Dayton Gems Gameday - Gems Host Laredo Bucks for First Time Sunday

Published on March 18, 2012 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Dayton, OH - The Dayton Gems return home to the comfy confines of the historic Hara Arena to host their lone meeting with the Laredo Bucks. Faceoff is set for 4pm eastern.

Most recently, the Gems relied on stellar goaltending from Larry Sterling and red hot special teams to overpower the Bloomington Blaze 6-1 on Saturday night inside the US Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington, Illinois. Scoring for the Gems in the win was Damian Surma (2), Matt Baxter, Tim Hartung, Jon Ornelas and Brandon Naurato.

Gameday In Dayton

The Gems and Bucks meet for the first time ever, and lone time this season. Laredo skates into Dayton with a 25- 34-3 record, after splitting a two game series with the Fort Wayne Komets, falling 5-2 Saturday night.

Dayton looks to continue the offensive momentum gained during Saturday's win over Bloomington, while their powerplay (3 for 4 vs Blaze) has reached the top ten in the CHL for the first time in over a month (17.1%- 10 th ). Dayton concludes their 3-in-3 weekend with their second home game on Cassano's Italian Ice, and are looking to get back to .500 after Friday's home loss to RGV.

Laredo has played to a 10-17-2 record away from home and have won just two of their last eight games, including a win in Fort Wayne on Friday and against Arizona on March 11.

Dayton Gems Game Notes

Trainer of the Year - Dayton's Bryan Rogers was named the CHL's Athletic Trainer of the Year for 2012.

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

Sign of the Times - February 25 th 's win over the Sundogs opened with a unique performance of theNationalAnthem by Fairborn middle school students, who "signed" the anthem in sign language.

Man of the Year - Gems captain Greg Labenski was named a finalist for the CHL's prestigious "Man of the Year" award.

Stellar Sterling - veteran netminder Larry Sterling continues to battle near the top of the CHL statchart,maintaining the CHL's best save percentage of .925.

All Star Lutes - Brett Lutes represented the Gem City as the lone Gems player participating in the 2012 All Star Game. Luteswould earn two assists and a +5 rating to help his CHL All Star team beat the CHL's Arizona Sundogs6-4.

The Closer - Dayton's Tim Hartung sits tied for most Game Winning Goals by a defenseman with 4, whileleadingthe CHL's blueliners in Shootout Goals with 7. He was named CHL "Best shootout player" in 2012.

Powerplay Master - Brandon Naurato is tied for third in the CHL for most powerplay goals with 10.

Tune Into The Game Live!

Fans can cheer on their Gems by tuning intowave96.netor CHL TV starting at 4pm eastern time, with Gems broadcaster Tom Michaels handling the play-by-play. Fans can also stream the game live from their smartphones throughwave96.netand the free TuneIN radio app.

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Central Hockey League Stories from March 18, 2012


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