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CHL Views Dayton Gems Community Outreach as the Best in the League

June 13, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


DAYTON, OH - It didn't take Dayton Gems President Joe Greene very long to inform coworkers that the Dayton Gems won the 2011 CHL Community Relations Franchise of the Year.

Within minutes after CHL Director of Operations Bob Hoffman announced that the Gems won the award, Greene began texting staff members who were not in attendance for the CHL summer conference in Phoenix, AZ.

"We take a tremendous amount of pride in being recognized for our efforts in the community. Our owners, players, coaching staff and front office staff share a belief of making a positive impact in the Dayton community on a daily basis," said Dayton Gems President Joe Greene.

Though it was the first time the entire Gems organization has received an award from the CHL, staff members and players have been recognized individually during the 2010-2011 season.

Head Coach Brian Gratz and Vice President of Ticket Sales Shawn Watring each received the CHL's Employee of the Month Award as individuals. Players Jeff Jakaitis and Chris Lipsett also received awards for their performance on the ice.

Throughout the season, the Dayton Gems players and coaches consistently made appearances throughout the Miami Valley.

The Gems also went above and beyond the typical meet-and-greet appearances on several occasions this past year. In December, the Gems donated a Christmas tree, gifts and food to a young mother who was battling cancer after her husband was deployed overseas. As part of their Pack the House promotion in April, the Gems were able to raise more than $10,000 for Kyle Terrian, a Bethel High School graduate who is battling a rare form of cancer.

The Gems have also helped other organizations, including the Diabetes of Dayton, The Noble Circle Project of Dayton and the Women's Wellness Fund at the Kettering Medical Center.

"The Gems made tremendous strides in repairing their community and its relationship to the hockey team," said Bob Hoffman in an email. "So many players went above and beyond in making themselves known in the community around the holidays and throughout the season that we felt the Gems far exceeded other clubs with their efforts."

This was the 16th year the award has been handed out by the CHL. Odessa was the recipient the previous two seasons.

The winner was determined by the CHL Office at the conclusion of the 2010-2011 season.

In addition to winning the 2011 CHL Community Relations Franchise of the Year, Greene was named a finalist for the CHL Executive of the Year award. Tim Hill, the general manager for the Rapid City Rush, ended up going home with the award.

The Kettering Medical Center is proud to be the official title sponsor of the Dayton Gems.

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Central Hockey League Stories from June 13, 2011


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