Perhaps it could be said that Earl Stritmatter attended more Komet home games than anyone. From the very start of Komet hockey in Fort Wayne, Earl began as a coliseum usher when the Komets first took the ice in 1952. A few years later, Mr. Stritmatter became a member of the Off-Ice Officials working Komet home games as a goal judge.

Earl became a fixture as a Komet goal judge until 1990 when he moved into the position as a penalty time keeper in the penalty box before being appointed press box security. Earl worked press box security through the 2002-03 season. Shortly after witnessing the Komets win the UHL Colonial Cup in May, 2003, Earl succumbed to lung cancer.

Earl Stritmatter will be remembered for his contribution to the Fort Wayne Off-Ice Official staff and for his 51 years of service and dedication to Fort Wayne Komet hockey.