The Utica Comets came streaking into the 2026-27 AHL season Friday night, and it didn't take long for one of their newest faces to light up the scoreboard.
Gabe Klassen scored the first goal in the American Hockey League this season just four minutes into his Comets debut, Ben Steeves added another debut goal and Utica held off the Providence Bruins for a 2-1 win Friday night at Amica Mutual Pavilion.
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It was an encouraging opening night for a Utica roster featuring several new faces from the New Jersey Devils organization. The Comets built a 2-0 lead through two periods before shutting the door after Providence pulled within one early in the third.
Gabe Klassen Scores First AHL Goal Of 2026-27 Season
Klassen's first goal as a Comet was also the first goal of the new AHL season.
Ryan Schmelzer and Vladislav Kolyachonok set up Klassen 4:31 into the first period, giving Utica an early 1-0 advantage.
It was an immediate introduction for Klassen, who reported to Utica after spending training camp with the Devils.
FIRST GOAL OF THE AHL SEASON GOES TO THE COMETS ☄️
— FloHockey (@FloHockey) October 2, 2026
In his debut with @UticaComets, Gabe Klassen scores the first of the 2026-27 @TheAHL season!#AHL | Opening Night, October 2 | 📺 Watch Live on FloHockey pic.twitter.com/qe6xV9NtP1
Ben Steeves Scores In Utica Comets Debut
Another new Comet doubled the advantage late in the second period.
Steeves scored with 2:01 remaining in the period off assists from Matyas Melovsky and Lenni Hameenaho, giving Utica a 2-0 lead heading into the second intermission.
Steeves joined the Devils organization during the offseason after being acquired from the Florida Panthers organization and is coming off a 2025-26 season in which he recorded 45 points with 23 goals and 22 assists for the Charlotte Checkers.
The entire scoring combination on Utica's second goal featured players who arrived in Utica after spending time in Devils training camp.
Great tip: don't text your ex tonight
— Utica Comets (@UticaComets) October 3, 2026
Better tip: ⬇️ https://t.co/Uz1pmA15X3 pic.twitter.com/xE2QiZRtJi
Providence Pushes Back In Third Period
Providence finally broke through 5:45 into the third period when Brendan Gaunce scored to cut Utica's lead to 2-1.
That was as close as the Bruins would get.
Utica protected the one-goal advantage the rest of the way to begin the season with a road victory.
WELCOME BACK TO PROVIDENCE, BRENDAN GAUNCE‼️ pic.twitter.com/ZsiC7kqPHg
— Providence Bruins (@AHLBruins) October 3, 2026
Utica Comets vs. Providence Bruins Score
Utica Comets 2, Providence Bruins 1
First Period
Utica: Gabe Klassen, 4:31 (Ryan Schmelzer, Vladislav Kolyachonok)
Second Period
Utica: Ben Steeves, 17:59 (Matyas Melovsky, Lenni Hameenaho)
Third Period
Providence: Brendan Gaunce, 5:45 (Ivan Ivan)
Utica Comets vs. Providence Bruins Stats
Final score: Utica 2, Providence 1
Shots: Utica 24, Providence 21
Venue: Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence, Rhode Island
Attendance: 7,378
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