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Dayton Gems Gameday - Gems Host Missouri for Millionaire Night

February 24, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Dayton, OH - The Dayton Gems return to action on Cassano's Italian Ice when they host the Missouri Mavericks for the second time this season inside Hara Arena. Faceoff is set for 7pm.

The Gems skate into this weekend's 3-in-3 homestand after most recently extinguishing the Blaze last Saturday night at Hara. The Gems overcame an early deficit to force extra frames for the second consecutive night to claim a hard fought 3-2 win in a shootout on Saturday night inside Hara Arena. Scoring for the Gems was Brett Lutes, Brandon Naurato and Tim Hartung (SO game winner).

Gameday In Dayton

Tonight marks just the fourth meeting this season with the Mavs, and only the second time hosting Missouri in the Gem City this year. Dayton carries a winning record of 2-1-0 this season against the Mavericks, including the lone win on Cassano's Italian Ice, a 4-1 victory back on December 1.

The Mavericks skate into Dayton for Friday night's meeting in third place in the Turner Conference, and boast an overall record of 28-17-5, including going 15-7-2 this season on the road. Missouri comes to town after most recently falling in overtime to fourth-place Rapid City 4-3 on Tuesday night on home ice inside the Independence Events Center. The most recent meeting between the Gems and Mavericks resulted in a tight 2-1 Mavs win in Independence, Missouri back on December 3, the Mavericks lone win this season against Dayton. Missouri's special teams play has also been hot of late, as it enters Friday's game as third best in the CHL at 20.2%.

The Gems celebrate "Millionaire Night" on Friday night, with the first 500 fans 18+ receiving a lottery ticket, while the first 500 fans overall will receive special Gems fortune cookies containing concession and ticket prizes and more.

Dayton 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 fifth best save percentage of .925.

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 and earned his first win during his first start on February 18 against the Blaze (3-2 Shootout win).

Berry Unforgiving - The Gems spent last week playing a tough three game series against Berry Conference opponents (Tulsa, Texas and Allen), picking up one point in a shootout loss to Allen.

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 Sundogs 6-4.

The Closer - Dayton's Tim Hartung sits tied for most Game Winning Goals by a defenseman with 4, while leading the CHL's blueliners in Shootout Goals with 6.

Powerplay Master - Brandon Naurato is locked in a three way tie for most powerplay goals with 10.

Tune Into The Game Live!

Friday's game against Allen is carried live on the Dayton Gems Hockey Network, and can be found at wave96.net or CHL TV starting at 7pm eastern with Gems broadcasters Tom Michaels and Kevin O'Boyle handling the call.

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