Gems Win Opener 3-1

October 16, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Dayton, OH- The Dayton Gems had to wait a while before starting their season opener last night against the Evansville IceMen due to some travel difficulties by Evansville on their way into Dayton. After nearly a two hour delay, Gems fans weren't phased and a strong crowd was ready for some hockey.

It didn't take long for the fans to get what they were waiting for when the Gems jumped out to an early 1-0 lead late in the first period when Jonathan Ornelas finished off a great pass set up by line mates Chris Lipsett and Brett Lutes at the 4:40 mark. Supported by strong goaltending from starter Jeff Jakaitis who stopped 12 shots in the first period, the Gems took the lead into the locker room after 20 minutes of play.

The second period was somewhat of a different story and for some reason the Gems just could not get the offense going and only registered four shots on goal. Evansville on the other hand found their offense and generated 11 shots in the period, one of which got behind Jakaitis and tied the game at 1-1 at the 6:32 mark.

The third period was almost an exact replica of the second with the IceMen outshooting the Gems 15-7 again in the third, but Jakaitis (who was named the second star of the night with his 37 saves) was one of the stories all game long. Perhaps a slightly bigger story developed at around the 11 minute mark when rookie forward Erik Boisvert recorded his first goal as a professional and gave the Gems the 2-1 lead. After the IceMen took an undisciplined penalty late in the game, returning Gem this season Corey Couturier put the game away with Dayton's third goal of the night giving the Gems their first win of the season with a 3-1 victory.

Next up for Dayton they won't have much time to rest because the defending CHL Champion Rapid City Rush will be at Hara Arena at 5:00 for game number two of this young season. Rapid City also brings momentum with them after shutting out the Fort Wayne Komets 4-0 last night as well.

Season tickets are on sale now!! Full and partial ticket plans are available. For more information call the Gems offices at 937-275-7777 or log onto our website at www.daytongems.com. You can also catch us on facebook at facebook.com/daytongems. The Kettering Medical Center is proud to be the title sponsor of the Dayton Gems for the 2010-11 season.



Central Hockey League Stories from October 16, 2010


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