ECHL: Fort Wayne Komets Sign Defenseman Cole Hults

At 28, Hults arrives in Fort Wayne after four seasons in the Central European professional leagues. His contract strengthens the Komets’ blue line, which has undergone substantial restructuring ahead of the new season. Hailing from Madison, Wisconsin, Hults brings a recognizable name to the organization. He is the younger brother of Komets forward Mitch Hults, making him the second Hults family member on Fort Wayne’s roster.

Cole Hults Brings AHL Experience

The Los Angeles Kings selected Hults in the fifth round of the 2017 NHL Draft. Before his professional career, he played three seasons at Penn State University, where he developed his game at the NCAA level before turning pro. Hults later appeared in 73 American Hockey League games for the Ontario Reign and Tucson Roadrunners. This experience gave him valuable time competing at one of North America’s highest levels of professional hockey before pursuing his career overseas. Over the past four seasons, Hults has been active in Central European hockey, gaining professional experience before returning to North America.

Hults now joins the Komets in Fort Wayne as the team prepares for the 2026-2027 season. His background in NCAA, AHL, and European professional hockey gives the team another veteran defensive option. The addition also creates a compelling family connection for Fort Wayne, as Cole and Mitch Hults are now both in the Komets organization.