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Dayton Gems Gameday - Gems Travel to Evansville to Battle IceMen Tonight

December 27, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Dayton, OH - The Dayton Gems begin their post-Christmas break slate of matchups with a 4 games in 5 days series that includes trips to Evansville and Quad City and a pair of home games at Hara Arena before New Year's Day.

The Gems (11-11-4) saw a .500 weekend at home, after battling back to their first shootout win of the season against the Texas Brahmas on Thursday night before being blanked 4-0 by the first place Fort Wayne Komets on Friday night.

Gameday In Evansville

The Gems look to earn their first victory of the season over the offensively charged IceMen, after falling in their four prior attempts. Tuesday marks the third trip to the brand new Ford Center for the Gems, most recently back on December 9 with a 4-1 loss.

Evansville awaits the Gems with a 14-7-2 record and sits just a game and a half back from the streaking Fort Wayne Komets for top spot in the Turner Conference. A key for the IceMen has been their special teams play, with their powerplay ranked 2nd in the circuit at 22.8% and a third best penalty kill sitting at 84.6% coming into Tuesday night.

Dayton Gems Game Notes

Teddy Bear Toss - Despite a scoreless game, the Gems received hundreds of donated stuffed and plush animals as part of this year's Teddy Bear Toss last Friday night. The toys will be distributed in the coming weeks to area children in the Miami Valley.

Christmas Made Possible - Gems players and staff surprised three needing families in the area with a "Gems Christmas" including tree, decorations, presents and dinner supplies. This was the second straight year the Gems have made Christmas possible for those in need.

Good News/Bad News - Last week, the Gems battled back to win a shootout thriller 4-3 on Thursday night against the Berry Conference's Texas Brahmas, but were blanked on Friday night 4-0 by the Turner Conference's first place Fort Wayne Komets.

Dynamic Duo - Both Damian Surma (31 points) and Brett Lutes (30 points) sit near the top of the CHL's scoring leader board, while Surma leads the entire CHL in goals with 16 in his 26 games played.

Powerplay Master - Dayton's Brandon Naurato continues to lead the CHL in powerplay goals with 7 in his 24 games this season.

Saving The Day - Gems netminder Bryan Hogan sits third in the CHL's saves category with 509 saves in his 18 games played this season.

Tune Into Tonight's Game!

Catch all the action live onwave96.net and CHL TV starting at 8:05pm (eastern) with Gems broadcaster JT Szabo 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.



Central Hockey League Stories from December 27, 2011


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