Ornelas Remains a Gem
DAYTON - The Dayton Gems have announced that former Rensselaer standout Jonathan Ornelas will be returning for his third season with the Gems. Ornelas is one of only two players currently signed with the organization who has played with the Gems since their inaugural season in 2009.
Veteran player Greg Labenski is the other player who has been with the franchise since it was started three years ago.
"Jon is a tremendous worker. He played in virtually every situation last year: power plays, PK, and more," said Head Coach and General Manager Brian Gratz. "He is capable of making those around him better and plays with a passion that the Dayton fans can really see."
Last season, Ornelas was among the team leaders in goals (20) and was above average in assists (19). His 39 points during the 2010-2011 season were the fourth most on the team.
He was also one of just three players who played in all 66 games for the Gems last year. Teammates Kyle Bochek and Labenski also played in every game last season. Now, all three of those players have been signed for next season.
"Dayton is just a great place to play hockey," said Ornelas. "Since I have been with the team, it has grown into a great team that I am proud to be a part of."
In all, Ornelas has played in 142 games for the Gems and has scored 42 goals and recorded 40 assists.
Prior to arriving in Dayton, Ornelas spent his other full season of professional hockey with the Amarillo Gorillas. There, Ornelas scored 9 goals and recorded 22 assists in 51 games.
In 2008, Ornelas joined the New Mexico Scorpions for the playoffs.
