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Gems Look to Sweep Rush on Saturday Night

January 21, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Dayton, OH - The Dayton Gems conclude their two game road trip to western South Dakota with a rematch with the Rapid City Rush one night after shutting them out 3-0 on Friday.

With Friday night's win, the Gems snapped their five game winless streak which dated back to January 6, while notching their first shutout victory of the season.

Upon the conclusion of tonight's game, the Gems will travel over 1,000 miles back to the Gem City and spend the week preparing for Rapid City's visit on Friday, January 27, their first visit to Dayton since last season's playoffs.

Gameday In Rapid City

The Dayton Gems picked up their first-ever win over the Rapid City Rush on Friday night, blanking them 3-0 on the heels of Damian Surma's two goal performance and goalie Bryan Hogan's first professional shutout between the pipes.

The Gems (13-17-7) return to the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center looking to complete the weekend sweep against the Rush off of the momentum generated with their Friday night win on the road. Dayton skates into Saturday night with an improved 8-9-4 record away from home ice after winning their first road game since January 6 in Fort Wayne. Damian Surma's team leading 19th and 20th goals of the season set the tone offensively for the Gems on Friday, while Tim Hartung earned his 7th of the year to secure the Gems trifecta on the scoresheet. Surma's first goal at 4:02 of the opening period was just his second game winning goal of the season.

The Rush (19-13-2) were denied their 20th win of the season by the Gems, falling for the first time to Dayton. The loss snapped their brief one game winning streak, and gave Rapid City just their 5th loss this season on home ice. Friday night also marks the first time the Rush have been shut out by an opponent this season, despite Rapid City winning two shutout games themselves so far this year.

Gems Game Notes

Brick Wall - Dayton's rookie netminder Bryan Hogan earned his first professional shutout victory on Friday night against the Rush, turning aside all 24 saves faced in the 3-0 win.

All Star Lutes - Brett Lutes represented the Gem City as the lone Gems player participating in the 2012 All Star Game. Lutes would earn two assists and a +5 rating to help his CHL All Star team beat the CHL's Arizona Sundogs 6-4.

New Guys! - The Gems welcome fresh blood to the roster with the addition of forwards Robin Richards and David Nimmo. Nimmo would score in his first game with the Gems on Friday night against the Mallards and again last Sunday against the IceMen.

Mixed Martial Awesome - Friday night's win in Rapid City would see both John Kennedy and Robin Richards drop the mitts and engage in fisticuffs, helping keep momentum with the Gems.

The Closer - Dayton's Tim Hartung sits tied for most Game Winning Goals by a defenseman with 3, while leading the CHL's blueliners in Shootout Goals with 2.

Powerplay Master - Brandon Naurato remains second best in the CHL in powerplay goals with 8 .

Milemarker 20 - Damian Surma earned team leading goals #19 & #20 on Friday night, and picked up his second game winner of the season.

Tune Into Tonight's Game!

Catch all the action live onwave96.net and CHL TV starting at 8:55pm (eastern) with Gems broadcaster JT Szabo handling the call. Fans can also tune into the Internet radio broadcast anywhere in the world with Internet connection and on the go through their smartphone.

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Central Hockey League Stories from January 21, 2012


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