After a brief stint with the Komets near the tail end of the 2024-25 season, forward James Stefan was already familiar with Fort Wayne when he was transferred there on Oct. 7 by the Edmonton Oilers.

“Knowing all the guys, the systems, and the staff, it always makes it easier to come back and just play my game and not have to worry about all the other stuff,” Stefan said. “It’s definitely been easier this year.”

But he didn’t come alone.

Stefan was one of five forwards either transferred or loaned to the Komets from the Bakersfield Condors, along with Brady Stonehouse, Jayden Grubbe, Matthew Brown, and Trevor Janicke. Stefan is the only player in the group who previously played in Fort Wayne, taking on a sort of liaison role for his new teammates.

“I kind of felt like I was that kind of

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