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Dayton Gems Gameday - Gems Host Rio Grande Valley for First Time

March 16, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Dayton, OH - The Dayton Gems begin their second to last weekend of the regular season by hosting the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees for the first time inside Hara Arena on Friday night. Faceoff is set for 7pm.

Most recently, the Gems dropped a pair of games to rival Bloomington at home last weekend. After a 5-3 loss last Friday, The Dayton Gems would battle back from an early two goal deficit to send the game into extra time, but would be unable to stop the Bloomington Blaze from earning the victory in a shootout on Cassano's Italian Ice inside Hara Arena for "Kids Eat Free" night Saturday.

Gameday In Dayton

The Gems and Killer Bees meet for the first time in history, and Rio Grande makes their first trek to Ohio since 2007, when they traveled to the now defunct Youngstown Steelhounds. Killer Bees head coach Terry Ruskowski however is no stranger to the Buckeye state, having served as the inaugural head coach for the legendary Columbus Chill in the early 1990's.

The Killer Bees skate into their lone game in Dayton riding a five game winning streak, including the most recent 4-2 win at Bloomington on March 14. Rio Grande Valley maintains their 29-26-7 overall record, but have played to an 11-18-2 record on the road this season but look to become the final team to punch their ticket to the Berry Conference playoffs as they firmly hold the fourth spot behind Wichita, Allen and Texas.

Friday night is Police & Fire Night with the Gems, and the first 500 fans through the gates will receive a limited edition Gems Police & Fire t-shirt, while sizes last.

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 onSaturday, January 28. Portions of the ticket proceeds went to local teen cancer patient Jimmy Jenks, who dropped theceremonial first puck.

Sign of the Times - February 25 th 's win over the Sundogs opened with a unique performance of the National Anthem byFairborn 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 stat chart, maintaining theleague's 2nd best save percentage of .923.

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'sblueliners 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.

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Central Hockey League Stories from March 16, 2012


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