Komets bring back Keppen, Volcan; add Swankler

Fort Wayne, Ind. - The Fort Wayne Komets announced that forwards Ethan Keppen and Nolan Volcan will return to the team, while rookie forward Austen Swankler has signed a contract for the 2024-25 season.

Keppen, 23, played in 40 games with the Komets last season, putting up 26 points (14g-12a_. Before his time with the Komets, he played 24 games with the Maine Mariners, scoring 16 points (4g-12a). He appeared in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack last season and the Charlotte Checkers in 2022-23.

Volcan, 25, appeared in 60 games with Fort Wayne in 2023-24, recording 29 points (16g-13a) before an injury ended his rookie season early. He finished his college career with the University of Alberta’s Golden Bears, racking up 83 points (37g-46a) in 108 games before turning pro.

Swankler, 22, suited up for 10 games with Michigan Tech last season, helping the Huskies to the CCHA championship. The North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, native also played two seasons with Bowling Green State University, collecting 70 points in 71 games. He was a Hobey Baker Award nominee in his sophomore season at Bowling Green State.