Gems Partner with RUT Hockey for Salute to Beer League Hockey Night

December 28, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Dayton, OH - The Dayton Gems professional hockey team, a proud member of the Central Hockey League, released additional details for the upcoming first annual "Salute To Beer League Hockey Night" presented by Heidelberg Distributing and set for Saturday, January 7 inside the historic Hara Arena.

After being selected over the summer in a special online fan poll which received well over 5,000 votes, nine players from San Antonio, Texas based RUT Hockey will be making the trip to Dayton for the salute to Beer League Hockey on the 7th when the Gems will wear replica jerseys of Rut Hockey's fan-favorite "camouflaged" design. The very unique jerseys and socks feature a hunting theme complete with a woodsman camouflage pattern accented with bright orange stripes.

For the fans, select $2 Beer Specials will also be on sale throughout the night at the various Hara concession stands, while the first 500 fans 18+ through the gates beginning at 6pm will receive a limited edition Dayton Gems pint glass.

The RUT Hockey team will participate in a shootout at first intermission versus MegaCity Hockey, Dayton's Beer League Hockey team that plays weekly at Hara Arena. The RUT Hockey team members will also get a Gems VIP Experience, with an opportunity to sit on the Gems bench during warmups, a chance to meet Head Coach Brian Gratz and Gems players, and a postgame party provided by the Gems.

As part of the event, the Gems have partnered with RUT Hockey to host a special online auction of the game worn Gems camo jerseys on the following week, with proceeds going to RUT's chosen charity, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in honor of a fallen teammate.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. Founded in 1949, they are relentless in pursuit of their mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

This summer Clayton Rutan, a good friend and fan of Rut Hockey, lost his 7 year battle with leukemia. At the young age of 36 he was survived by his wife Jessica and two kids. Clayton was born and raised in Willet NY as an avid outdoorsman who had a deep appreciation for the land, and its wildlife. He and his family were challenged daily from the ups and downs of his health condition and the constant trips from central NY to Buffalo. Clayton was treated primarily at the Roswell Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY. Parts of Clayton's treatments and stays at Roswell were documented by the facility. His interviews were sent to the Sundance Film Festival and were selected to be part of the 2011 film "Life In A Day". Through Clayton's 7 year battle he never complained once about pain or the restrictions that the disease and treatments put on him. Instead he focused on getting better and spent as much time with his family as possible.

On dedicating their proceeds to charity, RUT Hockey stated "Clayton "Fudd" Rutan is a hero and warrior in our eyes and Rut Hockey would like to donate our portion of the proceeds to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, via Shoot for a Cure, in his name and honor."

Advance tickets and group discounts to "Salute To Beer League Hockey Night" on Saturday, January 7 are on sale now by calling the Gems ticket office at 275-7777 or by visiting www.DaytonGems.com.

The Gems return home on Thursday night, December 29 to host the Bloomington Blaze on Cassano's Italian Ice inside Hara Arena at 7pm. It's another "Thirsty Thursday" featuring select $1 drafts with the first 500 fans through the gates receiving a limited edition Gems player stadium cup. 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.



Central Hockey League Stories from December 28, 2011


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