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Dayton Gems Gameday - Gems Host Rush Friday Night at Hara Arena

January 27, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Dayton, OH - The Dayton Gems return home to the comfy confines of the historic Hara Arena on Friday night to continue their three game weekend with the fifth of six total meeting with the Rapid City Rush this season.

The Gems (13-19-7) return home after suffering a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Evansville on the road Thursday night. Despite taking a one goal lead into the third period, the Gems would be forced to watch the IceMen score two unanswered goals in the final frame of regulation to fall inside the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. Scoring for the Gems was Damian Surma.

Gameday In Dayton

Dayton revs up to host the Rush for the first time this season, as Rapid City's last trek to the Gem City came as part of last season's Turner Conference Playoffs opening round.

The Gems skate into Friday night's matchup 1-2-1 this season against the Rush, most recently splitting a two game weekend series last week in Western South Dakota. Dayton would click on all cylinders on their way to an impressive 3-0 win last Friday night before being handed a 6-0 defeat on Saturday night inside the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.

Rapid City makes comes into Friday's matchup hot off their 6-0 win over the Gems last weekend. Despite their red hot record at home (15-5-1), the Rush have stumbled on the road with a 5-8-1 record away from their home ice. The Rush currently sit in fifth place in the Turner Conference, just one point out of the final playoff spot trailing the surging Quad City Mallards and nine points ahead of sixth place Dayton.

Dayton Gems Game Notes

Mark the Spot - Dayton's newly acquired netminder Mark Sibbald comes in a trade from Allen. He was named the 10/11 SPHL Goalie of the Year while with the Huntsville Havoc.

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.

New Guys! - The Gems welcome fresh blood to the roster with the addition of forwards Robin Richards and David Nimmo as well as netminder Mark Sibbald.

Mixed Martial Awesome - Friday night's win in Rapid City would see both John Kennedy and Robin Richards drop the mittsand engage in fisticuffs, helping keep momentum with the Gems.

The Closer - Dayton's Tim Hartung sits tied for most Game Winning Goals by a defenseman with 3, while leading the CHL'sblueliners in Shootout Goals with 2.

Powerplay Master - Brandon Naurato remains second best in the CHL in powerplay goals with 8.

Milemarker 21 - Damian Surma earned team leading goals #19 & #20 against the Rush last Friday night, and scored his 21st goal of the season as the lone Gems lamplighter on Thursday night in Evansville. He is currently tied for third in the CHL in goals scored.

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.

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Central Hockey League Stories from January 27, 2012


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