Story Summary
Jack Kopacka, 28, has signed to play in the ECHL with the Fort Wayne Komets after spending three seasons in Sweden. Kopacka, who had been clubless through the season after leaving Brynäs, was presented by his new team on Wednesday evening. Fort Wayne head coach Ben Boudreau praised Kopacka’s speed and offensive instincts on his arrival.
Key Facts
- Jack Kopacka is 28 years old.
- Kopacka has signed to play for the Fort Wayne Komets in the ECHL.
- He was presented by his new club on Wednesday evening.
- Fort Wayne head coach Ben Boudreau said Kopacka is a very fast player whose offensive instincts make him dangerous in attack.
- Kopacka previously played five ECHL games for the Tulsa Oilers, recording eight points (4+4).
- Before moving to Sweden in 2022, Kopacka played 130 games in the farm league.
- In 2022/23 he produced 27 points in 40 games for the Skåne club and served as an alternate captain for KIK.
- During his time with Brynäs he led the league with 33 goals and had 46 points in 49 games in one season.
- In the playoffs when Brynäs won promotion he recorded seven goals and 15 points, finishing as the playoff leader in goals and points for that run.
- After promotion he produced 18 goals and 34 points and was second in Brynäs’ internal goal scoring behind Jakob Silfverberg.
- Last season he registered 14 points in 45 SHL games before leaving Brynäs.
- Across three seasons with Brynäs, Kopacka scored 74 goals and amassed 125 points in 190 games.
IHM Discussion
Kopacka’s move to Fort Wayne closes a season in which the 28-year-old had been without a club after leaving Brynäs. His signing takes him back to North American hockey at ECHL level, where he has brief but productive prior experience: five games for Tulsa produced eight points. That spell, along with 130 games in the farm league before 2022, shows that Kopacka is familiar with the North American game despite his successful time in Sweden.
His record in Sweden is a significant part of the signing. Kopacka arrived in 2022 and quickly established himself, recording 27 points in 40 games for the Skåne club while serving as an alternate captain. He then enjoyed an outstanding campaign in Gävle, leading the league with 33 goals and posting 46 points in 49 games. He added seven goals and 15 playoff points in Brynäs’ promotion run, then followed with 18 goals and 34 points the next season.
Why It Matters
Fort Wayne gain a forward with a strong scoring record in Sweden and previous North American experience. Kopacka’s speed and offensive instincts, highlighted by head coach Ben Boudreau, give the Komets another attacking option. For Kopacka, the move offers a return to North America after a season without a club.
Mini Q&A
Which club has Jack Kopacka signed for?
He has signed with the Fort Wayne Komets of the ECHL.
How successful was Kopacka in Sweden?
Kopacka led the league with 33 goals and had 46 points in 49 games in one season, recorded seven goals and 15 playoff points during Brynäs’ promotion run, and totaled 74 goals and 125 points in 190 games for Brynäs over three seasons.
Does Kopacka have prior North American experience?
Yes. He played five ECHL games for the Tulsa Oilers, scoring eight points (4+4), and he appeared in 130 games in the North American farm league before moving to Sweden in 2022.
Coach Mark Comment
Kopacka’s speed and offensive instincts give Fort Wayne a player who can attack off the rush and put defenders under pressure. His early usage should make the most of those strengths, with linemates able to move the puck quickly into space.
IHM Final View
Fort Wayne have added a forward with a proven scoring record in Sweden and previous North American experience, while Kopacka returns to the North American game. His ability to translate his attacking strengths to the ECHL will shape the impact of the move.