Hadfield for the upcoming 75th season, reinforcing the roster as the franchise looks to build on recent momentum.
Dunkley, a 26‑year‑old forward, arrives after a productive stint with the Jacksonville team where he posted 22 points in 37 games last season. The versatile forward, who began his professional journey with Kansas City, scoring 12 points in 15 appearances for the Mavericks, also contributed 97 points in 102 games at St. Mary’s University, a trajectory that has caught the eye of head coach Ben Boudreau.
Boudreau highlighted Dunkley’s hockey IQ, work ethic and ability to adapt across situations, noting that the player’s defensive reliability adds a layer of stability to the Komets’ forward lines.
Victor Hadfield, also 25, brings a different set of strengths to the blue line. The left‑shot defenseman, who spent three seasons in Jacksonville and later skated in South Carolina, Indiana and Reading, is praised by Boudreau for his smooth skating and puck‑moving capabilities.
New Additions Aim to Elevate the Club
The club’s management sees the signings as a strategic move to deepen depth and inject fresh talent into a tradition‑rich organization, setting the stage for an exciting campaign ahead.