The 30-year-old Szwarz signed a contract with the Utica Comets earlier this week after spending last season with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
Comets forward Jordan Szwarz started with the right hand, coming in over the top three or four times against Belleville Senators defenseman Dominik Masin. Szwarz then grabbed Masin’s jersey near the front of the collar to free up his left hand, which he used to connect with a few shots before the linesmen stepped in to break up the scrap.
Szwarz then got up, spun around, and clapped his hands together before he skated toward the penalty box, hearing the appreciative stick-taps from his teammates.
Not bad for your fourth shift with a new team.
“Yeah, it was obviously fun to be back out there,” Szwarz said Wednesday night after Utica’s 3-1 loss to the Senators. “Would have liked it better if we got the win.”
Szwarz signed an AHL contract with the Comets only a few days earlier after spending last season with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Despite finishing fourth in scoring with 26 goals and 56 points, the 30-year-old was left unsigned throughout the offseason and through the first 61 games to date.
Known more for his offensive prowess than his fisticuffs, Szwarz isn’t shy when it comes to dropping the gloves, evident by his three fights a year ago. “I wouldn’t say it’s a part of my game per se, but that said I won’t back down from it either,” Szwarz said when asked to comment on his first-period fight. Although they lost, Coach Ryan Warsofsky was pleased with his newest veteran’s game.
“It’s tough to make a statement on a guy after one game, but I liked what I saw,” Warsoksky said. “He’s a guy that can help us. He’s sort of a gel guy. The players are excited for him. Just a good guy that deserves his shot back in the league. I’m happy for him.” Centering Utica’s second line alongside Joakim Nygard and Jan Jenik, Szwarz has a real chance to display his skills – something not lost on the newcomer. “It’s a great opportunity. I’m going to work hard and do whatever it takes to settle in with those guys. Both are extremely talented. I’m really excited to learn more about them and really come together as a line.”
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