What to Know About the Comets’ Home Opener

Oct 6, 2026

Utica, NY – The Comets opened the 2026-27 season in style with a 2-1 victory on the road over the Providence Bruins on Friday. With lots of hype around their offseason additions and now with a win to start the season, hockey fever is roaring in Utica as the Comets gear up for Opening Night at NBT Bank Arena against the Rochester Americans this Saturday, October 10th at 6 PM. For those lucky enough to have tickets for the nearly sold-out event, here’s what you need to know about Opening Night. 

The festivities will start on Saturday afternoon at 2:45 PM with a unique team introduction on the plaza located just outside the Labatt Blue entrance of NBT Bank Arena. With Mastrovito Hyundai now as the Official Partner of the Utica Comets, players will arrive in Mastrovito vehicles one by one and be introduced to fans as they walk down the red carpet into the arena. This is sure to offer a festive atmosphere and will be a great opportunity for fans to get pictures and autographs from their favorite players. 

At 4 PM, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the plaza right in front of the NBT Bank Arena sign to celebrate the new naming-rights partnership with NBT Bank. The ceremony will feature remarks from Comets, AUD Authority, and NBT Bank personnel.  

Doors to the arena will open at 4:30 PM with a rally towel giveaway for fans at all three entrances to promote an electric atmosphere and to celebrate the return of Comets hockey. Among other captivating elements leading up to gametime will be an in-arena pregame show on the digital dasher boards and a ceremonial puck drop with officials from the AUD Authority and NBT Bank.  

After the game begins, the festivities continue with the NBT Bank Hat Toss during the second media timeout of the first period, offering fans a chance to collect new apparel and take part in the lively atmosphere.  

This marks the first time since 2021 in which the Comets will host Rochester on Opening Night, where they defeated the Americans 6-2. "I’m really excited and I know the guys are looking forward to getting back to playing here at home. It’s an awesome environment and we’re looking forward to showing the fans the type of hockey they should be expecting all season,” said Comets’ Head Coach, Ryan Parent, who enters his second full season as bench boss. 

Coach Parent and the Comets have already showcased that winning brand of hockey in the win over the Bruins on Friday. Newcomers Gabe Klassen and Ben Steeves each scored in the game, two players who have added skill and depth to the Comets’ forward group. Among some of the other standouts on the roster include forward Riley Tufte, a towering presence at 6’6 who finished tied for third in the entire AHL last year with 32 goals, as well as rookie blue liner Anton Silaev, drafted 10th overall in 2024 by the Devils and a highly skilled defenseman who stands at 6’7.  

Captain Ryan Schmelzer returns to Utica for his sixth season, having served as team captain for his entire career as a Comet. The Buffalo, NY, native centered the first line on Friday and picked up the primary assist on Gabe Klassen’s first period goal.  

The Rochester Americans are celebrating their 71st season as a franchise and have picked up three out of a possible four points so far through their first two games after a 3-1 win over Toronto in their season opener on Friday and then a 3-2 shootout loss to Belleville on Sunday. The Amerks have added some key pieces in veterans Conor Sheary, who’s appeared in 655 career NHL regular-season games, and Matthew Peca, who’s played over 500 career AHL regular-season games and has racked up over 400 career points. A familiar face on the Amerks’ roster is forward Thomas Bordeleau, who suited up in 35 games for the Comets last season while registering six goals and two assists. 

The countdown is on and less than 100 tickets for Opening Night remain. For more information, please visit uticacomets.com/tickets or call 315-790-9070. 

Event Summary: 

• October 10th at 6 PM vs. Rochester Americans at NBT Bank Arena  

• Mastrovito Hyundai player entrance on the plaza 

• NBT Bank ribbon-cutting ceremony 

• Rally towel giveaway 

• In-arena pregame show on digital dasher boards 

• NBT Bank Hat Toss