Next game
On Friday, Oct. 16, the Gems open the season at Hara Arena against Fort Wayne at 7:30.
TROTWOOD — The wait was worth it for Dayton Gems fans.
The Gems defeated the Evansville Icemen 9-1 in exhibition action Wednesday, Oct. 14, pummeling the AAHL visitors, who arrived at the rink late after their bus broke down about 115 miles outside of Dayton.
In its final tune-up before Friday’s IHL season opener, Dayton jumped on the travel-weary Icemen early, though the visitors did scratch out a brief 1-0 lead midway though the first period before succumbing to the bigger, more aggressive Gems.
Sam Bloom, Johnathon Ornelas and Chris Clark had two goals each for Dayton, while Mike Mullen added a goal and two assists. Phil Youngclaus and Edgars Brancis also scored, helping goaltender Derek McIntyre earn an easy win (4 saves).
Aaron Naphan had the lone goal for the Icemen.
After Evansville’s bus went down, another bus from Cincinnati was sent to get them. The teams finally hit the ice for a brief warmup, with the faceoff coming about one hour after the game’s intended starting time of 7:30.
Dayton was 2-for-6 on the power play. The Gems out-shot Evansville 57-5.
Head coach John Marks watched from the press box, while captain Greg Labenski took over coaching duties with winger AJ MacLean and defenseman John Snowden as assistants.
Food drive
Gems fans were encouraged to bring a canned food item to gain free entry to the team’s two exhibition games at Hara Arena. After collecting approximately one ton of food, Gem players and staff are visiting the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry today, Oct. 15. to make a special delivery.
That’s good news to Gems President/General Manager Richard Bruner, a big supporter of charities involving the homeless.
“Being a part of the community is very important for us and the team,” said Bruner, adding that access to food should be a basic human right. “It’s something near and dear to us.”
Tough times
According to Marks, it’s going to be an unfair year for hockey players of all levels. Athletes, like everyone else, are desperate for work.
“In the last 36 hours, my phone has rung off the hook,” said Marks. “It’s incredible how many good players have been cut from East Coast League teams after guys being sent down from the American League.”
Marks figures he could have gone the whole summer without recruiting given all the inquiries he’s had. The positive part is that healthy competition should mean a better product – everywhere.
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