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Gems Fall in Third Period to IceMen 2-1 Thursday Night

January 26, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Evansville, Indiana - Despite taking a one goal lead into the third period, the Gems would be forced to watch the IceMen score two unanswered goals in the final frame of regulation to fall in a heartbreaking 2-1 loss on Thursday night inside the Ford Center is Evansville, Indiana. Scoring for the Gems was Damian Surma.

The Gems would open their weekend with control of the early tempo against the IceMen, and would need just two shots on goal to take the lead thanks to Dayton's leading scorer Damian Surma scooping up a pass from Charlie Townsend to bury a wrister past the shoulder of IceMen netminder Brian Gillis just 3:56 into the first period. Despite three powerplays and a number of close calls on both ends of the ice, neither team would muster any further offense in the opening frame, with the Gems skating into the first intermission ahead 1-0. Evansville's late period surge would propel them ahead in shots on goal through twenty minutes 12 to 7.

After a scoreless second period, the Gems would see their lead disappear just :23 into the third, with Evansville's Matt Pierce lighting the lamp on a rebound shot past Gems netminder Larry Sterling. Evansville would ultimately take the lead with the eventual game-winner at 11:10 off another rebound shot by Malcolm Gwilliam to seal the Evansville victory. Final shots on goal would favor the hosts 30 to 23.

With the loss, the Gems remain winless (0-5-2) this season against the IceMen, while seeing their overall record drop to 13-19-7.

Dayton returns home to Cassano's Italian Ice inside Hara Arena to host the Rapid City Rush on Friday night before hosting the IceMen in a rematch on Saturday night.

The first 500 fans on Friday night will receive a limited edition Gems rally towel, and the first 1,000 kids 12 and under on Saturday night will get a limited edition red youth jersey.

Tickets for both games this weekend inside Hara Arena are still available by calling 275-7777 or by visiting www.DaytonGems.com .

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