In a fast-paced and physical matchup, the Indy Fuel fell to the Fort Wayne Komets 4-3 in overtime on Wednesday night at the Fishers Event Center. Despite a strong start from the Fuel, the Komets stormed back to claim the victory, with Ethan Keppen netting the game-winning goal in the extra frame.

The Fuel wasted no time getting on the board, as Cam Hausinger found the net just 1:03 into the game with assists from Chris Cameron and Nathan Burke. However, Fort Wayne responded quickly, with Nolan Volcan tying the game at 3:09.

Indy regained the lead at 6:30 when Ethan Manderville scored his second goal of the season, assisted by Cameron—his second helper of the night—and Matus Spodniak. Ty Farmer extended the Fuel’s lead to 3-1 at 9:22, with Colin Bilek and Lucas Brenton picking up assists.

Fort Wayne struck back late in the period, as Brandon McManus scored with just over a minute remaining to cut the Fuel’s lead to 3-2. By the end of the first period, Indy led on the scoreboard but was outshot 8-5.

Both teams clamped down defensively in the second period, with limited scoring chances. The Fuel successfully killed off a tripping penalty by Spodniak at 15:21, but the Komets kept pressing. Their persistence paid off at 18:26, when Keppen netted his first goal of the night, tying the game at 3-3. Fort Wayne outshot Indy 13-11 through two periods.

As the intensity increased, both teams played a more disciplined game, avoiding the penalty box in a chippy third period. However, neither squad could find the back of the net. Fort Wayne controlled play, outshooting Indy 9-3 in the frame and carrying the momentum into overtime.

Goaltender Cam Gray led the Fuel into overtime for the second consecutive game. However, a hooking penalty on Bryan Lemos at 2:01 gave the Komets a crucial 4-on-3 power play. The Fuel’s penalty kill unit held strong, but just moments after the penalty expired, Keppen capitalized on a breakaway opportunity at 5:18 to secure the 4-3 win for Fort Wayne.

With the victory, the Komets outshot the Fuel 25-16 and handed Indy a tough overtime loss. The Fuel will look to bounce back as they head to Bloomington to take on the Bison for a Friday and Saturday set of contests.