PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Interstat) — David Rittich stopped 20 of 21 shots to help the Utica Comets edge the Providence Bruins 2-1 at Amica Mutual Pavilion on Friday. Gabe Klassen and Ben Steeves scored for Utica, and Brendan Gaunce scored for Providence. Klassen opened scoring, assisted by Ryan Schmelzer and Vladislav Kolyachonok. Steeves netted the eventual winner, with Matyas Melovsky and Lenni Hämeenaho assisting. Gaunce’s goal was assisted by Ivan Ivan and Joey Abate. Gaunce added three shots for Providence. Rittich earned the win and was Utica’s top star. Klassen recorded four shots, Kolyachonok had three shots and four penalty minutes, Schmelzer added three shots, Steeves had one goal, one shot and two penalty minutes, and Justin Pearson added two shots. The game featured six minor penalties, including two against Kolyachonok. Providence’s Brian Halonen also received a delay-of-game penalty. Utica improved to 1-0, while Providence fell to 0-1. Attendance at Amica Mutual Pavilion was 7,378. The Comets next host Rochester, while Providence next hosts Springfield.