Gems Win 2-1 Over Fort Wayne in Thrilling Shootout

Published on December 26, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


When the Dayton Gems went out on the ice to start Sunday's game against the Fort Wayne Komets, the players knew it was the beginning of a busy period for them.

Over a seven day period, the Gems are scheduled to play six games.

If all the games take as long as Sunday's, the Gems' schedule may seem even busier than it appears to be on paper.

Sunday's 2-1 win over the Komets was one of the longest games of the season for the Gems. It took a shootout and more than three hours of playing time for the Gems to claim victory over Fort Wayne. When Ernie Stewart scored the game winning goal in the shootout, head coach Brian Gratz had just one phrase running through his mind.

"It's about time," Gratz said with a laugh when the media asked him about Stewart's shot. "But that's why I put Ernie (Stewart) in. I knew he would win it for us."

The Gems found themselves down 1-0 midway through the second period after a goal by Fort Wayne's Kaleigh Schrock. The lead was short lived for the Komets. With 5:04 left in the period, Brandon Naurato scored for the Gems and tied the game at 1-1.

The game would stay that way until Stewart's game winning goal in the shootout.

Once again, goaltender Jeff Jakaitis played a key role in keeping the Gems in the game. Jakaitis recorded 31 saves and allowed just one shot past him on the night.

On Monday, Dec. 27, the Gems will face the Komets on the road at 7:30 p.m. It will be the fourth time since Dec. 18 the two teams have faced each other.

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 26, 2010


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