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Gems Captain Labenski Named CHL "Man of the Year" Finalist

March 16, 2012 - 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, are proud to announce that team captain Greg Labenski has been named a finalist for the 2012 CHL "Man of the Year" Award.

The finalists were selected from materials provided from the 14 member teams that detailed the player's role in the community. Teams were permitted to nominate one worthy candidate from their squad. Of those nominations, five finalists were selected and the winner will be announced on Tuesday, March 20.

The CHL Man of the Year award is 'presented annually to the Central Hockey League player adjudged to have best exemplified strong leadership qualities on and off the ice, while making significant and noteworthy humanitarian contributions to his community'.

The five finalists for the 2012 CHL Man of the Year award are Tyler Butler of the Arizona Sundogs, Jason Deitsch of the Allen Americans, Brent Henley of the Fort Wayne Komets, Greg Labenski of the Dayton Gems and Riley Weselowski of the Rapid City Rush.

On Labenski's nomination, Gems head coach Brian Gratz noted "Greg is a true leader in every sense of the word. He takes a lot of pride in being a community member here in Dayton, and is someone that the community is lucky to have. He definitely deserves to be a finalist for this award."

The native of Welland, Ontario, Labenski is currently finishing up his third season as captain of the Dayton Gems, and seventh season in the Gem City. Over his career, Labenski has grown accustomed to referring to Dayton as his home. Prior to joining the Gems in 2009, Labenski spent the previous three seasons serving as captain for the Dayton Bombers in the ECHL. He also spent most of the 2000-01 season with the Bombers.

Outside of playing in Dayton, Labenski has spent the remainder of his 15-year career playing with 10 different teams - including the Cleveland Barons, Houston Aeros and Syracuse Crunch in the AHL. He also played for the Canadian National team in 1999-2000.

Labenski and his Dayton Gems return to action Friday night when they host the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees onto Cassano's Italian Ice inside the historic Hara Arena at 7pm. Tickets are still available by calling the Gems ticket office at 275-7777 or by visiting the "all new" www.DaytonGems.com .

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