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By David DiCenzo, Contributing Writer Updated 1:26 AM Friday, March 19, 2010

TROTWOOD – Hockey players are resilient by nature. Both in body and mind. They have to be to play such a physically demanding game. The mental strength helps them keep a good thing going or, as in the case of the Dayton Gems, overcome adversity.

The International Hockey League debutants tried to forget the two-game debacle at Hara Arena last week and were in decent spirits at Wednesday’s skate following a character shootout win in Quad City on Sunday. There were some cheers when Tim Hartung, who notched the game winner in the 4-3 decision over the Mallards, won a shootout competition. After seven straight minutes of skating to wrap up the session, the chatter continued during stretching.

“Our morale was low,” said rookie center Jonathan Ornelas. “We played well Sunday and we stuck together.

“It was huge for us.”

Head coach John Marks missed practice because he had to travel to Cincinnati to replace some personal documents lost when his wallet was stolen (as if he needed more on his plate). But he was at the rink early and noted that his young team’s psyche was good. Even with some veteran players being shipped out this week, Marks thought the room was the liveliest it’s been in a while.

“These young guys are hanging in there,” he said. “I’m proud of them.”

The last-place Gems (23-36-3-1) would need to go on an unconscious run, and get help in the process, to even sniff the fourth or final playoff spot. But for those still suiting up for the final 13 games, the objective is simple.

“Win ’em all,” Ornelas said with a grin.

Moving days

Get your new lineup card ready, Dayton’s made some changes. Maybe the most shocking trade was sending veterans John Snowden (21-23-44 in 59 games with the Gems) and Preston Briggs to Bloomington for little-used forward Greg McCauley. The initial reaction would be to question the deal but the stance of Marks and director of hockey operations Guy Trottier, who dusted off the skates to help run practice in the coach’s absence Wednesday, is that it’s part of a bigger plan.

“A lot of times, there are more things involved than player for player,” said Marks. “We’re looking short term but we’re also looking long term.”

There will be some salary saved but Marks said that given the short amount of time left in the season, the amount is hardly significant enough to classify as a salary dump. Briggs is rumored to be retiring next year and Snowden, who’s rights are now owned by the Prairie Thunder, could become a free agent and potentially be courted again next season.

McCauley is a 28-year-old from Collingwood, Ontario who possesses good skating and puck-handling skills. Marks said his background is much better than stats would suggest and that McCauley simply needs an opportunity, which he wasn’t getting behind Bloomington’s deep list of forwards. He’s had some injuries in the past and took a few years off after the 2003-04 season with Ryerson University in Toronto. He’s tight with Dayton defenseman Nathan Oke and called his former teammate when news of the trade broke.

“So far so good,” McCauley said after his first skate. “The guys have accepted me with open arms.”

The Gems also dealt scrappy forward Mike Olynyk to the Flint Generals and received Matt Smyth in return from Bloomington, which had made a trade with Flint for future considerations earlier this season. Smyth was a proven scorer with Couchiching in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (52 goals and 56 assists in 52 games).

Justin McCutcheon was waived. The Gems picked up former Muskegon defenseman Todd Spencer off waivers and will also give his brother Jeff a shot at making the roster.

Mac’s resting

A few days off is just what Derek MacIntyre needed. The workhorse goaltender has been carrying the load for the Gems, starting 10 straight games (13 of the last 15) because of Ryan Mior’s recent AHL callup. MacIntyre has let in the odd weak goal but his teammates haven’t made life easy, especially in the back-to-back 8-3 and 8-4 home losses last week. MacIntyre was in for all 16 goals but there was little choice because both Flint and Bloomington would have probably feasted on untested backup Brandon Weinert.

To add injury to insult, MacIntyre took a puck to the throat area late in Saturday’s loss. He was having trouble breathing afterwards but bounced back Sunday with 35 saves to help beat Quad City.

“We get in a shootout and Mac stoned them,” said Marks. “He rose to the occasion.”

Marks loves the big goalie’s character and durability, traits that could help him move up the ranks.

Next season

The Gems front office is making plans for next year. They have begun selling various ticket and sponsorship packages for the 2010-11 season, which according to the IHL, will consist of 70 games for each team.

The league announced Tuesday that the franchises will play 35 home games and 35 road games, with the season running from October 15 to March 27. The hope is that going from 76 games to 70 will help in the day-to-day operation of the member clubs.

“We believe by reducing the schedule to 70 games allows us to complete the regular season and playoffs in a timely manner,” IHL President/Commissioner Dennis Hextall said in a release. “After talking with fans, we believe it is in our best interest to achieve this goal to help improve our product.”

Gem of the Week

Derek MacIntyre. See above.

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