Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Gems were edged out by the Bloomington Prairie Thunder. The Gems couldn’t push through as the final score totaled 4-2 in front of a crowd of 2319.As with the rest of tonight’s game,the first period began fast and furiously.. After several excellent attempts to defend the net by goalie Derek MacIntyre, the Prairie Thunder took the first point of the game at 8:03, and again almost 4 minutes later with a second goal from the same player.
Almost halfway through the second period, Bloomington sc
ored another goal, leaving the Gems behind with a 3-0 lead. However, the Gems’ own Pierce Norton scored the team’s first goal 16 minutes into the second period with assists from Jon Ornelas and Mike Vaskivuo.
In the third it was  Preston Briggs scoring the team’s second goal of the night, aided by Corey Couturier and Justin McCutcheon. Disappointingly, Bloomington scored another goal with less than a minute left in the game, pushing the Gems away from a win tonight.
The Air Force was in force for the teams’ Wright Patterson Air Force Base Night. The Honor guard presented the colors, new recruits were sworn in followed by a touching version of God Bless America all under the supervision of the Base Commander, Bradley Spacy.
The evening ended with the special camouflage jerseys being auctioned to the crowd. While the average winning bid was approximately $320, the highest seller was rookie Mike Vaskivuo’s jersey at $670. The final talley reached over $7000 and a portion will be donated to the Air Force Aid Fund.
The Gems hit the road on Saturday to meet the Quad City Mallards at 8pm. Listen live to the game on the B2 network via the Gems website: www.daytongems.net
The next home game will be Friday, February 5th at 730pm when the Gems meet the Flint Generals. It’s Guns and Hoses Night: Firefighters, Police and EMTs buy 1 ticket get 1 ticket free discount and another Frothy Friday with $2 Drafts.
Lefty McFadden tribute night is Saturday, February 6th when the Gems take on the Port Huron Icehawks at 7:30pm. Local legends will be in attendance including: Tom Hamlin, Marc Katz and Bucky Albers.
All adult tickets only $10. Student and Childrens tickets $7. Groups are welcome and parking is free.
Each Monday evening join the Gems at Fox and Hound in Beavercreek at 9pm as they become Miami Valley Idol judges .
This Thursdays have lunch with the players at Brixx downtown. See you at noon!.
For further information contact: Jill Sanders – Dayton Gems Director of Media and Public Relations (937) 275-7777Â jill@daytongems.net ###
