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Dayton Gems Gameday - Gems Face Brahmas Tonight in Texas

February 15, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


The Dayton Gems continue their southern trek by visiting the Texas Brahmas in suburban Fort Worth, Texas for their second of three inter-conference matchups this week. Faceoff inside the NYTEX Center is set for 8pm eastern time.

The Gems begin their inter-conference swing with their first trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma on Tuesday night, falling after jumping out to an early lead to a shortbenched Oilers club 4-2. Damian Surma and Jon Ornelas scored the pair of goals for the Gems.

Gameday In Texas

The Gems skate into the NYTEX Center for the only time this season, as they meet the Berry Conference's Brahmas at 8pm eastern.

The Gems look to get back into the win column after a tough loss to Tulsa Tueaday night. Dayton's powerplay unit continued to improve statistically, with the Gems lighting the lamp on one man advantage against Tulsa, finishing 1 for 3. The Gems penalty kill struggled on Tuesday night, as Tulsa scored two goals on their four chances with the powerplay, and the Gems lug in their league worst penalty kill (74.2) into their meeting with the Brahmas.

The Brahmas carry their overall record of 23-17-8 into the first meeting this season against the Gems. Fresh off a convincing 4-0 win over the Allen Americans at home on Tuesday night, the Brahmas have played to a 13-4-4 record inside the cozy confines of the NYTEX Center. Texas has also had struggles with special teams, as their league-worst powerplay skates into the matchup converting just 12.5% of the time. Leading the Brahmas this season is goaltender Mark Guggenberger, who comes into Wednesday's game leading the league in netminder stats and carries an impressive .922 save percentage.

Gems Game Notes

Jammed It for Jimmy - The Gems thawed the IceMen 4-3 in front of a season high crowd of 5,187 inside Hara Arena on Saturday, January 28. Portions of the ticket proceeds went to local teen cancer patient Jimmy Jenks, who dropped the ceremonial first puck.

Larry Saves - netminder Larry Sterling continues to stalk the top of the CHL's stat chart, maintaining a fourth best save percentage of .923.

Dunn It Right - Dayton's newly acquired netminder Dan Dunn is the fifth netminder this regular season to don a Gems sweater. Most recently a member of the Allen Americans, he was acquired as off waivers.

All Star Lutes - Brett Lutes represented the Gem City as the lone Gems player participating in the 2012 All Star Game. Lutes would earn two assists and a +5 rating to help his CHL All Star team beat the CHL's Arizona Sundogs 6-4.

The Closer - Dayton's Tim Hartung sits tied for most Game Winning Goals by a defenseman with 3, while leading the CHL's blueliners in Shootout Goals with 4. Powerplay Master - Brandon Naurato is locked in a three way tie for most powerplay goals with 10.

Tune Into Wednesday's Game

Tuesday's game against the Brahmas is carried live on the Dayton Gems Hockey Network, and can be found at wave96.net or CHL TV starting at 8pm eastern with Gems broadcaster JT Szabo handling the call.

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Central Hockey League Stories from February 15, 2012


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