NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Dayton Gems Gameday - Gems Host Blaze Tonight

December 29, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Gems Game #28, Home Game #13 - Team Record 11-11-5, 27pts

Tied with Missouri for 5th in Turner Conference

Dayton, OH - The Dayton Gems continues their post-Christmas break slate of games with a 3-in-3 series that includes tonight's meeting with the Blaze and a home and home split with Quad City before New Year's Day.

The Gems (11-11-5) kicked off their four games in five nights post-holiday week by earning a point against the offensively charged Evansville IceMen on Tuesday night inside the Ford Center. After taking a two goal lead in the third period, the Gems watched the IceMen utilize their explosive powerplay to take the game to overtime and ultimately win the game with just 11.4 left in the extra frame.

Gameday In Dayton

The Bloomington Blaze are back in town for their third time this season and bring their recently improving overall record of 8-16-2 onto Cassano's Italian Ice.

Key for the Blaze's recent success after a painfully slow start is their special teams play. Coming into tonight's game with the fifth best powerplay in the CHL (21.0%) and an impressive fourth best penalty kill in the circuit (82.7%). Despite having the league's leading powerplay goal scorer in Brandon Naurato, and going 2-for-4 on the man advantage against the IceMen on Tuesday, the Gems powerplay continues to struggle at 17.1% (12th in the league).

Dayton Gems Game Notes

Christmas Made Possible - Gems players and staff surprised three needing families in the area with a "Gems Christmas" including tree, decorations, presents and dinner supplies. This was the second straight year the Gems have made Christmas possible for those in need.

Good News/Bad News - Last week, the Gems battled back to win a shootout thriller 4-3 on Thursday night against the Berry Conference's Texas Brahmas, but were blanked on Friday night 4-0 by the Turner Conference's first place Fort Wayne Komets.

Dynamic Duo - Both Damian Surma (32 points) and Brett Lutes (33 points) sit near the top of the CHL's scoring leader board, while Surma leads the entire CHL in goals with 16 in his 27 games played.

Powerplay Master - Dayton's Brandon Naurato continues to lead the CHL in powerplay goals with 8 in his 25 games this season.

Fire Extinguishers - Dayton has won five of the seven meetings with the Blaze this season, including both prior matchups on Cassano's Italian Ice at Hara Arena.

Tune Into Tonight's Game!

Catch all the action live onwave96.net and CHL TV starting at 7:00pm (eastern) with Gems broadcasters Tom Michaels and Kevin O'Boyle handling the call. Fans can also tune into the Internet radio broadcast anywhere in the world with Internet connection and on the go through their smartphone.

Tickets Are Still Available For Tonight!

Game Tickets are on sale now at the Hara Arena box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. Tonight is another "Thirsty Thursday" featuring select $1 drafts while the first 500 fans through the gates starting at 6pm will receive a limited edition Jon Ornelas stadium cup. College students can get special 2-for-1 tickets just by showing their college ID at the box office window. Call the Gems at 275-7777 for more information and to order by phone.

• Discuss this story on the Central Hockey League message board...

Central Hockey League Stories from December 29, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central