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Gems claim huge 8-4 victory over Evansville on New Year's Eve

December 31, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


DAYTON, OH - To say the Dayton Gems rang in the New Year with a bang may be an understatement.

The Gems scored a season high eight goals, including five in the third period, to defeated Evansville 8-4 on Friday, Dec. 31. The four point margin of victory also tied the team's best this season.

The Gems fell behind early in the first period when Evansville's Nicklas Lindberg scored just five minutes into the game to make it 1-0.

As the period progressed, Dayton's offense started warming-up. After 13:30 of play, Mike Vaskivuo was able to slip a shot past the IceMen's goaltender to tie the game at 1-1. Matthew Larke and Nathan Oke were each credited with an assist on the play.

In the second period, Brandon Naurato was able to extend his scoring streak to seven games. With Dayton on a five-on-four power play, Naurato was able to take advantage of the situation and give the Gems a 2-1 lead.

Damian Surma tied the game at 2-2 with a goal for the IceMen midway through the period. The tie was short lived as Tysen Dowzak scored his first goal of the season less than 30 seconds later to give the Gems a 3-2 advantage.

The Gems' offense went on a tear in the third period. Vaskivuo and Matthew McCue each scored a goal and Jonathan Ornelas recorded two goals for the Gems within the opening eight minutes of the period to give the Gems a 7-2 lead.

After an Evansville goal, Erik Boisvert rounded out the scoring for the Gems with a goal in the final minute of play. The IceMen scored one final goal to end the game with a score of 8-4.

Rather than spend the evening celebrating the big win, the Gems will prepare for action on Saturday, Jan. 1, as they take to the ice against Fort Wayne at 7:30 p.m. at Hara Arena.

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

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