The Utica Comets (AHL) began their 2026-27 season this past Saturday. In the opener, which came on the road, the Comets were victorious by a slim 2-1 margin over the new-look Providence Bruins. This was their first win on opening night since 2021. The Comets have had miserable, long winless starts in two of the last three seasons.

Utica only played the one game and will really see their season kick off this upcoming season. For a full season preview click here.

Weekly Results

Utica 2, Providence 1; Oct. 2

The Comets got the scoring started in what was a pretty low-event opening game. Gabe Klassen, one of the several newcomers, sniped one home from the slot off a nice passing play by Ryan Schmelzer and Vladislav Kolyachonok. Utica extended their lead to 2-0 as Ben Steeves got his first as a Comet in the second frame. Matyas Melovsky smartly threw the puck at the net, toward Steeves’ direction, and it was redirected home.

Utica thought they made it a 3-0 game when Riley Tufte scored against his former team. What would have been Tufte’s first goal in a Comets uniform was called back after a very lengthy goaltender interference review. Providence did make things tight in the third, finally solving David Rittich, but Utica held on for a slim 2-1 victory.

Utica outshot Providence 24-21. Rittch stopped 20-of-21 in the victory. Each team’s power play went scoreless. Specifically, the Comets’ penalty kill was very strong, going a perfect 4-for-4.

Upcoming Schedule

Utica’s schedule picks up this weekend as they are set to play two games. Their home opener is Saturday against Rochester at 6:00 pm ET. Then, they travel to Belleville the next day to take on the Senators at 5:00 pm ET.

Each Rochester and Belleville have played two games, splitting them.