Utica Comets fans got another chance to root for two popular players.

Forward Darren Archibald and goaltender Jacob Markstrom were each back in a Comets uniform during last week’s homestand at the Utica Memorial Auditorium.

Archibald, a free agent after last season, started this season in the ECHL with the Kalamazoo Wings. He signed a professional tryout contract with the Comets on Nov. 3. Markstrom joined the team later in the week on a conditioning assignment as part of his recovery from a hamstring injury he suffered in the preseason with the parent Vancouver Canucks. Both were welcomed back by fans with thunderous ovations at the Aud.

“It was loud (during pregame introductions). I expect nothing less from this crowd,” Archibald said after his first game back last week. “They’re like (an extra man) on the ice every night. There’s nothing but lots of energy from them.

“We hear it every single game. It always gives you that extra bit of juice and jump when you’re out on the ice.”

Archibald earned a strong following in Utica with his gritty playing style over the last two seasons, totaling 24 goals, 22 assists and 209 penalty minutes in 129 regular-season games with the Comets. A booming hit Archibald put on an opposing player during the team’s first season has more than 400,000 views on YouTube. Last season, he helped propel the Comets in their postseason run, scoring the game-winning goal against Chicago in Game 3 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals. He missed significant time with an injury during the rest of the playoffs.

Archibald wasted little time in his return to the Comets’ lineup this season. He scored on his first shot of the game against Portland on Nov. 4 to tie the game in the first period, drawing a huge reaction from the sold-out crowd. The Comets earned a 3-2 win.

“I’m very excited and happy to be back (in Utica),” Archibald said. “I’m just taking advantage of this opportunity.”

Comets goaltender Joe Cannata said Archibald’s presence was missed by teammates.

“Some of the guys wanted him here (in Utica) in the beginning (of this season),” Cannata said. “Some of the players look to him as a role model.

“He kind of does it all. The fans like him, too.”

Markstrom was a big part of the team’s success last season, too. In 32 regular-season games, he finished with a 22-7-2 record, a 1.88 goals-against average, a .934 save percentage and five shutouts. In 23 playoff games, he had a 2.11 GAA and a .925 save percentage.

The 25-year-old Markstrom made his return with the Comets on Friday. Combined with Saturday’s start, he finished with 1-0-1 record, a 2.40 GAA and a .909 save percentage during his short conditioning stint. He was named the team’s second star Saturday after a 20-save performance against Providence, drawing loud cheers from Comets fans.

“Utica fans are unbelievable,” said Markstrom, who was recalled by the Canucks on Monday. “They’re the best in the AHL.”

Markstrom, who started in goal for the Canucks on Tuesday in Columbus, said he is fond of his time in the Mohawk Valley.

“It’s the first time I looked forward to being sent down,” Markstrom said during a radio interview Saturday. “(Playing in Utica) was the best time in my life of playing hockey.”