There have been some unique experiences for Nate Schnarr over the last three American Hockey League seasons.

The 22-year-old center for the Utica Comets has been a key contributor to the team’s sizzling start. The Comets’ start includes a impressive 13-0-0-0 mark, which is an AHL record. On Friday, the team surpassed the previous mark for best start to a season, which was set 37 years ago.

“We have such a tight group in the dressing room. I think it means that much more to us to start off like this,” said Schnarr, who has 11 points. “Every guy in that dressing room wants more. We know how special this group can be.”

Utica can add to the mark with games Wednesday against Rochester and this weekend at Charlotte.

It is the second time in recent years that New Jersey’s AHL affiliate has had a red-hot run of games. Schnarr joined the organization in December 2019 via New Jersey’s trade with Arizona. Schnarr played for the AHL team, then located in Binghamton, and had a role in helping the squad rattle off a 25-7-0-0 record from late December to early March 2020. In the final 13 games before the season was called off due to coronavirus concerns in March 2020, the team went 12-1-0-0.

Schnarr was part of that team with current Comets captain Ryan Schmelzer, Marian Studenic and Jeremy Groleau.

“I think (this Comets squad and the 2019-20 AHL team) remind me of one another,” Schnarr said. “I think it is just a hardworking team that plays with details and gets the job night in and night out. We’re just playing with a lot of confidence. Honestly, we just trust the group in that room. It is definitely similar.”

This team – with its variety of skilled players and mix of young New Jersey Devils prospects and more experienced players – has found ways to reach a double-digit win streak with help from contributions throughout the lineup. The team has also had impressive goaltending from rookies Nico Daws (7-0-0, 2.00 goals-against average, .938 save percentage) and Akira Schmid (6-0-0, 1.65, .944) to add to its hard-working game.

“I say we’re in the entertainment business and we feel like we’re a fun team to watch,” said Kevin Dineen, whose coaching experience has also benefited the Comets. “There’s personality and I think there’s players you want to identify with. … I’m humbly honored that (the Utica fans have) taken to this group.” 

On the ice, it is certainly an interesting juxtaposition to last season, which had a delayed start. The Devils’ AHL team totaled seven wins over 35 games in the shortened season. Devils’ officials, though, acknowledged they simply wanted to give their prospects an opportunity to play after time away.

“There’s hills and valleys and it is hard. The highs can’t be too high and the lows can’t be too low,” said Schnarr, who is among nine current Comets players from that team. “Honestly, the group effort has just meant so much. We stuck together last year and I think it makes it more special to be where we are right now. “