By Bruce Kettelle
The Dayton Gems proved the third time is the charm this weekend. In fact they did it twice.
The Gems first win of the season came on Friday night in Muskegon 7-5. That was their third game of the season. Then during their third home game of the season they picked up their second win on Sunday 5-4 against the Flint Generals.
Apparently more practice and a few lineup changes are having an effect since their opening weekend resulted in two losses.
This week Coach John Marks cut Mike Busto, Bobby Reed and Travis Winters. He added Matt Auffrey a former Dayton Bomber and Edgars Brancis of the Latvian Pro League.
The Gems also added another loss over the weekend making their record 2-3 falling in Bloomington 0-4 on Saturday night.
Friday in Muskegon goals were added by Joe VanCulin, Jonathon Ornelas, Mike Masklonka, John Snowden, Michael Mullin, AJ Maclean, and Mike Vaskivus.
Scoring in Hara against Flint Sunday for the Gems were Greg Labenski (2), John Snowden, Joe VanCulin, and Mike Vaskivo. The Gems trailed 3-2 at the end of the 1st period. Dayton took the lead for the rest of the game after a rally about 8 minutes into the second period.
This coming weekend the Gems will be on the road. They are back in Trotwood for a three game streak November 6, 7, & 8. A three game ticket is available for $33 at Hara or any Ticketmaster. The team is also expected to announce some changes in their regular ticket prices this week. For more information call 275-7777.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Gems Still Working On Polish
By Bruce Kettelle
As expected there was a smaller crowd for the Dayton Gems first Sunday afternoon hockey game. In the confines of Hara Arena the fans sounded loud but on the ice the Gems were still trying to polish their game after Friday’s unsuccessful tiebreaker.
Despite Bloomington’s loss to Muskegon at their season opener earlier in the weekend they were able to muster a third period rally taking home a 4-2 win from this road trip.
Looks like the Gems may be working overtime in practice this week after failing to last in their first two third periods. Friday it appeared they ran out of gas and Sunday coach John Marks said they weren’t playing as a team.
Prairiethunder forward Jon Boras scored one of his two game points in the first period. Gem Jon Snowden answered back in the second to tie up the game going into the third period.
Bloomington was on fire in the third with goals from Brian Boulay, Ryan Finnerty and Boras.
Mike Vaskivuo drilled the only third period goal for the Gems.
The Gems go on the road visiting Muskegon Friday and Bloomington Saturday for a rematch. Audio for those games can be heard live on-line at www.DaytonGems.com
Sunday they are back in Trotwood with a 5pm start against the Flint Generals.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Gems Drop Opener In Tiebreaker
Dayton hockey fans easily drowned out the 300 or so Indiana commuters that made the three hour trek to Hara Arena Friday. That is until a 3rd period rally that erased the early Gems lead sending the season opener into overtime.
Two minutes later the Ft Wayne Komets claimed the 4-3 victory.
The Dayton Gems emerged strong scoring twice in the first period and again in the second. It was all there, puck handling, big checks on the boards, and 2800 new fans eager to enjoy the inaugural IHL season in the revamped Hara.
The Gems were game on during the first two periods chalking up a 3-1 lead with goals by Sam Bloom, Johnathon Ornelas, and Phil Youngclaus. But last seasons IHL champions controlled the third period effectively shutting down the Gem offense. The Komets kept most of the third period play in the Gems half of the ice.
Two minutes later the Ft Wayne Komets claimed the 4-3 victory.
The Dayton Gems emerged strong scoring twice in the first period and again in the second. It was all there, puck handling, big checks on the boards, and 2800 new fans eager to enjoy the inaugural IHL season in the revamped Hara.
The Gems were game on during the first two periods chalking up a 3-1 lead with goals by Sam Bloom, Johnathon Ornelas, and Phil Youngclaus. But last seasons IHL champions controlled the third period effectively shutting down the Gem offense. The Komets kept most of the third period play in the Gems half of the ice.
Bobby Reed muscles by Ft Wayne Defenseman Matt Woodard in the second period of the Dayton Gems season opener.
Danny Lapointe takes a shot at Komet goalie Nick Boucher.
Reed gets a break away from a second period puck drop.
Reed takes a right jab from Komet Leo Thomas as things heated up in the third period.
Trotwood Dazzels Troy In Drizzle
The Trotwood Rams were so hot Friday night spectators forgot about hot chocolate in the cold raw drizzle that enveloped the Good Samaritan Sportsplex at Trotwood-Madison High School. Antwan Gilbert proved to be a football machine moving the ball nearly 250 yards. Troy could not control the offense leaving the drenced field with a 25-13 Trotwood win.
More details and more pictures tomorrow!
More details and more pictures tomorrow!
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Dayton Gems hockey team released their final roster late Thursday. Coach John Marks has created a young dream team with all the players between 22 and 31 years old. This final lineup will meet last year’s IHL Turner Cup Champs tonight for the regular season opener in Hara Arena at 8pm.
The old man of the first year franchise is a familiar name in Dayton following his 3-year run with the now defunct Dayton Bombers. Greg Labenski (31) will be a starting forward bringing a depth of professional experience since his 1995 debut in the OHL.
The young man on the Gems roster is goalie Ryan Mior (22). Mior comes to Dayton after last year’s impressive season with the IHL Port Huron Ice Hawks.
Bloom,Sam F McGill Univ, CIS
Briggs,Preston D Rocky Mountain,CHL
Busto,Mike D South Carolina ECHL
Labenski,Greg D Dayton, ECHL
Lapointe,Dan F Bakersfield, ECHL
MacIntyre,Derek G Danbury,EPHL
MacLean,A.J. F Arizona, CHL
Maslonka,Milan F Dayton, ECHL
Mior,Ryan G Port Huron, IHL
Mullen,Michael F Tulsa, CHL
Nathe,Bryan D Witchita, CHL
Oke,Nathan D Richmond, SPHL
Ornelas,Jonathan F Amarillo, CHL
Reed,Bobby F Tulsa, CHL
Snowden,John F Amarillo, CHL
VanCulin,Joe D Dayton, ECHL
Vaskivuo,Mike F South Carolina ECHL
Versteeg-Lytwyn,Mark F Fort Wayne, IHL
Winter,Travis F Bemidji, WCHA State
Youngclaus,Phil D Gwinnett, ECHL
The old man of the first year franchise is a familiar name in Dayton following his 3-year run with the now defunct Dayton Bombers. Greg Labenski (31) will be a starting forward bringing a depth of professional experience since his 1995 debut in the OHL.
The young man on the Gems roster is goalie Ryan Mior (22). Mior comes to Dayton after last year’s impressive season with the IHL Port Huron Ice Hawks.
Bloom,Sam F McGill Univ, CIS
Briggs,Preston D Rocky Mountain,CHL
Busto,Mike D South Carolina ECHL
Labenski,Greg D Dayton, ECHL
Lapointe,Dan F Bakersfield, ECHL
MacIntyre,Derek G Danbury,EPHL
MacLean,A.J. F Arizona, CHL
Maslonka,Milan F Dayton, ECHL
Mior,Ryan G Port Huron, IHL
Mullen,Michael F Tulsa, CHL
Nathe,Bryan D Witchita, CHL
Oke,Nathan D Richmond, SPHL
Ornelas,Jonathan F Amarillo, CHL
Reed,Bobby F Tulsa, CHL
Snowden,John F Amarillo, CHL
VanCulin,Joe D Dayton, ECHL
Vaskivuo,Mike F South Carolina ECHL
Versteeg-Lytwyn,Mark F Fort Wayne, IHL
Winter,Travis F Bemidji, WCHA State
Youngclaus,Phil D Gwinnett, ECHL
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Icemen Blow Fuse, Gems Win 9-1
By Bruce Kettelle
Even though an electrical failure on the Icemen’s bus delayed the game, the Icemen demonstrated some early electricity in the pre-season debut against the Dayton Gems scoring the first goal of the game just 10 minutes into the 1st period. But their power failure soon returned and that would be their only goal as the Gems cemented their second pre-season win 9-1 in preparation for Friday’s season opener against Ft Wayne at Trotwood's Hara Arena.
While the Evansville Icemen waited for the replacement bus to arrive in Louisville they probably spent more time together as a team than they have all season. Their training camp just opened Monday and they only had two practices under their belt. Their league, the AAHL, starts two weeks after the Gems’s IHL gets underway.
Dayton on the other hand made their last roster cuts after the game signaling they are at the end of their training camp. Coach John Marks watched the game from the upstairs press box for a different view of the players before making those final decisions.
On the ice coaching for the game was left up to starting defenseman Greg Labenski. Marks already knows he is a keeper. Sam Bloom, Chris Clark and Johnathon Ornelas each scored twice. Edgars Brancis, Mike Mullen, and Ohil Youngclaus each added one.
Ice hockey crowds are also proving to be keepers at Hara. Over 1400 were on hand last night, up from the 900 at last week’s pre-season game. Comments from the crowd were positive and tickets are selling fast to Fridays game against the Ft Wayne Komets starting at 8pm. For ticket info call the Dayton Gems Hockey office at (937)275-7777
The Gems out shot the Icemen 57-5. Icemen goalie Dave Desander takes a water break after fending off a barrage of shots in the second.
Even with the Gems ahead 6-1 in period 2 this young fan shows her displeasure with the referees call against her team.
And then it was 7-1 after the Gems slipped another one by the Icemen.
Gem Avery Wilson takes a swing at Ryan Ford after being slammed into the boards.
Even though an electrical failure on the Icemen’s bus delayed the game, the Icemen demonstrated some early electricity in the pre-season debut against the Dayton Gems scoring the first goal of the game just 10 minutes into the 1st period. But their power failure soon returned and that would be their only goal as the Gems cemented their second pre-season win 9-1 in preparation for Friday’s season opener against Ft Wayne at Trotwood's Hara Arena.
While the Evansville Icemen waited for the replacement bus to arrive in Louisville they probably spent more time together as a team than they have all season. Their training camp just opened Monday and they only had two practices under their belt. Their league, the AAHL, starts two weeks after the Gems’s IHL gets underway.
Dayton on the other hand made their last roster cuts after the game signaling they are at the end of their training camp. Coach John Marks watched the game from the upstairs press box for a different view of the players before making those final decisions.
On the ice coaching for the game was left up to starting defenseman Greg Labenski. Marks already knows he is a keeper. Sam Bloom, Chris Clark and Johnathon Ornelas each scored twice. Edgars Brancis, Mike Mullen, and Ohil Youngclaus each added one.
Ice hockey crowds are also proving to be keepers at Hara. Over 1400 were on hand last night, up from the 900 at last week’s pre-season game. Comments from the crowd were positive and tickets are selling fast to Fridays game against the Ft Wayne Komets starting at 8pm. For ticket info call the Dayton Gems Hockey office at (937)275-7777
The Gems out shot the Icemen 57-5. Icemen goalie Dave Desander takes a water break after fending off a barrage of shots in the second.
Even with the Gems ahead 6-1 in period 2 this young fan shows her displeasure with the referees call against her team.
And then it was 7-1 after the Gems slipped another one by the Icemen.
Gem Avery Wilson takes a swing at Ryan Ford after being slammed into the boards.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Hockey Fans Enjoy Dayton Gems (pictures)
October 9 2009 - Dayton Gems 4 - Toledo Walleye 2
Trotwood resident Dave Szkudlarek and friend Rhonda Garrett stretch their legs after the second period while the zamboni works the ice at Hara Arena. The season ticket holder was excited by the return of hockey to Hara.
This young family has great season ticket seats behind the Dayton Gems bench. The new plastic boards give them a great view of the team and the ice.
Head Trainer Bryan Rogers and Head Coach John Marks were watching closely during this preseason game against Toledo. Marks needs to trim about ten players to get down to the final roster size.
These flyers provided some fascinating entertainment between periods with these remote controlled aircraft. Don Smith(l) and John McNees(r) used to perform in the Nutter Center during Dayton Bomber games. Besides the planes team management has lots of fun in store this season including $1 beer nights at every Wednesday game.
Trotwood resident Dave Szkudlarek and friend Rhonda Garrett stretch their legs after the second period while the zamboni works the ice at Hara Arena. The season ticket holder was excited by the return of hockey to Hara.
This young family has great season ticket seats behind the Dayton Gems bench. The new plastic boards give them a great view of the team and the ice.
Head Trainer Bryan Rogers and Head Coach John Marks were watching closely during this preseason game against Toledo. Marks needs to trim about ten players to get down to the final roster size.
These flyers provided some fascinating entertainment between periods with these remote controlled aircraft. Don Smith(l) and John McNees(r) used to perform in the Nutter Center during Dayton Bomber games. Besides the planes team management has lots of fun in store this season including $1 beer nights at every Wednesday game.
Dayton Gems Reel In Some Walleyes
Dayton Gems ice hockey returned to Hara Arena last night. To the delight of fans and team management is was a win win for the Wamplers old hockey barn.
On the ice the Gems dominated the scoring in the 4-2 preseason win. This is the IHL Gems only ECHL matchup this season and former Dayton Bombers fans couldn’t help but think of some past matchups with the former Toledo Storm.
But the Toledo Walleye, even with a new name and a new home arena, could not put it together. Both teams were trying out new players and both coaches were watching closely as deadlines near to reduce their rosters.
That translated to some exciting play giving the 700 fans in Hara their can’s worth of entertainment. Admission to both pre-season games is free with a canned good donation for the local food bank. The promotion netted an overflowing cartful of food in the front lobby.
It also netted some additional season ticket sales for the fledgling Dayton franchise. One Trotwood resident confided to us after the game that they were sold on both the team and Hara, and will be purchasing season tickets next week.
The next preseason game at Hara is October 14th against Evansville at 7pm. For ticket information contact the Dayton Gems office at (937)275-7777.
With 1:44 left in the second period Phil Youngclaus gets this shot over Toledo’s Steve Silver and Milan Maslonka giving the Dayton Gems a 3-1 lead. The Gems prevailed in their first IHL home pre-season match against the ICHL Toledo Walleye 4-2.
Fans got a taste of some great ice hockey. Both teams were trying to prove something to their coaches in the preseason event at Hara Arena in Trotwood
By the third period some of Toledo’s frustration began to show as players resolved some differences. This unshirted Walleye found himself escorted to the penalty bow. Fans seated behind the box reported seeing some deep scratches on his back before he re-dressed.
More pictures at http://trotwoodsports.blogspot.com/2009/10/hockey-fans-enjoy-dayton-gems-pictures.html
On the ice the Gems dominated the scoring in the 4-2 preseason win. This is the IHL Gems only ECHL matchup this season and former Dayton Bombers fans couldn’t help but think of some past matchups with the former Toledo Storm.
But the Toledo Walleye, even with a new name and a new home arena, could not put it together. Both teams were trying out new players and both coaches were watching closely as deadlines near to reduce their rosters.
That translated to some exciting play giving the 700 fans in Hara their can’s worth of entertainment. Admission to both pre-season games is free with a canned good donation for the local food bank. The promotion netted an overflowing cartful of food in the front lobby.
It also netted some additional season ticket sales for the fledgling Dayton franchise. One Trotwood resident confided to us after the game that they were sold on both the team and Hara, and will be purchasing season tickets next week.
The next preseason game at Hara is October 14th against Evansville at 7pm. For ticket information contact the Dayton Gems office at (937)275-7777.
With 1:44 left in the second period Phil Youngclaus gets this shot over Toledo’s Steve Silver and Milan Maslonka giving the Dayton Gems a 3-1 lead. The Gems prevailed in their first IHL home pre-season match against the ICHL Toledo Walleye 4-2.
Fans got a taste of some great ice hockey. Both teams were trying to prove something to their coaches in the preseason event at Hara Arena in Trotwood
By the third period some of Toledo’s frustration began to show as players resolved some differences. This unshirted Walleye found himself escorted to the penalty bow. Fans seated behind the box reported seeing some deep scratches on his back before he re-dressed.
More pictures at http://trotwoodsports.blogspot.com/2009/10/hockey-fans-enjoy-dayton-gems-pictures.html
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Gems Offer Free Tickets To Pre Season Games
By Bruce Kettelle
A dozen hockey fans watched the Dayton Gems practice Monday morning in Trotwood's Hara Arena. On the ice some old favorites from last years Dayton Bombers practiced their puck handling with many skaters new to the area. Coach John Marks surveyed the prospects trying to decide who to keep for the final 20-man roster.
One sure bet is former Bomber Greg Labenski who shredded past the delighted group of season ticket holders anxious for opening day on October 16. About 30 prospects were on the ice.
Today the Gems announced fans can get half price or free admission to the upcoming preseason games against Toledo October 8th 7:30pm and Evansville on the 14th 7:00pm. To be admitted for free bring a canned good to Hara for a local food bank.
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