Dayton Gems Recognized as "Best of the Best"

Published on March 15, 2012 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Dayton, OH - The Dayton Gems professional hockey team, a proud member of the "AA" Central Hockey League, announced today that they have been named "Best of the Best" in several major categories in voting conducted by all CHL member teams as well as media members from across the country.

Leading the vote tally as "Best Shooter In Shootouts" this season was Dayton's Tim Hartung, who ran away with the first place honors, receiving a whopping 41 total points. Hartung currently sits tied for most Game Winning Goals in the CHL by a defenseman with 4, while leading the CHL's blueliners in Shootout Goals with 7. The native of St. Paul, Minnesota has worn a Gems uniform in all three seasons of play since the team returned to the ice in 2009. This season, Hartung has accumulated a respectable 33 points (10G, 23A) in his 53 appearances.

On Hartung's recognition, Gems head coach Brian Gratz commented "there simply isn't anyone better in the shootout than Tim [Hartung], and it is a result of his hard work and efforts that he was recognized by the rest of the league."

Off the ice, the Gems were recognized by the CHL as a leader in several "game ops" capacities as well, including having a top three best on-ice promotions and third best arena music. "We're excited to see our hard work and dedication to producing an entertaining experience for our fans has been recognized" noted Gems director of Game Operations Ashley Lentz. "We've strived to put on the best show each and every game, and with the help and creativity from everyone in the organization, we have done just that."

Rounding out Dayton's "Best of the Best" recognition was popular Gems mascot Blade, who was selected as the second-best mascot in the league behind only Rio Grande Valley's Sir-Sting-A-Lot.

The voting was led by the Allen Americans and Evansville IceMen, who each received ten first place recognitions in this year's poll. Votes were compiled from all fourteen CHL member teams, as well as media members from each market.

The Gems return to the ice for an action-packed three game weekend starting on Friday night when they host the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees on Cassano's Italian Ice inside Hara Arena at 7pm. After traveling to the Bloomington Blaze for the final time this season on Saturday night, the Gems return home for a Sunday afternoon matinee against the Laredo Bucks at 4pm.

Tickets for Friday and Sunday's Gems games at Hara Arena are available now by calling the Gems ticket office at 275-7777 or by visiting www.DaytonGems.com .

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