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Gems Return Home to Host First Place Komets

March 6, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Dayton, OH - The Dayton Gems return home to the comfy confines of the historic Hara Arena to begin a three game week featuring Turner Conference foes the Fort Wayne Komets on Tuesday evening and the Bloomington Blaze on Friday and Saturday nights. Faceoff on Tuesday is set for a special "Family Friendly" 6:30pm.

The Gems make their triumphant return to Ohio after earning three points from their two game roadtrip to Prescott Valley, Arizona last Friday and Saturday. Dayton fell in a nailbiting 4-3 shootout to the Sundogs Friday night before avenging the loss with a physical 5-2 win on Saturday night inside Tim's Toyota Center.

Gameday In Dayton

The Gems host their closest rival for the sixth time this season, and for the eleventh total meeting between the two clubs. The Gems and Komets most recently met on February 11 in Dayton, when the Gems came away with an overpowering 5-0 shutout win on Cassano's Italian Ice.

The Gems skate into Tuesday's matchup with a 3-6-1 record this season against the Komets, while Fort Wayne boasts their season record of 7-3-0 against Dayton. The Gems remain one point ahead of Bloomington in the Turner Conference standings, while the Komets have again battled back to the top, tying Evansville for top spot with a whopping 76 points.

Tuesday night's special faceoff time is set for 6:30pm, with gates opening to the public starting at 5:30pm. The first 1,000 fans will receive a limited edition Gems player card set. Fans are invited to join players and staff for another postgame party at Buffalo Wild Wings in Englewood immediately following the game for autographs and more.

Dayton Gems Game Notes

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

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

Git-R-Dunn - Dayton's newly acquired netminder Dan Dunn is the fifth netminder this regular season to don a Gems sweater. Most recently a member of the Allen Americans, he was acquired as off waivers and earned his first win during his first start on February 18 against the Blaze (3-2 Shootout win) and again won a 3-2 shootout against Arizona on February 25.

Stellar Sterling - veteran netminder Larry Sterling continues to battle near the top of the CHL stat chart, maintaining the league's fourth best save percentage of .923.

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 Sundogs 6-4.

The Closer - Dayton's Tim Hartung sits tied for most Game Winning Goals by a defenseman with 4, while leading the CHL's blueliners in Shootout Goals with 7.

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

Tickets For Tonight

Tickets for Tuesday's game against the Komets are on sale now by calling 275-7777 or by visiting the all new www.DaytonGems.com.

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