Gems Travel to Western South Dakota for Weekend

January 20, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


Dayton, OH - The Dayton Gems make their second long bus trip to western South Dakota this weekend for a two game series with the Rapid City Rush on Friday and Saturday.

The Gems hit the ice Friday night for the series opener hoping to snap a lingering five game winless streak that dates back to January 6 when the Gems outlasted the first place Komets 3-2. The Gems are coming off three tough losses last weekend at the hands of the surging Quad City Mallards and the Evansville IceMen.

Gameday In Rapid City

Friday marks the first meeting between the Gems and Rush since all the way back on October 29 in the regular season's second week. In their lone previous trip to Rapid City this season, the Gems are 0-1-1 with the Rush and are seeking that first win this year against Rush head coach Joe Ferras.

The Gems (12-17-7) return to the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center after the 1,203 mile journey from Dayton. After falling to the Rush by just one goal in their two previous encounters, and taking Rapid City to a shootout back on October 28. While carrying a 7-9-4 road record into the contest, newly acquired forwards Dave Nimmo and Robin Richards will give the Gems increased offensive potency and physical presence this weekend against the Rush.

The Rush (19-12-2) have been firing on all cylinders since the last hosted the Gems, snapping a four game winning streak last weekend with a series split with CHL-best Wichita Thunder, taking last Friday into a shootout loss before bouncing back with a 5-3 win over the Thunder on Saturday. On the cusp of their twentieth win of the season, the Rush will no doubt rely on their impressive 14-4-1 record in front of their home fans to generate momentum right off the opening draw.

Gems Game Notes

Slim Margin - In their two prior games, the Gems and Rush played to just one goal deficits in the final scores (4-3 on October 28, 5-4 on October 29).

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.

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 .

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.



Central Hockey League Stories from January 20, 2012


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