Gems Complete Comeback to Defeat Fort Wayne 3-2

Published on December 18, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


The Dayton Gems fell behind early against Fort Wayne on Saturday night. But Dayton (13-9-1) scored a goal in the second period and two goals in the third period to capture the 3-2 win over the Fort Wayne (5-15-1).

Fort Wayne's Sean O'Connor started the scoring off for the Komets in the first period. He scored a short-handed goal at the 10:57 mark to give the Komets an early 1-0 win.

Leo Thomas then extended Fort Wayne's lead in the second period with a power play goal less than four minutes into the period.

After the goal by Thomas, the Gems took over for the remainder of the game.

Brandon Naurato didn't wait long before he scored his first goal as a Dayton Gems player. With Saturday being his inaugural game for the Gems, Naurato scored with 9:57 remaining in the second period pulled the Gems to within one and make the score 2-1. Naurato joined the Gems early Saturday morning after being placed on waivers Thursday by the Komets.

Mike Vaskivuo and Brett Lutes were credited with an assist on Naurato's goal.

The second period ended with the Komets ahead 2-1, but it wasn't long before Dayton took control of the game in the third period.

Lutes scored with 16:01 remaining in the third period to tie the game at 2-2. Both Vaskivuo and Naurato assisted Lutes on the goal. The goal was Lutes' fourth in the past two games.

With just 7:43 remaining in the game, Matthew Larke completed the comeback for the Gems by scoring the go-ahead goal for Dayton. Credited with an assist on the play were Nick Canzanello and Vaskivuo.

Saturday's win was the second straight for the Gems. It was also the fourth time this season the Gems have defeated the Komets.

On the defensive end, goaltender Jeff Jakaitis had another stellar performance in front of the net. Jakaitis recorded 32 saves on the night to help the Gems hold on for the win.

The Gems will face the Komets on the road one more time before the Christmas holiday. Dayton is scheduled to face Fort Wayne at 7:30 on Wednesday, December 22.

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

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Central Hockey League Stories from December 18, 2010


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