Komets cap wildest of seasons with Kelly Cup
JUSTIN A. COHN | The Journal Gazette
The season that almost never happened ended in the best possible way – with the Komets winning the Kelly Cup.
They cemented the championship with a 2-1 victory Friday night over the South Carolina Stingrays in front of a sellout crowd of 10,477 at Memorial Coliseum, keyed by Playoff MVP Stephen Harper’s two goals and Dylan Ferguson’s 26 saves.
“This is the best team I’ve ever played on. It’s the best night of my life, it really is,” said Shawn Szydlowski, the Komets’ longest tenured player with eight seasons donning the fireball. This city, with the way they support the team, it’s an NHL city and an NHL arena. The organization has been nothing but good to me. The fan base, the crowd, I can’t say enough about it.”
Mike Wiser Photography
Komets goaltender Dylan Ferguson hydrates during a stoppage Sunday in North Charleston, South Carolina, in Game 2 of the Kelly Cup Finals.
Mike Wiser Photography
Komets defenseman Blake Siebenaler, left, guards the South Carolina Stingrays Cole Ully on Sunday at North Charleston, South Carolina, in Game 2 of the Kelly Cup Finals.
Mike Wiser Photography
The South Carolina Stingrays Coly Ully, middle, takes a shot as the Komets Nick Boka tries to block it Sunday in Game 2 of the Kelly Cup Finals at North Charleston, South Carolina.
Mike Wiser Photography
The South Carolina Stingrays Justin Florek looks to make a play as he s defended by the Komets Mathieu Brodeur, No. 52, and Anthony Petruzzelli, No. 13, on Sunday in Game 2 of the Kelly Cup Finals at North Charleston, South Carolina.
Mike Wiser Photography
The South Carolina Stingrays Cole Ully celebrates a goal Sunday in Game 2 of the Kelly Cup Finals against the Komets in North Charleston, South Carolina, on Sunday at the Carolina Ice Palace.
Mike Wiser Photography
Komets defenseman Blake Siebenaler, left, guards the South Carolina Stingrays Cole Ully on Sunday at North Charleston, South Carolina, in Game 2 of the Kelly Cup Finals.
Mike Wiser Photography
Komets forward Anthony Petruzzelli stations himself in front of South Carolina Stingrays goaltender Hunter Shepard on Sunday in Game 2 of the Kelly Cup Finals at North Charleston, South Carolina.
Mike Wiser Photography
The South Carolina Stingrays Justin Florek looks to make a play as he s defended by the Komets Mathieu Brodeur, No. 52, and Anthony Petruzzelli, No. 13, on Sunday in Game 2 of the Kelly Cup Finals at North Charleston, South Carolina.
Brian Stone Photography
The Komets Brandon Hawkins, left, and the South Carolina Stingrays Mark Cooper ready for a faceoff on Friday in Game 1 of the Kelly Cup Finals at North Charleston, South Carolina.
Brian Stone Photography
The Komets Shawn Szydlowski skates in Game 1 of the Kelly Cup Finals against the South Carolina Stingrays on Friday at North Charleston, South Carolina.
Brian Stone Photography
Komets forward Alan Lyszczarczyk, right, attempts a shot on South Carolina Stingrays goaltender Hunter Shepard in Game 1 of the Kelly Cup Finals on Friday in North Charleston, South Carolina.
Brian Stone Photography
The Komets celebrate Brandon Hawkins first-period goal in Game 1 of the Kelly Cup Finals against the South Carolina Stingrays in North Charleston, South Carolina, on Friday night.