Gems Bring Back Lipsett

DAYTON, OH – The Dayton Gems have re-signed veteran forward Chris Lipsett, a former Clarkson standout, for the 2011-2012 season. Lipsett will return as an assistant coach and player for the Gems, the same position he had last season. 
  
In 42 games with the Gems last year, Lipsett recorded 22 goals and 27 assists. His 49 points were the second most on the team, as were his 22 goals.  The veteran forward accomplished those feats despite missing 24 regular season games. 
  
This upcoming year will be his 16th season as a professional hockey player. 
  
“Lipsett was a key contributor for us both on the ice and in the coach’s office,” said head coach Brian Gratz. “He has played for a number of different teams all over the world and has played a lot of different styles of hockey. 
  
“That experience is hard to find and we’re glad to have it.” 
  
With his professional career currently spanning 15 seasons, Lipsett has played in more regular season games (863), recorded more regular season and post season goals (382), assists (425) and points (807) than any other player in the Gems organization. 
  
Over that time, Lipsett has claimed four division titles and a Brabham Cup in the ECHL in the United States. While playing in England for the Sheffield Steelers, Lipsett won a playoff championship. 
  
Lipsett is hopeful to share some of that same post season experience this upcoming season. 
  
"I am excited to be a part of the Dayton Gems for another year and build upon the winning tradition that we started last season,” said Lipsett. “With a great bunch of core guys returning, I am confident we will do just that.” 
  
Lipsett started his professional career in 1996 in Roanoke, VA, where he played with the Roanoke Express for more than two seasons. After a midseason trade to the Pee Dee Pride in 1998, Lipsett began playing for different teams across the country and the world. 
  
From 1999 to 2006, Lipsett played for eight different teams and bounced back and forth between the U.S. and Europe.  
  
Following a two year stint in Germany, Lipsett returned to the U.S. for good and began playing for the Amarillo Gorillas. After two seasons in Amarillo and single year stints in Rapid City and Quad City, Lipsett arrived in Dayton for the 2010-2011 season and has settled here every since. 
  
"My family and I are proud to call Dayton home, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with Coach Gratz and the Dayton Gems organization," said Lipsett. 
  
During his lengthy career, Lipsett has appeared in the post season on nine different occasions. He has recorded 28 goals and 28 assists in 61 post season games. Last year he had a goal and an assist in the Gems’ three post season games against Rapid City.