Komets edge Heartlanders 2-1 in tight contest

Newly acquired defenseman Josh Atkinson scored both goals for Fort Wayne in the victory.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 2:51am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of a hockey game, with overlapping planes of players, sticks, and the puck in motion against a backdrop of vibrant navy, crimson, and gold colors.The Komets' hard-fought victory over the Heartlanders showcases the intensity and fractured action of a close ECHL matchup.Fort Wayne Today

The Fort Wayne Komets defeated the Iowa Heartlanders 2-1 in a close game at Memorial Coliseum on Friday night. Iowa opened the scoring early in the first period, but the Komets responded with two unanswered goals from defenseman Josh Atkinson to secure the win. Goaltender Nathan Day made 24 saves for Fort Wayne, who remain two points behind Toledo for first place in the ECHL's Central Division with seven games left in the regular season.

Why it matters

This was an important divisional matchup for the Komets, who are in a tight race with Toledo for the top spot in the Central Division. The win keeps Fort Wayne within striking distance of the Walleye with the playoffs approaching.

The details

The Heartlanders jumped out to a 1-0 lead just over a minute into the game when Cameron Butler scored a power play goal off a rebound. But the Komets responded at 3:57 of the second period when Atkinson scored the game-tying goal, assisted by Dru Krebs and Blake Murray. Atkinson then netted the eventual game-winner at 15:09 of the third period to give Fort Wayne the 2-1 victory.

  • The Heartlanders scored their goal just over a minute into the game.
  • The Komets tied the game at 3:57 of the second period.
  • Atkinson scored the game-winning goal at 15:09 of the third period.

The players

Josh Atkinson

A newly acquired defenseman for the Fort Wayne Komets who scored both goals in the 2-1 win over the Iowa Heartlanders.

Nathan Day

The goaltender for the Fort Wayne Komets who made 24 saves to preserve the 2-1 victory.

Cameron Butler

The Iowa Heartlanders player who scored the opening goal of the game on the power play.

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What they’re saying

“This was an important divisional matchup for us, and the guys really gutted it out to get the two points.”

— Head Coach Ben Boudreau

What’s next

The Komets will look to sweep the weekend series against the Heartlanders when the two teams meet again on Saturday night at 7:35 PM at Memorial Coliseum.

The takeaway

The Komets' victory in a tight, low-scoring affair against a divisional rival keeps them firmly in the hunt for the Central Division title, setting up an important rematch between the two teams this weekend.