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By Bruce Kettelle
It looks like Dayton hockey fans will not miss a beat as plans for a new team in the market are evolving into reality. According to Hara Marketing Director Karen Wampler hockey will be back at Trotwood’s Hara Arena for the fall 2009-10 season.
The Ice Hockey Group, Inc delivered their franchise agreement and payment to the International Hockey League this week. The IHL has ten days to complete their due diligence but in anticipation of acceptance into the league they have delayed their fall scheduling meeting to be able to include the new Dayton franchise.
The new team will have an old name familiar to fans. The Dayton Gems.
“They will be accepting season ticket reservations starting Monday June 1,” said Wampler. The special phone number for tickets is 275-7777. She said the best mid-ice seats are located in sections 23, 24, 25, and 26. A complete seating chart will be posted soon on the Hara web site.
The new owners Rich Brunner and Ryan Yerrick expect to schedule a press conference within a week.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
IHL Rumored To Be Close To Deal
Negotiations between the IHL and a new to Dayton investment group are reportedly close to announcing a deal that will bring hockey back to Trotwood’s 5,500 seat Hara Arena. Reliable sources say the deal is so close that a press conference may occur soon.
The timing coincides with the IHL’s upcoming annual convention of owners. Commitments need to be in place before that meeting to get on the fall schedule.
Sources say the investors are focused on Hara.
Meanwhile another confidential source claims that the Dayton Bombers last minute efforts to financially resuscitate that franchise are falling short. There is less than a month left before the ECHL annual convention. Rescue plans need to be in place before that meeting.
The Bombers owner is said to claim nearly 400 advance season ticket sales are in hand. That number is significantly less than the 1,200 target.
Totally Trotwood will have the latest hockey news as it becomes available.
The timing coincides with the IHL’s upcoming annual convention of owners. Commitments need to be in place before that meeting to get on the fall schedule.
Sources say the investors are focused on Hara.
Meanwhile another confidential source claims that the Dayton Bombers last minute efforts to financially resuscitate that franchise are falling short. There is less than a month left before the ECHL annual convention. Rescue plans need to be in place before that meeting.
The Bombers owner is said to claim nearly 400 advance season ticket sales are in hand. That number is significantly less than the 1,200 target.
Totally Trotwood will have the latest hockey news as it becomes available.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Hockey Rumors Rocking Dayton
By Bruce Kettelle
With the cancellation of next year’s ECHL Dayton Bombers season it seems the scramble to keep hockey in Dayton is rising to a new fervor. ECHL, IHL and now even USHL teams have crossed the blue line and are racing for the net.
The Bombers’ owner leads the pack with fundraising efforts underway to save the financially beleaguered franchise. Recent efforts to sell advance season tickets and lure new investors continue but a June 25th deadline is closing in.
Owner Costa Papista needs to notify the ECHL League by that date of his plans to put the Bombers on the ice in 2010. Missing the deadline threatens his rights to continue the Bombers franchise agreement. So far little news has been leaked about the success of his efforts.
The IHL has met with officials from Trotwood’s HARA Arena about locating a new franchise there for either the 2009 or 2010 season. An investor group has expressed interest but no agreements have been reached. With each passing day a 2009 start seems more remote.
Today it was learned that the USHL has entered the fray. Confidential sources said they are looking at both Hara and the Hobart Arena in Troy. The USHL is a 12-team junior hockey league. This month they are close to adding a 13th team to play in Youngstown Ohio.
With the arrival of USHL interest, hockey fans are bound to have a spirited debate over the qualities of the three leagues.
But one thing is definitely for sure. With many of their team members already signing contracts with teams in other cities, the Bombers will not be playing in Dayton this fall.
Lets us know what you think in our comments section.
With the cancellation of next year’s ECHL Dayton Bombers season it seems the scramble to keep hockey in Dayton is rising to a new fervor. ECHL, IHL and now even USHL teams have crossed the blue line and are racing for the net.
The Bombers’ owner leads the pack with fundraising efforts underway to save the financially beleaguered franchise. Recent efforts to sell advance season tickets and lure new investors continue but a June 25th deadline is closing in.
Owner Costa Papista needs to notify the ECHL League by that date of his plans to put the Bombers on the ice in 2010. Missing the deadline threatens his rights to continue the Bombers franchise agreement. So far little news has been leaked about the success of his efforts.
The IHL has met with officials from Trotwood’s HARA Arena about locating a new franchise there for either the 2009 or 2010 season. An investor group has expressed interest but no agreements have been reached. With each passing day a 2009 start seems more remote.
Today it was learned that the USHL has entered the fray. Confidential sources said they are looking at both Hara and the Hobart Arena in Troy. The USHL is a 12-team junior hockey league. This month they are close to adding a 13th team to play in Youngstown Ohio.
With the arrival of USHL interest, hockey fans are bound to have a spirited debate over the qualities of the three leagues.
But one thing is definitely for sure. With many of their team members already signing contracts with teams in other cities, the Bombers will not be playing in Dayton this fall.
Lets us know what you think in our comments section.
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