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Gems claim 2-1 overtime victory over Evansville

February 11, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Sometimes, good things come to those who wait. Just ask the Dayton Gems.

The Gems were unable to record a goal in the first two-and-a-half periods of play on Friday night at Evansville. Nathan Oke was able to break that scoreless drought for Dayton in the third period, but it wasn't until Brandon Naurato scored a powerplay goal in overtime that the Gems were able to claim the 2-1 victory over the IceMen.

The Gems were outshot 53-28 on the night. The 53 shots on goal are the most Dayton has allowed in a game this season.

In the end, it didn't matter.

Jeff Jakaitis had one of his best performances of the season on Friday night. During regulation, Jakaitis recorded 50 saves and recorded two more in overtime before earning the win. The 52 saves are the most Jakaitis has recorded in a single game this season.

His previous best came on Oct. 30, when he recorded 46 against Bloomington.

Both teams started out slow on Friday. Neither team was able to record a goal in the first two periods of the game.

Evansville was finally able to break the scoreless spell in the third period with a goal by Jamie Lovell. Just 38 seconds into the period, Lovell took the first shot of the period and found the back of the net to give the IceMen a 1-0 lead.

The IceMen continued to play dominate defense in the third period as the Gems were unable to get a shot off for the first 6:53 of the period. But when Nathan Oke was able to take that first shot of the period, he made it worth his while by scoring his fifth goal of the season to tie the game at 1-1.

Narauto was able to record the game-winner in overtime on a powerplay goal at the 2:21 mark in the extra frame. Brett Lutes and Damian Surma were each credited with an assist on the play.

Dayton will play again on Saturday night in their home rink against Fort Wayne. The Gems will be wearing pink jerseys as part of their Pink in the Rink promotion that is taking place that night in an effort to raise breast cancer awareness.

The game against the Komets will start at 7:30 p.m. A jersey auction will immediately follow the game. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will go toward the Noble Circle Project of Dayton and the Women's Wellness Fund at the Kettering Medical Center.

The Kettering Medical Center is proud to be the official title sponsor of the Gems for the 2010-11 season.

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