PHN Photo Essay – Fort Wayne Komets vs. Dayton Gems 03/25/12

Fort Wayne, Ind. – The Komets completed the 2011-12 campaign with a 6-2 victory Sunday over the visiting Dayton Gems at the Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne and claimed the CHL Turner Conference regular season title with a 40-19-7 record for 87 points. Colin Chaulk, Chris Auger, Bobby Chaumont, Mike Vaskivuo, and Jamie Milam all had multi-point performances as the Komets gave a complete team effort in the win Sunday evening.  It took just over six minutes into the regular season finale for the Komets and the 8,390 fans on hand to celebrate. Colin Chaulk, who has been red hot in the latter portion of the season, was in perfect position when he fired a loose rebound past Dayton goaltender Larry Sterling to give the K’s a 1-0 lead at 6:16 of the first period. The newly acquired and nicely welcomed Mike Vaskivuo along with Chris Auger assisted on the tally. Dayton found some relief at 8:35 when Damien Surma beat Nick Boucher with a short-handed goal. Komet Bobby Chaumont upped the intensity with a smooth power play strike at 12:55, beating Gem goalie Larry Sterling between the pads. Chaumont received solid passing from defenseman Frankie DeAngelis and forward Colin Chaulk on the play. The opening period rebuttal came first in the form of a Dayton Gems game tying rocket with 6:25 gone. David Nimmo managed to even the score as he crossed the blue line and fired a healthy slap shot into the back of the Komet cage. At 10:44 Kaleigh Shrock found the open net through traffic to regain the Fort Wayne Komet lead. Shrock’s goal was complimented by helpers from Colin Chaulk and Mike Vaskivuo, giving both multiple assists in the affair. Fort Wayne struck again in the waning seconds of the second period when Chris Auger slammed home a backdoor pass at 19:26 to give the K’s a 4-2 lead. Bobby Chaumont kept the momentum rolling for Fort Wayne when he found the net for his second tally of the game at 4:02 of the third period. Just a minute later Tom Mele gave the K’s a commanding 6-2 lead when he played the angle and slipped the puck past Sterling. Colin Chaulk received his fourth assist of the game while Auger received his third.  Chaulk claimed first star of the game with a goal and four assists for a five-point night. The following images were captured at the Allen County War Memorial arena during Sunday’s contest.

Dayton goalie Larry Sterling eyeballs an approaching shot.

Dayton goalie Larry Sterling eyeballs an approaching shot.

Komets defenseman David Starenky watches the action during a break.

Komets defenseman David Starenky watches the action during a break.

Fort Wayne%27s Brett Smith attacks the goal.

Fort Wayne%27s Brett Smith attacks the goal.

Fort Wayne winger Kaleigh Schrock moves the puck across center ice.

Fort Wayne winger Kaleigh Schrock moves the puck across center ice.

Fort Wayne defenseman Jamie Lovell moves into the fray.

Fort Wayne defenseman Jamie Lovell moves into the fray.

Dayton defenseman Tim Hartung battles two Komets for the puck.

Dayton defenseman Tim Hartung battles two Komets for the puck.

Brett Smith and teammates celebrate a goal.

Brett Smith and teammates celebrate a goal.

Dayton goalie Larry Sterling leaves the ice as Dann Dunn enters in relief.

Dayton goalie Larry Sterling leaves the ice as Dann Dunn enters in relief.

Contact the photographer at john.roth@prohockeynews.com

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