Gems Host Mallards for Final Time Tuesday at Hara

Published on March 20, 2012 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Dayton, OH - The Dayton Gems begin their final week of the regular season with a Tuesday meeting with the Quad City Mallards. Faceoff is set for 6:30pm.

Most recently, the Gems outmatched and overpowered the Berry Conference's Laredo Bucks with a convincing 9-1 victory on Sunday afternoon inside the historic Hara Arena. Scoring for the Gems were Damian Surma, Kyle Bochek, Matt Larke and two goal performances by Nic Polaski, Brandon Naurato and Nick Fanto.

Gameday In Dayton

The Gems and Mallards meet for the tenth and final time this season, and fifth time on Cassano's Italian Ice. Dayton carries a season record of 2-5-2 against Quad City, but have won just one game against the Mallards inside Hara Arena this season back on Dayton's opening night November 5. The last time Dayton and Quad City met was a 5-2 Mallards win on February 7 inside the iWireless Center in Moline, Illinois.

Dayton looks to continue their winning streak after outscoring their opponents 19-7 in their three games played last weekend. Dayton enters Tuesday's game with an even 12-12-7 home record and are riding a two game winning streak. Dayton's powerplay continues it's charge into the top ten after a big special teams performance last Saturday in Bloomington, scoring three goals on their four powerplay chances. Ranked tenth at 17.0%, Dayton's powerplay will go up against Quad City's second-best man advantage, clicking at an efficient 20.5% coming into Tuesday.

The Mallards skate into the Gem City for a final time desperately grasping at a potential final playoff berth possibility in the Turner Conference. With an overall record of 35-25-2, many consider Tuesday to be a "must win" for the Mallards, who currently sit four points out of the postseason with just four games remaining.

Tuesday night is the final Gems player trading card set giveaway of the season, and will be handed out to the first 1,000 fans through the gates starting at 5:30pm. Additionally, there will be a special postgame party with Gems players and staff at Hooters on Miller Lane.

Dayton Gems Game Notes

Shoot to Thrill - The Gems outscored their opponents in last weekend's three games by a whopping 19-7.

Player of the Week - Dayton's Nic Polaksi was named CHL Player of the Week for his four point performance in Sunday's 9-1 win.

Trainer of the Year -Dayton's Bryan Rogers was named the CHL's Athletic Trainer of the Year for 2012.

Jammed It for Jimmy - The Gems thawed the IceMen 4-3 in front of a season high crowd of 5,187 insideHaraArena on Saturday, January 28. Portions of the ticket proceeds went to local teen cancer patient Jimmy Jenks,whodropped the ceremonial first puck.

Sign of the Times -February 25th's win over the Sundogs opened with a unique performance of theNationalAnthem by Fairborn middle school students, who "signed" the anthem in sign language.

Man of the Year -Gems captain Greg Labenski was named a finalist for the CHL's prestigious "Man of the Year" award.

Stellar Sterling - veteran netminder Larry Sterling continues to battle near the top of the CHL statchart,maintaining the CHL's best save percentage of .925.

All Star Lutes - Brett Lutes represented the Gem City as the lone Gems player participating in the 2012 All Star Game. Luteswould earn two assists and a +5 rating to help his CHL All Star team beat the CHL's Arizona Sundogs6-4.

The Closer - Dayton's Tim Hartung sits tied for most Game Winning Goals by a defenseman with 4, whileleadingthe CHL's blueliners in Shootout Goals with 7. He was named CHL "Best shootout player" in 2012.

Powerplay Master - Brandon Naurato is tied for third in the CHL for most powerplay goals with 10.

Tune Into The Game Live!

Fans can cheer on their Gems by tuning intowave96.netor CHL TV starting at 6:30pm eastern time, with Gems broadcaster Tom Michaels handling the play-by-play. Fans can also stream the game live from their smartphones throughwave96.netand the free TuneIN radio app.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Central Hockey League Stories from March 20, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central