“It’s obvious we have a good group of guys,” said Brian Gratz, who also is tasked with assembling talent as general manager. “We have guys that want to be here, are dedicated and want to meet our goals, which is to win a championship.”
The Gems hope to build on last year’s 32-29-5 playoff team. Numerous key players are returning, so the foundation is strong. Young, energetic forwards like Jonathan Ornelas, Brandon Naurato, Ernie Stewart, Kyle Bochek and Matt Larke were in camp, joining decorated veterans Chris Lipsett, Brett Lutes, Damian Surma and last year’s captain, de- fenseman Greg Labenski.
Most personnel changes will be in the back end, both on defense and in between the pipes.
“There is always turnover in minor professional hockey,” Gratz said. “But I think we have a good blend of offensive defensemen and defensive-minded guys.”
Steve Bergin, Nick Duff, Jeremy Klaver, Nicholas Kuqali, Rob Schweyer and former American Hockey League player James Sanford are competing for minutes on the blue line.
Ontario native Nathan Oke should eventually be in the mix, but he’s recovering from a gruesome broken leg suffered late last season.
New assignment
Skilled center Tim Hartung also returns, but his job description has changed. The 27-year-old from Apple Valley, Minn., will be a full-time defenseman this season.
Hartung played some defense last season when the Gems were experiencing a rash of injuries.
“I told Gratzie that if we needed someone back there, I could survive,” he said.
Hartung did much more than that. Drawing on his experience from “squirt and pee wee,” as well as a few power-play shifts while at Northern Michigan University, he was an admirable fill-in. Now he has a chance to bring his skill set to the position full time.
“There’s a learning curve,” said Hartung. “But it’s gonna be fun.”
Net gains
One of Gratz’s biggest challenges will be coming up with a suitable combination in the net.
With all-star Jeff Jakaitis off to the AHL and Derek MacIntyre retired, the Gems are starting from scratch. Zane Kalemba, Bryan Hogan, Kristofer Westblom and Jon Olthuis are competing for jobs.
“We’re going to be young in net,” said Gratz. “But it’s a great opportunity for guys to establish themselves.”
Kalemba and Westblom played in the ECHL last season with the Stockton Thunder and Idaho Steelheads, respectively. Hogan, 22, is coming off a four-year career at the University of Michigan, where he won 52 games.
Olthuis was 19-10-0 last season with the Augusta RiverHawks of the Southern Professional Hockey League. He also started two games for the Gems.
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