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Dayton Gems Gameday - Gems Return Home to Host Bloomington Tonight at Hara

February 9, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Dayton, OH - The Dayton Gems continue their 4-in-5 week by returning home to the historic Hara Arena to host Turner Conference foe Bloomington Blaze on Cassano's Italian Ice at 7pm. Tonight is the final "Thirsty Thursday" of the season, featuring select $1 drafts and a limited edition Damian Surma stadium cup giveaway to the first 500 fans.

Dayton most recently comes off the heels of a tough 5-2 the hands of the Quad City Mallards on Tuesday night in Moline, Illinois. Despite leading the game into the second period, the Dayton Gems wouldn't be able to stop the Quad City Mallards and their top ranked powerplay from coming from behind for a 5-2 loss on Tuesday night inside the iWireless Center. Scoring for the Gems were Jon Ornelas and Brett Lutes.

Gameday In Dayton

Tonight marks the 9th meeting this season with the Blaze, with the Gems holding a 5-2-1 record against Bloomington this season.

Dayton's last meeting with Bloomington came as a 5-3 loss inside Hara Arena on December 29, Bloomington's first win this season in the Gem City.

The Blaze skate into Dayton for the fourth time, and carry a record of 15-24-4 into the contest. The Blaze has struggled on the road this season, winning just three games away from the US Cellular Coliseum and holding a 3-14-2 road record. Special teams is a factor for the Blaze, as they have been exceptional penalty killers of late, boasting the third best penalty kill in the CHL (85.0%). The Blaze is coming off their most recent game against Evansville, a 5-4 loss in overtime.

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.

Tradin Post - The Gems were just one of four teams to engage in a transaction at the trade deadline (Feb. 6), acquiring blueliner Nick Schneider from Evansville in exchange for Chad Langlais.

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.

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 4.

Powerplay Master - Brandon Naurato remains second best in the CHL in powerplay goals with 9. He also scored the game winner last Friday night in the shootout.

Tune Into Tonight's Game!

Catch all the action live onwave96.net and CHL TV starting at 7:00pm (eastern) with Gems broadcaster 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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