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Gems Obtain Former NHL Player in Trade with Evansville

February 7, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


DAYTON, OH - Just minutes before the 4 p.m. trading deadline, the Dayton Gems made a trade for Evansville's Damian Surma in hopes of improving their offense for a run at the post season.

The Gems obtained Surma in exchange for rookie forward Erik Boisvert and future considerations.

Surma has played a big role in the IceMen's offense this season. In 43 games this season, the 5-foot-9 center has 37 points on 22 goals and 15 assists.

In addition to his offensive stats, Surma brings something to the Gems that they have not had on the team this season - NHL experience.

In 1999, Surma was the 174th pick in the NHL Draft. He was chosen by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 6th round.

Surma has had two stints in the NHL, both with the Carolina Hurricanes. His NHL debut came during the 2002-03 season. He played just one game at hockey's highest level that season and recorded his only NHL goal.

The following season, Surma again played in one game in the NHL. This time, he managed to record an assist for the Hurricanes.

In addition to playing in the NHL, Surma has spent time with a number of other organizations in the IHL, ECHL, UHL, AHL, OHL and the NAHL. He also played in Italy from 2006-2009.

Surma's best season came in the 1999-00 season when he recorded 78 points in 66 games with the Plymouth Whalers. He scored 34 goals and recorded 44 assists that season while spending 114 minutes in the penalty box. All of those totals are career highs.

This is Boisvert's first season in professional hockey. Thus far, Boisvert has had a big impact on the Gems having played in 41 games and recording 26 points. His 12 goals and 14 assists are among the highest totals on the team.

Prior to joining the Gems, Boisvert played for Sacred Heart University for four years.

Both players will play for their new teams starting on Friday. Ironically, the two will be facing their former team on Friday as Dayton travels to Evansville to take on the IceMen at 8:35 p.m.

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

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