The team was established in 2009 and joined the
International Hockey League (IHL) for the 2009–10 season. The team was named after
the original Dayton Gems of the
former International Hockey League. Their acceptance into the IHL was officially announced on June 9, 2009. On June 15, 2009, the Gems named
John Marks as head coach. On December 2, 2009, the IHL Board of Governors announced that it had terminated the ownership group of the Dayton Gems and had taken ownership of the team while new local ownership group is pursued. The Dayton Gems were taken over by a local ownership group GDHP, LLC, led by Rob Garfield, in January 2010. The other two owners were Kathy Rupp and Dr. Paul Nitz. On April 23, the Gems owners announced that John Marks was fired as head coach after one season. On June 1, 2010, the International Hockey League announced that they were joining the
Central Hockey League (CHL). On July 7, the Gems announced that Brian Gratz would be the new head coach and general manager. On July 19, the 2010–11 Dayton Gems jerseys were revealed after they were voted on by the fans, as well as the first ten players signed for the season. On May 17, 2012, the Dayton Gems ceased operations. The Gems were replaced by the
Dayton Demonz of the
Federal Hockey League for the 2012–13 season. ==Season records==