DAYTON, OH - The Port Huron Icehawks fell behind early and could never catch up on Saturday, losing 4-2 to the Dayton Gems at Hara Arena. 

Mike Kinnie drew the Icehawks to within a goal at 4:16 into the third period when he scored his 14th goal of the season unassisted. However, Justin McCutcheon sealed the deal for the Gems when he fired home his first goal of the season at 17:45. Matt Szypura had the lone assist. Each team had 14 shots in the third, with Port Huron outshooting the Gems 42-30 for the game. Adam Russo made 26 stops for Port Huron, while former Icehawk Ryan Mior made 40 saves for Dayton.

Jonathon Ornelas scored on the Gems first shot of the game 7:46 into the first period, firing a hard wrist shot from the right circle on a two-on-one break into the Port Huron zone. Just 19 seconds later, Joe VanCulin made it 2-0 for Dayton on the Gems second shot of the game, a backhander in front of the crease. Corey Couturier assisted on the play. Former Icehawk Mike Olynyk fired in a rebound on a Dayton power play for his first goal of the season at 13:46 to give the Gems a 3-0 advantage. Preston Briggs and Van Culin had the assists.

Port Huron got on the board late in the period when Adam Maccarone scored his fourth goal of the season off a face-off. Nick Lindberg assisted at 15:27 to make the score 3-1 after twenty minutes. Port Huron outshot Dayton 9-7 in the period. The second period was scoreless, with Port Huron outshooting Dayton 19-9 in the frame.

For game stats: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/gamesheet_full.html?gameid=1057708.

The Icehawks (29-14-0-3) have lost five of their last six games, but remain in second place in the International Hockey League standings, six points behind the first place Muskegon Lumberjacks. The fifth place Gems improve to 19-23-3-1.

The Icehawks return home next Friday to host the Flint Generals at McMorran Arena and kick off a three game weekend series between the teams. Single game tickets for all Icehawks home games are on sale now at McMorran Arena Box Office, any Ticket Master location or by phone. For more information, call 810-966-3800.

Game Notes: The loss was only the Icehawks second versus the Gems this season. They continue to lead the season series 8-2-0-0.