Gems Add Trio to Roster in Time for Upcoming Training Camp

Published on September 30, 2011 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Dayton, Ohio - The Dayton Gems, proud members of the Central Hockey League, announced the addition of goaltenders Jon Olthuis and Zane Kalemba and forward Ernie Stewart for the upcoming 2011-2012 season.

Olthuis, a 26 year old native of Neerlandia, Alberta, rejoins the Gems after seeing playing time in two games for Dayton after starting the season for the August Riverhawks of the single-A Southern Professional Hockey League. Listed at 6'3", Olthuis honed his skills between the pipes playing as a four year letter winner for the University of Alaska-Anchorage after a successful junior career in the British Columbia Hockey League. "Jon was there when we needed him last season, and his experience from the Southern league will help be there for us again this season" noted Gems head coach Brian Gratz.

Kalemba, a rookie netminder from Saddle Brook, New Jersey, joins the Gems after spending time in both the CHL and the ECHL last season. Prior to starting out on the professional hockey career path, Kalemba earned time as the starting netminder at Princeton University for four seasons of ECAC play. "After his successful college career, and his first glimpse at the pro game last season, we're looking forward to seeing what he's got between the pipes" added Gratz.

Also rejoining the Gems for his second season is forward Ernie Stewart, a native of Salmon Arm, British Columbia. In his rookie season of 2010-2011, Stewart notched 14 points in his 54 regular season appearances, and helped the team reach it's first postseason berth in team history, suiting up for two of the team's three games against Rapid City. The 26 year old continues his professional hockey career after four seasons with Mount Royal College, and two years playing against current teammate Olthuis in the BCHL. Gratz added "Ernie's speed and his hard work on the penalty kill will be assets for us again this season."

All three players will be in a Gems sweater when the team opens its third training camp on Cassano's Italian Ice inside the historic Hara Arena on Monday, October 10.

The Dayton Gems opening night is set for Saturday, November 5 at 7pm. Single Game Tickets are on sale now at the Hara Arena box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. In addition, full season and mini pack ticket packages are still available starting at $27! Call the Gems at 275-7777 for more information and to order by phone.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Central Hockey League Stories from September 30, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central