Dayton Gems: Weekend Review

January 24, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


The Dayton Gems wrapped up their three-game road trip with a 2-1-0 record. The Gems defeated Bossier-Shreveport (5-3) on Thursday and Mississippi (2-1) on Friday. The lone loss of the weekend came on Saturday to Mississippi. The 4-1 loss to the RiverKings snapped a three game winning streak for the Gems.

Dayton (20-15-3) is just three points out of first place in the Turner Conference standings in the CHL.

New face makes big difference

Heading into this weekend, Matt Miller hadn't had a big impact on the Gems' stat sheet. Since he was acquired from the RiverKings on January 5, Miller hadn't record a single point.

That all changed during the Gems' three game road trip down south. Miller recorded his first goal and assist in a Gems uniform on Thursday night to help Dayton claim the 5-3 win over Bossier-Shreveport. He then recorded another goal during Friday's 2-1 win over Mississippi.

The 6-foot forward now has 16 points for the 2010-2011 season.

Playing on both ends of the ice

Defensive players are not normally known for recording points in hockey, but Dayton's Greg Labenski, Nick Canzanello and Nathan Oke haven't been following that trend.

Since Dec. 31, Labenski has recorded seven points (six goals, seven points). In that same amount of time, Canzanello (six points) and Oke (five points) have each contributed heavily on the offensive side as well.

Public Appearances

The Dayton Gems have a busy schedule off the ice this week. Gems players will be making trips to local establishments each from Monday through Thursday this week.

Fox and Hound

On Monday, Dayton Gems players will be making the first of many trips to the Fox and Hound in Beavercreek. Players will be in attendance from 8:45 p.m. -11 p.m. on Monday to judge a singing contest the establishment is holding.

The event is free to attend and Fox and Hound will have drink specials all night long.

Monday will be the first of four appearances at Fox and Hound. All appearances will be on Monday evenings.

Fox and Hound Schedule

Monday, January 24 - 8:45 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Monday, January 31 - 8:45 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Monday, February 7 - 8:45 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Monday, February 21 - 8:45 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Monday, March 7 - 8:45 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Englewood Kroger

On Tuesday, January 25, four Dayton Gems players will be appearing at the Englewood Kroger from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

This will be the second of five Kroger appearances the Gems will be doing over the next two months.

All of this is being done in conjuncture with the Gems starting Kroger Family Days every Sunday the Gems play at home. Fans will receive two-for-one ticket pricing when they show their Kroger Plus Card at the box office to purchase tickets for a Sunday game. There is a limit of one offer per Kroger Plus Card.

For kids, there will also be a Kids Zone set up at each game. Kids can be entertained by balloon artists and face painters prior to the game. They can also make their own signs, play cornhole and take shots at a regulation size hockey goal. All of this will be free for kids to enjoy.

At the conclusion of each game, fans will also be able to join the players on the ice for a post game skate and autograph session. Fans can bring their own skates and skate alongside Dayton Gems players or simply go out on the ice and walk with the players. Skates will not be provided.

The Dayton Gems have four remaining Sunday home games. The next home game on a Sunday is January 30 against Wichita at 5 p.m.

Home Sunday Games Remaining

January 30 Wichita, 5 p.m.

February 13 Quad City 5 p.m.

February 27 Fort Wayne 5 p.m.

March 6 Missouri 5 p.m.

Kroger Appearances

Tuesday, January 25, 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Englewood Marketplace

Tuesday, February 8, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Stroop Rd, Fresh Fare

Tuesday, February 22, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Beavercreek Marketplace

Monday, March 21, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Huber Heights, Old Troy Pike Kroger

Grafton Kennedy Elementary School

On Wednesday, January 26, some of the players will be heading over to Grafton Kennedy Elementary School to teach students the fundamentals of stretching.

The players will be taking part in the UHS after school program that has been implemented for the 2010-2011 school year. The program consists of getting children to exercise and eat healthy. The goal of the program is to have kids live a healthier lifestyle, but to have fun while doing so.

YMCA

In addition to the UHS event, the Gems will be conducting a similar event at the Fairborn YMCA on Thursday, January 27.

Players will be at the YMCA for an hour and attend the after school program the YMCA sponsors and will lead the children in a stretching session. Afterwards, players will also answer any questions the children have and sign autographs as well.

Coach Talk date has been moved

Due to A.C. Green's attendance at the Jan. 28 game, the Dayton Gems have moved Coach Talk from Friday, Jan. 28, to Sunday, Jan. 30.

Head Coach Brian Gratz will talk with season ticket holders before the game against Wichita on Jan. 30. This event will begin at approximately 4:05 p.m. in Court 1.

The Kettering Medical Center is proud to be the official title sponsor of the Gems for the 2010-11 season.



Central Hockey League Stories from January 24, 2011


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