The team was originally a member of the International Hockey League before it merged into the CHL in 2010.

[3] The Dayton Gems were taken over by a local ownership group GDHP, LLC, led by Rob Garfield, in January 2010.

On April 23, the Gems owners announced that John Marks was fired as head coach after one season.

[5] On July 7, the Gems announced that Brian Gratz would be the new head coach and general manager.

[6] On July 19, the 2010–11 Dayton Gems jerseys were revealed after they were voted on by the fans,[7] as well as the first ten players signed for the season.