Gems Hockey Uninterrupted With New Owners

By Bruce Kettelle

A new Dayton area investor group emerged today as the new owners of the fledgling Dayton Gems at Trotwood’s Hara Arena. GDHP, LLC, a company created this morning, took over the reins after the previous owners Ryan Yerrick and Rich Brunner fell behind in the $6,000 monthly league franchise payments to the IHL.

Speaking for the new investment group Rob Garfield owner of Garfield Logistics (a trucking company) and Dream Catchers Coaches (the team’s bus company) said, “we will continue what Ryan and Rich started.”

Kathy Rupp (widow of former Gem goalie Pat Rupp) and team doctor Dr. Paul Nitz were introduced as partners in the Greater Dayton Hockey Players (GDHP) investment team. “We are looking to add additional local investors, tell people to call me,” said Garfield.

IHL Commissioner Dennis Hextall welcomes new Gems ownership spokesman Rob Garfield to the league. Also pictured are Gems media director Jill Sanders and coach John Marks.

Some of the new partners were part of a group that contacted Hara last spring to look at starting a new team in 2010. That was before Yerrick and Brunner decided to move ahead with a team this year. “These are hockey lovers and local business owners,” said Karen Wampler promotions director at Hara.

Garfield, a season ticket holder, had already been helping with the team’s cash flow before the IHL put them on notice last week. “Things happened very quickly,” he said. “It costs about $20,000 a week to run the team.”

When asked about his attendance goals he said he wants to start seeing sellouts. He fondly remembers when the previous Gems teams filled Hara and tickets were hard to get.

Rob Garfiled has been a hockey fan for a long time and now is part of the GDHL, LLC partnership that owns the IHL Dayton Gems.

He said the coach and team are doing a great job on the ice and he wants to focus more on marketing. He sees the team becoming known as a locally owned team that develops partnerships with local businesses. He also envisions reaching out to build ticket sales at Wright Patterson Air Force Base and other large area employers.

Ticket prices were also mentioned as something the partners will take a look at. “We may make some adjustment so fans get the best possible value,” said Garfield.

Payroll is up to date and the team has not missed a game. Players are gearing up for two home games this weekend, Saturday against Fort Wayne at 7:30 and Sunday against Port Huron at 7:30pm (the later start time is a change from the original schedule). For ticket information call 275-7777.

Dayton Gems Offer Holiday Fun

 

The Dayton Gems kicked off their three game Thanksgiving week home stand with a big win Sunday on the ice and for fans. All week there is free parking at Trotwood's Hara Arena, $5 admission with a food donation for the local pantry, and more. Wednesday is dollar beer night and Friday is Harry Potter night with prizes for the best character costume from the popular movie series.

Sunday featured a free for all dodge ball game during the first intermission played by mascots from many area businesses including the Gems own mascot Blade. Can you name all the mascots in the picture above?

The fun continues tonight and Friday. Tonight the Gems face Bloomington's Prairie Thunder and Friday the Flint Generals. Both games start at 7:30. For more information contact the Gems ticket office at 275-7777.

Rams Meet Winton Woods Tonight

Trotwood-Madison Rams Fans should expect to see more of the ground game making this year's team assault in the playoffs so successful. Last week against Turpin Antwan Gilbert showed once again why he remains the points leader. But he is not alone as you can see in this picture the offensive line keeps making it possible with excellent blocks.

 

Tonight the Rams face Winton Woods for the regional championship game at 7:30 in Mason. The winner will advance for a chance at the state championships

Rams To Play Winton Woods In Mason

Trotwood will be play for the regional football trophy at Mason High School against Winton Woods on Friday November 20 at 7:30.

Trotwood's 43-7 win against undefeated Turpin sends the Trotwood-Madison Rams to the regional finals for the first time since 1981.

Trotwood Returns To Flyin' To The Hoop January 16

The Trotwood-Madison Rams will appear in the 2010 Flyin' To The Hoop basketaball showcase for the 5th consecutive year. This year the Rams are scheduled in prime time on Saturday evening January 16th at 6:30 pm vs. Montverde Academy (FL).

Montverde Academy is the twelfth ranked national high school team by ESPN. This central florida private boarding school delivers a top notch basketball program year after year under coach Kevin Sutton. Suttons carreer coaching record stood at 373-80 as of last summer.

Trotwood's public school program continues to produce division championships in southwest Ohio and includes visits to the final four state championships in 2006 and 2007. Those two years the teams offense was led by Chris Wright now a junior at the University of Dayton. Wright, a standout shooter, is expected to be a first round NBA draft pick upon graduation.


Tickets and more information about Flyin' To The Hoop is available at http://www.flyintothehoop.com

Rams Run Over Mt Healthy

Story and photos by Bruce Kettelle

Mt Healthy got a healthy dose of the Trotwood-Madison Rams last Friday in the first round of the 2009 Ohio football playoff season. Jerimiah Tolbert (#25) of Mt Healthy tried early and often to break the Ram defense but kept running into walls built by Christian Townsend and Jordan Paschal.

Tolbert's counterpart on the Rams offense is running back Antwan Gilbert. At times it seemed the Owls could stop Gilbert's incessant penetration.

Mt Healthy tried sending the ball with Tracy Barnes but that didn't work too well either.

Trotwood stuck with Gilbert and he dominated the first half with 211 yards scoring four touchdowns.

Gilbert was all smiles on the bench.

Near the end of the fourth quarter Israel Green (#25), a surprise substitution for Gilbert, made a midfield break and ran it in for the final touchdown and the 41-6 win.

Green is a freshman that is showing enough promise to be included on the varsity squad.

The Rams took a moment to rejoice on the field after the game but this Friday they will face Turpin. Turpin is undefeated this season and will undoubtedly spend this week studying the tapes to learn how to stop the the Rams running game. Trotwood and Turpin will play Friday night at 7:30 at the Princeton High School stadium. Advance tickets are $7 at Trotwood High School from 7-3:15 daily. $9 admission at the gate.

Icemen Break Dayton Winning Streak

By Bruce Kettelle

After two wins this weekend the Gems tried hard to make it three on Sunday. But the Icehawks from Port Huron help their ground after a go ahead goal early in the third period.

It wasn't for lack of trying. The Gems had stepped up their game this week and made several strong attacks. The Icehawks held, breaking up key plays and even defended an empty net power play during the last two minutes of the evening.

Ryan Mior had the night off which put the pressure on Derek Macintyre(1-4) in the goal. Matt Auffrey and Mark Versteeg-Lytwyn scored for the Dayton Gems 2-3 loss.

The Gems go on the road this week returning to Hara next Sunday for the return of the Flint Generals.

Joe VanCulin tries to hold back Mike Kinnie who scored Port Huron's go ahead goal. The Icehawks continued to press the Gems in the third period.

Kinnie gets a pass by the Gems' Joe VanCulin.

Derek Macintyre traps the puck after this shot by the Icehawks.

Gems Hold Generals With 1 Goal

They played ice hockey in Hara last night. And it was good. After a lackluster 1st period by both teams the fans came alive as the board checks became fierce and tempers started to show on the ice.

The Dayton Gems manuvered their second win in a row Saturday against the Flint Generals. Seven minutes into the second period Michael Mullen found the net on a great attack with help from Dan Lapointe and Matt Auffrey.

The Generals sought revenge but that would be the only score of the night. The Gems had 32 shots on goal to the Generals 25. Their record is now 4-3-2-0. The Gems finish their 3 home game weekend with a dustup against the Port Huron Ice Hawks Sunday at 5pm.

 

Gem Mike Vaskivuo delivers a strong board check in the second to Steve Silver of the Generals.

 

Tempers flared in the third. Both Matt Auffrey and Craig Cescon took fighting penalties for connecting a few punches.

Gems Shake Jacks In Shootout

By Bruce Kettelle

The Dayton Gems began there three night home stand in the positive column heading off a tie against the Muskegon Lumberjacks in a shootout for the 3-2 win.

After the scoreless first period Johnathon Ornelas made a great breakaway at mid-ice taking it all the way in for the first score of the match just 15 seconds into the 2nd. The Lumberjacks found their first opening just 30 seconds later to tie it up and moved ahead with another point 3 minutes later.

The Gems found the net again in the third with a goal by Preston Briggs setting up the shootout in Hara Arena. Dayton had 48 shots for the game to Muskegon's 37. Dayton's season now stands at 3-3-2-0.

The Gems do it again tonight at 7:30 against the Flint Generals and Sunday at 5pm against the Port Huron Ice Hawks. Saturday is report card night. Kids presenting a report card with an A at the door will get free admission.

Johnathon Ornelas breaks away for the first score of the game.

Phil Youngclaus looks for a way past the Lumberjacks as the Dayton Gems earn their second home win of the season.

John Snowden passes back to Joe Van Culin against the Muskegon Lumberjacks.

Lumberjack Matt Krug can't stop Gem Michael Mullins on this net attack leaving several players down on the ice.

Third Times A Charm For Gems

By Bruce Kettelle

The Dayton Gems proved the third time is the charm this weekend. In fact they did it twice.

The Gems first win of the season came on Friday night in Muskegon 7-5. That was their third game of the season. Then during their third home game of the season they picked up their second win on Sunday 5-4 against the Flint Generals.

Apparently more practice and a few lineup changes are having an effect since their opening weekend resulted in two losses.

This week Coach John Marks cut Mike Busto, Bobby Reed and Travis Winters. He added Matt Auffrey a former Dayton Bomber and Edgars Brancis of the Latvian Pro League.

The Gems also added another loss over the weekend making their record 2-3 falling in Bloomington 0-4 on Saturday night.

Friday in Muskegon goals were added by Joe VanCulin, Jonathon Ornelas, Mike Masklonka, John Snowden, Michael Mullin, AJ Maclean, and Mike Vaskivus.

Scoring in Hara against Flint Sunday for the Gems were Greg Labenski (2), John Snowden, Joe VanCulin, and Mike Vaskivo. The Gems trailed 3-2 at the end of the 1st period. Dayton took the lead for the rest of the game after a rally about 8 minutes into the second period.

This coming weekend the Gems will be on the road. They are back in Trotwood for a three game streak November 6, 7, & 8. A three game ticket is available for $33 at Hara or any Ticketmaster. The team is also expected to announce some changes in their regular ticket prices this week. For more information call 275-7777.

Gems Still Working On Polish

(photo) Goalie Ryan Mior had some great saves including this one against Cole Ruwe

By Bruce Kettelle

As expected there was a smaller crowd for the Dayton Gems first Sunday afternoon hockey game. In the confines of Hara Arena the fans sounded loud but on the ice the Gems were still trying to polish their game after Friday’s unsuccessful tiebreaker.

Despite Bloomington’s loss to Muskegon at their season opener earlier in the weekend they were able to muster a third period rally taking home a 4-2 win from this road trip.

Looks like the Gems may be working overtime in practice this week after failing to last in their first two third periods. Friday it appeared they ran out of gas and Sunday coach John Marks said they weren’t playing as a team.

Prairiethunder forward Jon Boras scored one of his two game points in the first period. Gem Jon Snowden answered back in the second to tie up the game going into the third period.

Bloomington was on fire in the third with goals from Brian Boulay, Ryan Finnerty and Boras.

Mike Vaskivuo drilled the only third period goal for the Gems.

The Gems go on the road visiting Muskegon Friday and Bloomington Saturday for a rematch. Audio for those games can be heard live on-line at www.DaytonGems.com
Sunday they are back in Trotwood with a 5pm start against the Flint Generals.

Jon Boras shoots his second goal past Dayton Gem Ryan Mior as the Bloomington Lumberjacks clinch the win 4-2.

John Snowden landed a second period goal for Dayton.

Gems Drop Opener In Tiebreaker

Dayton hockey fans easily drowned out the 300 or so Indiana commuters that made the three hour trek to Hara Arena Friday. That is until a 3rd period rally that erased the early Gems lead sending the season opener into overtime.

Two minutes later the Ft Wayne Komets claimed the 4-3 victory.

The Dayton Gems emerged strong scoring twice in the first period and again in the second. It was all there, puck handling, big checks on the boards, and 2800 new fans eager to enjoy the inaugural IHL season in the revamped Hara.

The Gems were game on during the first two periods chalking up a 3-1 lead with goals by Sam Bloom, Johnathon Ornelas, and Phil Youngclaus. But last seasons IHL champions controlled the third period effectively shutting down the Gem offense. The Komets kept most of the third period play in the Gems half of the ice.

Bobby Reed muscles by Ft Wayne Defenseman Matt Woodard in the second period of the Dayton Gems season opener.

Danny Lapointe takes a shot at Komet goalie Nick Boucher.

Reed gets a break away from a second period puck drop.

Reed takes a right jab from Komet Leo Thomas as things heated up in the third period.

Trotwood Dazzels Troy In Drizzle

The Trotwood Rams were so hot Friday night spectators forgot about hot chocolate in the cold raw drizzle that enveloped the Good Samaritan Sportsplex at Trotwood-Madison High School. Antwan Gilbert proved to be a football machine moving the ball nearly 250 yards. Troy could not control the offense leaving the drenced field with a 25-13 Trotwood win.

 

More details and more pictures tomorrow!

The Dayton Gems hockey team released their final roster late Thursday. Coach John Marks has created a young dream team with all the players between 22 and 31 years old. This final lineup will meet last year’s IHL Turner Cup Champs tonight for the regular season opener in Hara Arena at 8pm.

The old man of the first year franchise is a familiar name in Dayton following his 3-year run with the now defunct Dayton Bombers. Greg Labenski (31) will be a starting forward bringing a depth of professional experience since his 1995 debut in the OHL.

The young man on the Gems roster is goalie Ryan Mior (22). Mior comes to Dayton after last year’s impressive season with the IHL Port Huron Ice Hawks.

Bloom,Sam F McGill Univ, CIS
Briggs,Preston D Rocky Mountain,CHL
Busto,Mike D South Carolina ECHL
Labenski,Greg D Dayton, ECHL
Lapointe,Dan F Bakersfield, ECHL
MacIntyre,Derek G Danbury,EPHL
MacLean,A.J. F Arizona, CHL
Maslonka,Milan F Dayton, ECHL
Mior,Ryan G Port Huron, IHL
Mullen,Michael F Tulsa, CHL
Nathe,Bryan D Witchita, CHL
Oke,Nathan D Richmond, SPHL
Ornelas,Jonathan F Amarillo, CHL
Reed,Bobby F Tulsa, CHL
Snowden,John F Amarillo, CHL
VanCulin,Joe D Dayton, ECHL
Vaskivuo,Mike F South Carolina ECHL
Versteeg-Lytwyn,Mark F Fort Wayne, IHL
Winter,Travis F Bemidji, WCHA State
Youngclaus,Phil D Gwinnett, ECHL

Icemen Blow Fuse, Gems Win 9-1

By Bruce Kettelle

Even though an electrical failure on the Icemen’s bus delayed the game, the Icemen demonstrated some early electricity in the pre-season debut against the Dayton Gems scoring the first goal of the game just 10 minutes into the 1st period. But their power failure soon returned and that would be their only goal as the Gems cemented their second pre-season win 9-1 in preparation for Friday’s season opener against Ft Wayne at Trotwood's Hara Arena.

While the Evansville Icemen waited for the replacement bus to arrive in Louisville they probably spent more time together as a team than they have all season. Their training camp just opened Monday and they only had two practices under their belt. Their league, the AAHL, starts two weeks after the Gems’s IHL gets underway.

Dayton on the other hand made their last roster cuts after the game signaling they are at the end of their training camp. Coach John Marks watched the game from the upstairs press box for a different view of the players before making those final decisions.

On the ice coaching for the game was left up to starting defenseman Greg Labenski. Marks already knows he is a keeper. Sam Bloom, Chris Clark and Johnathon Ornelas each scored twice. Edgars Brancis, Mike Mullen, and Ohil Youngclaus each added one.

Ice hockey crowds are also proving to be keepers at Hara. Over 1400 were on hand last night, up from the 900 at last week’s pre-season game. Comments from the crowd were positive and tickets are selling fast to Fridays game against the Ft Wayne Komets starting at 8pm. For ticket info call the Dayton Gems Hockey office at (937)275-7777

 

The Gems out shot the Icemen 57-5. Icemen goalie Dave Desander takes a water break after fending off a barrage of shots in the second.

 

Even with the Gems ahead 6-1 in period 2 this young fan shows her displeasure with the referees call against her team.

 

And then it was 7-1 after the Gems slipped another one by the Icemen.

 

Gem Avery Wilson takes a swing at Ryan Ford after being slammed into the boards.

Hockey Fans Enjoy Dayton Gems (pictures)

October 9 2009 - Dayton Gems 4 - Toledo Walleye 2

Trotwood resident Dave Szkudlarek and friend Rhonda Garrett stretch their legs after the second period while the zamboni works the ice at Hara Arena. The season ticket holder was excited by the return of hockey to Hara.

This young family has great season ticket seats behind the Dayton Gems bench. The new plastic boards give them a great view of the team and the ice.

Head Trainer Bryan Rogers and Head Coach John Marks were watching closely during this preseason game against Toledo. Marks needs to trim about ten players to get down to the final roster size.

These flyers provided some fascinating entertainment between periods with these remote controlled aircraft. Don Smith(l) and John McNees(r) used to perform in the Nutter Center during Dayton Bomber games. Besides the planes team management has lots of fun in store this season including $1 beer nights at every Wednesday game.

Dayton Gems Reel In Some Walleyes

Dayton Gems ice hockey returned to Hara Arena last night. To the delight of fans and team management is was a win win for the Wamplers old hockey barn.

On the ice the Gems dominated the scoring in the 4-2 preseason win. This is the IHL Gems only ECHL matchup this season and former Dayton Bombers fans couldn’t help but think of some past matchups with the former Toledo Storm.

But the Toledo Walleye, even with a new name and a new home arena, could not put it together. Both teams were trying out new players and both coaches were watching closely as deadlines near to reduce their rosters.

That translated to some exciting play giving the 700 fans in Hara their can’s worth of entertainment. Admission to both pre-season games is free with a canned good donation for the local food bank. The promotion netted an overflowing cartful of food in the front lobby.

It also netted some additional season ticket sales for the fledgling Dayton franchise. One Trotwood resident confided to us after the game that they were sold on both the team and Hara, and will be purchasing season tickets next week.

The next preseason game at Hara is October 14th against Evansville at 7pm. For ticket information contact the Dayton Gems office at (937)275-7777.

With 1:44 left in the second period Phil Youngclaus gets this shot over Toledo’s Steve Silver and Milan Maslonka giving the Dayton Gems a 3-1 lead. The Gems prevailed in their first IHL home pre-season match against the ICHL Toledo Walleye 4-2.

Fans got a taste of some great ice hockey. Both teams were trying to prove something to their coaches in the preseason event at Hara Arena in Trotwood

By the third period some of Toledo’s frustration began to show as players resolved some differences. This unshirted Walleye found himself escorted to the penalty bow. Fans seated behind the box reported seeing some deep scratches on his back before he re-dressed.

More pictures at http://trotwoodsports.blogspot.com/2009/10/hockey-fans-enjoy-dayton-gems-pictures.html

Gems Offer Free Tickets To Pre Season Games

By Bruce Kettelle

A dozen hockey fans watched the Dayton Gems practice Monday morning in Trotwood's Hara Arena. On the ice some old favorites from last years Dayton Bombers practiced their puck handling with many skaters new to the area. Coach John Marks surveyed the prospects trying to decide who to keep for the final 20-man roster.

One sure bet is former Bomber Greg Labenski who shredded past the delighted group of season ticket holders anxious for opening day on October 16. About 30 prospects were on the ice.

Today the Gems announced fans can get half price or free admission to the upcoming preseason games against Toledo October 8th 7:30pm and Evansville on the 14th 7:00pm. To be admitted for free bring a canned good to Hara for a local food bank.

Ice Is Back At Hara

By Bruce Kettelle

Cold winter air slapped me in the face as I came down the concourse on September 12th into Hara Arena. The ice is back and the smell of hockey is in the air for the most recent Dayton Gems ‘Pick A Seat’ event.

Standing at the bottom of the ramp next to the ice is the towering profile of coach John Marks talking with a few fans. The season ticket shoppers really seemed to enjoy the opportunity to hear his ideas about how hockey should be played.

Nearby a former Dayton Bombers season ticket holder from Beavercreek was pacing back and forth near a group of seats close to the goal. He was checking the view of the ice and trying to pick a location that wasn’t already tagged as sold.

Scattered throughout the 5,000 seat arena were 8x11” signs taped to specific seats marking them as sold. We counted about 400 seats that have already been scooped up.

There were only two seats left in the row right behind the home team’s box and two hockey fans were already there looking at what might be their home for the inaugural IHL hockey season in Dayton. The two women were all smiles when Marks took the time to come over and chat.

The Gems are on the home stretch to get a few more season tickets sold before the first game October 16 when they meet last years IHL cup winners the Ft Wayne Komets.

One of the arena crewmembers, water hose in hand, ventures out onto the new sheet of ice and starts to build up another layer on the virgin surface. In a few days Disney On Ice will be taking over Trotwood’s Hara Arena for one of their famous shows and then the hockey players will get their turn.

Beyond the ice visitors will notice some other improvements. A makeover in the concourse with new lighting, lots of fresh paint including the seats, a freshened up Hara Pub, and new lights in the parking lot are just a few of the visible changes so far.

Marks said they have just about filled the new team’s roster. He seems quite pleased with the skill sets in the lineup but we’ll save that for a later story. He said both he and the team are anxious to get practices underway.

Before opening day there will be a series of exhibition games to help get the skaters up to speed. The first pre-season sneak peaks at home are October 8 and 14 against the ECHL Toledo Walleye and AAHL Evansville IceMen. If you’re up for a trip there’s an earlier one in Ft Wayne, IN October 7 against the Komets.

Game tickets range from $13 to $18. $2 discounts are available for various groups including children and seniors. For questions or ticket information contact the Gems directly at (937)275-7777. The complete schedule can be found at http://www.totallytrotwood.com/Gems%20Schedule%2009-10.htm

Dayton Gems Hockey Countdown Clock

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At Hara Arena in Trotwood Ohio
First game is October 16th against the Ft Wayne Komets.
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Mason Escapes Trotwood With FG

By Bruce Kettelle

High school football fans that made the trek back to Welcome Stadium for the second half of last night’s weather delayed game were not disappointed today. Trotwood-Madison fielded the same players but looked like a different team. If they didn’t have to count the 0-10 first half performance Thursday night the Rams would have walked away winners.

The Rams opened quickly scoring twice in the early minutes of the second half to make it 14-10. But the Mason Comets were determined not to let the previous night’s efforts slip away and drove for a fourth quarter touchdown (14-17).

Trotwood not known for it’s field goal abilities drove into filed goal range and to the delight of the crowds Mouhamadou Seck connected for three tying up the game. Mason answered with a field goal of their own.

Trotwood’s drive in the last minutes moved the ball inside the 45-yard-line with a stunning 30-yard pass to Justin Favors. The electrified crowd roared.

The next play ended the game but not for Trotwood. Mason picked off a Ram pass and downed the ball to run out the last minute on the clock. Final score 17-20.

Watch for Antwan Gilbert at next week’s match against Dunbar also at Welcome Stadium on September 5th 7pm. He had some great moves today scoring both touchdowns.

Reprints of these photos are available from Robert Knoll Studio

Trotwood Rams Season Opener At Welcome

UPDATE! Due to lightning the game was postponed at halftime and will resume at 3:30 today (Friday August 28) at Welcome Stadium. At the half Trotwood was scoreless 10-0. The Rams moved the ball several times but could not penetrate from the red zone. Both coaches will use this time to fine tune their strategies. Can Trotwood turn this delay into a win?

Varsity football’s first regular season start is on a Thursday this year. The non-Friday-night game is part of the two-day Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown at Welcome Stadium.

This will be the first full test of the 2009 Ram squad after showing dynamic promise in pre-season scrimmages.

The Trotwood-Madison Rams will take the field against Mason at 8pm. Fans can come early to see the Chaminade Julienne/Troy match up starting at 5:30 on the same ticket.