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Dayton Gems Gameday - Gems Travel to Face First Place Komets Tonight

February 4, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Dayton, OH - The Dayton Gems return to action with a trip to the historic War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana to face off against rival Fort Wayne Komets on Saturday at 8pm.

The Gems have an unusually light weekend slate, traveling to nearby Fort Wayne, Indiana to battle the Komets for the lone game of the weekend. Dayton's last encounter with the Komets was back on January 6 (4-3 OTL), while the Gems are 2-5-1 this season against Fort Wayne. The Komets skate into this weekend trailing the IceMen for first place in the Turner Conference by a single game.

Gameday In Dayton

The Gems and Komets square up for the 9th time this season, with the Gems 2-5-1 against their northern Indiana rivals.

Playing 3-in-3 weekends for four of the past five weeks, the lone weekend game against the Komets is a welcome change for the Gems, who have seen an on-ice surge in their last several games. Despite a controversial shootout loss to the Rush last Tuesday night at Hara, Dayton has played to a 3-2-1 record in their past six games, including their first victory over the IceMen this season back on January 26.

The Komets skate back to the War Memorial hot off a 3-2 win in Quad City on Friday night to reclaim a portion of first place in the Turner Conference, tied with the IceMen at 54 points. Fort Wayne comes into Saturday night's matchup with the Gems boasting a 26-13-2 record and 12-6-1 record at home.

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.

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 since the last meeting with the Komets with the addition of forwards Robin Richards, David Nimmo, defenseman Dustin DeGagne and goaltender Mark Sibbald.

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 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 8:00pm (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.

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