Gems Add Three More
August 20, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release
Dayton, OH- The Dayton Gems Ownership Group, proud member of the Central Hockey League, announced today the signings of Goaltender Jon Olthuis (Ol-tise) and defensemen Adam Maccarone and Jaime Dowhayko. Terms of the deals were not disclosed due to league and team mandates.
Othuis, 24, enters his rookie season in professional hockey after spending the past four seasons between the pipes for the University of Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves. While at UAA, Olthuis appeared in 89 games, (second most in school history) finished with an overall record of 23-47-12 and a save percentage of .880. Also while at UAA, Olthuis set career highs in saves in a single period (18) and total saves in a single game (46). During his sophomore season in 2007-08, he played in 32 games (tied for second-most all time by a UAA goaltender) earning 31 starts. As a senior in 2009-10, he started 25 of 26 games played. Olthuis excelled in the classroom just as much as he did on the ice by being named to the WCHA Scholar-Athlete team three times. Prior to his tenure at UAA, he posted a record of 30-14-2 in 48 games, recorded a 2.85 goals against average and a .905 save percentage for the Vernon Vipers of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League (BCHL) in 2005-06. Olthuis was selected to be a BCHL All-Star and earned the Vipers Unsung Hero Award that same season.
"After speaking to Jon's college coaches, they love his size and ability and are confident that he can transfer his movement and skill to the next level," said Head Coach and General Manager Brian Gratz. "We really feel like he hasn't tapped into his full level of potential and when he does he will be a major addition to our hockey club."
Maccarone, 23, returns for his second season with the Gems after being acquired late in the 2009-10 season in the trade that sent Matt Auffrey and Cody Hamilton to Port Huron. The 6'1", 210 pound defenseman appeared in 19 games last season recording five assists and only four penalty minutes. Prior to joining the Gems, he played in 55 games tallying 11 points on four goals and seven assists with the Icehawks.
Dowhayko, 27, also returns to Dayton hockey, after a brief stop with the Dayton Bombers of the ECHL back in 2008-09. Prior to turning pro in the 2007-08 season Dowhayko excelled with the University of Manitoba Bisons from 2004-2007. While at Manitoba, Dowhayko was a recipient of the Mike Ridley Award for superior athletic ability, good academic standing and high level of leadership as a full-time student three times. He appeared in 70 games and recorded 20 career points on six goals and 14 assists for the Bisons.
"Adam and Jamie will bring even more continuity to our defensive unit with their high energy and physical styles of play," said Gratz. "Both of these guys are known for being offensive defenseman and we anticipate that they will display these skills throughout the season."
Season tickets are on sale now!! Full and partial ticket plans are available. For more information call the Gems offices at 937-275-7777 or log onto our website at www.daytongems.com . You can also catch us on facebook at facebook.com/daytongems. Opening night at Hara Arena is Saturday, October 16th as the Gems host the Evansville IceMen at 7:30 p.m.
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Central Hockey League Stories from August 20, 2010
- Brahmas Offense 'Booms': Sign Greg Hogeboom for 2010-11 - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Gems Add Three More - Dayton Gems
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