Gems Comeback in Third, Beat Texas 4-3 in Shootout

Published on December 22, 2011 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Dayton, OH - The Dayton Gems would battle back through what became a very physical hitting game to tie the game with less than a minute left in regulation and score the lone shootout goal to secure the hard fought 4-3 win and Dayton's first shootout win of the season over the Texas Brahmas on home ice Thursday night. Scoring for the Gems were Damian Surma (2), Chad Langlais, and Tim Hartung (shootout winner).

Kicking off a two game home stand before the Christmas break, the Brahmas took the lead only 5:19 in and would pressure the Gems in their defensive zone to hold Dayton scoreless in the first twenty minutes. With the Brahmas taking their 1-0 lead into the dressing room after one period, they would also edge the Gems in shots 15-7.

Both teams would score in the middle frame, with the Brahmas capitalizing on a short-handed chance in front of Gems starting netminder Larry Sterling to extend their lead briefly to two at the 4:35 mark before Dayton's high charged offensive line of Matt Larke and Brett Lutes fed a pass to Gems leading scorer Damian Surma who buried his 15th goal of the season at 9:33 to make it a 2-1 game after forty minutes. Shots in the period again favored Texas 10-9.

The third period started on a less than positive note for the Gems, as a collision in front of the crease ended up seeing Sterling leave the game and replacement Bryan Hogan take control between the pipes. The Brahmas again scored early in the period, this time on Hogan to take a 3-1 lead just 5:08 in. With the hometown crowd on their side, the Gems began their climb back at the 13:10 mark as Chad Langlais picked up a pass from Nick Fanto and lit the lamp on the powerplay for Langlais's first professional goal to cut the visitor lead back to one. As the seconds ticked away in regulation, Surma would step up once more with an extra attacker goal with a mere :57 left in the game to tie the tilt 3-3 and send it to extra frames.

After a scoreless five minute sudden death overtime, Dayton's Tim Hartung buried his attempt five hole in what became the shootout's lone goal to secure the 4-3 win for the Gems, and their first shootout win of the season in their third try.

With the win, the Gems improve their record to 11-10-4 and improve to 26 points in the Turner Conference. Dayton returns to action on Friday night when they host the Fort Wayne Komets on Cassano's Italian Ice inside Hara Arena.

Friday night is the much anticipated "Angry Birds Night", with the first 500 lucky fans getting their very own Angry Birds plush doll as their greeted by life size Angry Birds roaming the concourse. Fans will have the chance to win Angry Birds prizes throughout the night, and even participate in a life-sized game on the ice during intermission. Fans are also encouraged to bring a stuffed toy or animal to donate as part of the Gems annual "Teddy Bear Toss" after the Gems score their first goal of the game.

Tickets are now available by calling the Gems ticket office at 275-7777 or by visiting www.DaytonGems.com . Discounted tickets are also available for groups of ten or more, and include special group perks. Call 275-7777 for details.

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Central Hockey League Stories from December 22, 2011


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