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Gems Rematch Mallards Tonight for Opening Night in Dayton

November 5, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Gems Game #5, Home Game #1 - Team Record 1-1-2, 4pts

Dayton, OH - The Dayton Gems professional hockey team makes their long anticipated return to the comfy confines of historic Hara Arena tonight for the club's home opener against division rival Quad City Mallards, a rematch of last night's thrilling come from behind victory on the road in Moline, Ill.

For the Gems (1-1-2), a revamped power play and penalty kill system provided the backdrop for the team's dominant come from behind win for their first victory of the young season, keeping the Mallards winless in front of their home crowd inside the iWireless Center. A whopping four of Dayton's five total goals came on the powerplay, with forward Nick Fanto earning the first two a little more than a minute apart in the second period to rev the offensive machinery. Of note, Gems forward Damian Surma extended his impressive streak of scoring goals in consecutive games to four, lighting the lamp in each of Dayton's first four games on the road. Also scoring for the Gems, Brett Lutes found the scoresheet for his first goal of the season, and Jon Ornelas capped off the scoring for Dayton with a tip in goal in the third, after captain Greg Labenski made a streching play at the Mallard line to keep the puck onside and send in the initial shot.

Game Day In Dayton

At long last, the Gems come home to Cassano's Italian Ice at Hara Arena for the first time since their lone home preseason matchup against Fort Wayne all the back on October 14. Dayton has already played in two "home openers" this season, first a tough 5-4 overtime loss in Bloomington on October 22 and again in Rapid City with a 4-3 shootout loss on October 28.

Tonight's special home opener will kick off at 5pm with a free pregame tailgate outside the main gates, featuring live music from Stadium Eleven, as well as inflatable bounce houses and attractions for the whole family. Gates open at 6pm, with the first 1,000 fans receiving thunderstix, courtesy of the Kettering Medical Center, with faceoff set for 7:00pm.

Retro Look For Gems

Nostalgia will be in full force when the Gems don their special "retro" throwback uniforms for tonight only, styled after the legendary uniforms worn by the original Dayton Gems in the 1960's and 1970's. Fans will have the chance to purchase the game worn tributes with a live jersey auction taking place right after the game in the main arena lobby.

Gems Welcome Winnett

Ben Winnett, a 22 year old native of New Westminster, British Columbia, started the season with the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs before heading to Wheeling in the ECHL.Prior to beginning his professional career, Winnett spent four seasons at the University of Michigan, playing alongside current Gems Bryan Hogan, Chad Langlais and Brandon Naurato.

"Ben is a talented player that will get the opportunity to play in a variety of roles for this team, Noted Gems head coach Brian Gratz. He does have familiarity with some of the players on our team already being University of Michigan alum, so his transition should be smooth."

While playing for the Wolverines, Winnett was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in round 4 (#104 overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, hosted by the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

Tune Into Tonight's Game!

Catch all the action live from Quad City on wave96.net and CHL TV starting at 7:50pm Eastern time, with Gems broadcaster Tom Michaels 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.

Tickets Are Still Available For Tonight!

The Dayton Gems opening night is set for Saturday, November 5 at 7pm. Single Game Tickets are on sale now at the Hara Arena box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. In addition, full season and mini pack ticket packages are still available starting at $27! Call the Gems at 275-7777 for more information and to order by phone.

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