By Bruce Kettelle
After months of speculation the Dayton Bombers threw in the towel today announcing they would close and give up the 18-year old ECHL franchise.
Today at the ECHL Board of Governors meeting in Las Vegas, Bombers owner Cost Papista ended all thoughts of the team coming back. Papista announced in April that the financially struggling team would skip the 2009-2010 season while they looked for a new financial partner. That search proved unsuccessful.
The Bombers started play at Hara Arena in 1991. Previous owners, confronted with numerous sellouts, began looking for a larger hockey venue and in 1996 moved the team to the Nutter Center on the campus of Wright State University.
Ticket sales plummeted at the new venue and the team changed ownership several times over the years. Despite numerous marketing strategies the team was never able to pull the crowds to the newer facility that was originally designed for basketball.
Earlier this month a new team in a different league announced they would enter the market and play at Hara Arena. The Dayton Gems of the IHL will take the ice this fall giving local ice hockey fans a new choice without missing a season.
Deposits for season tickets will be returned by the teams law firm.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Les Gemmes Choisissent Votre Chaise Part Deux
By Bruce Kettelle
Ok, so my French is very rusty but its time to start getting really excited about ice hockey coming back to Hara in Trotwood. And we want our French Canadian friends to feel right at home.
In case you can’t make it out the headline says ‘Gems Pick Your Seat Part Two.’ In case you missed their first pick a seat in June the Dayton Gems are opening up the arena a second time for fans to come in and try out a few seats to select the best location for their season tickets.
“We sold nearly 100 tickets,” said Matt Goshert of the first pick a seat night. “Fans got a chance to see the arena . . . people were very happy to see the condition it is in and hear of the plans we have for even more improvement.” Goshert is the director of sales and marketing for this IHL franchise.
So while newly named coach John Marks is concentrating on recruiting players (and we hope he’s looking for a few secret weapons in Canada) the fans are already getting settled in the best hockey barn in Ohio.
The Dayton Gems Pick Your Seat Night Part 2 will be July 2nd from 5-8pm in Hara Arena. Hara is located at 1001 Shiloh Springs Rd. Call 275-7777 for more information.
Ok, so my French is very rusty but its time to start getting really excited about ice hockey coming back to Hara in Trotwood. And we want our French Canadian friends to feel right at home.
In case you can’t make it out the headline says ‘Gems Pick Your Seat Part Two.’ In case you missed their first pick a seat in June the Dayton Gems are opening up the arena a second time for fans to come in and try out a few seats to select the best location for their season tickets.
“We sold nearly 100 tickets,” said Matt Goshert of the first pick a seat night. “Fans got a chance to see the arena . . . people were very happy to see the condition it is in and hear of the plans we have for even more improvement.” Goshert is the director of sales and marketing for this IHL franchise.
So while newly named coach John Marks is concentrating on recruiting players (and we hope he’s looking for a few secret weapons in Canada) the fans are already getting settled in the best hockey barn in Ohio.
The Dayton Gems Pick Your Seat Night Part 2 will be July 2nd from 5-8pm in Hara Arena. Hara is located at 1001 Shiloh Springs Rd. Call 275-7777 for more information.
Monday, June 15, 2009
JOHN MARKS WILL COACH DAYTON GEMS
Press Release - received June 15th
If Dasher Boards could talk, there would probably be a million stories told about John Marks.
The Dayton Gems proudly announce an offer of employment was made and accepted this past week to John Marks. Marks will begin his position as Head Coach/Director of Player Personnel on July 1 for the franchise.
Former NHL player John Marks spent ten years with the Chicago Blackhawks setting a career record
of 112 goals, 163 assists, and 275 points in 657 career games. After retiring in 1988, Marks began his professional coaching career in the IHL with the Kalamazoo Wings, serving for four seasons.
Marks has an amazing twenty year coaching record, having made playoffs 15 times, and winning championships 3 of those 15. Only about five other coaches have a winning record that is close to Marks. Since 1993 Marks has coached in the ECHL, spending the majority of that time in Charlotte and Greenville. Marks is also a member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame.
“You guys have a coach. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and I look forward to a great season.” Marks told franchise owners Richard Bruner and Ryan Yerrick this past week.
“Marks record speaks for itself. Add to that, he is a good guy, and that makes a winning combination for the Gems. Now he just needs to bring us a championship and we're all set.” said co-owner Ryan Yerrick, adding, “All kidding aside, we expect to have a tough product on the ice this season, and Rich (Bruner) and I believe Marks will help deliver what we want to see.”
Guy Trottier, Director of Hockey Operations for the Gems said “You can count on Marks to deliver.” Trottier began a scouting trip this past Tuesday and has been taking meetings with players and teams from New York to Canada. With Marks joining the group, Trottier and Marks will be recruiting players to prepare for their training camp, presently slated to be September 14-25 in Dayton, pending the final release of the IHL schedule coming soon.
If Dasher Boards could talk, there would probably be a million stories told about John Marks.
The Dayton Gems proudly announce an offer of employment was made and accepted this past week to John Marks. Marks will begin his position as Head Coach/Director of Player Personnel on July 1 for the franchise.
Former NHL player John Marks spent ten years with the Chicago Blackhawks setting a career record
of 112 goals, 163 assists, and 275 points in 657 career games. After retiring in 1988, Marks began his professional coaching career in the IHL with the Kalamazoo Wings, serving for four seasons.
Marks has an amazing twenty year coaching record, having made playoffs 15 times, and winning championships 3 of those 15. Only about five other coaches have a winning record that is close to Marks. Since 1993 Marks has coached in the ECHL, spending the majority of that time in Charlotte and Greenville. Marks is also a member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame.
“You guys have a coach. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and I look forward to a great season.” Marks told franchise owners Richard Bruner and Ryan Yerrick this past week.
“Marks record speaks for itself. Add to that, he is a good guy, and that makes a winning combination for the Gems. Now he just needs to bring us a championship and we're all set.” said co-owner Ryan Yerrick, adding, “All kidding aside, we expect to have a tough product on the ice this season, and Rich (Bruner) and I believe Marks will help deliver what we want to see.”
Guy Trottier, Director of Hockey Operations for the Gems said “You can count on Marks to deliver.” Trottier began a scouting trip this past Tuesday and has been taking meetings with players and teams from New York to Canada. With Marks joining the group, Trottier and Marks will be recruiting players to prepare for their training camp, presently slated to be September 14-25 in Dayton, pending the final release of the IHL schedule coming soon.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Gems Ticket Sales Exceeding Goals
By Bruce Kettelle
The phones in the new Dayton Gems hockey team office in Hara have been in overdrive said a press release issued this morning.
Their drive to get early commitments from fans will get another push on Thursday June 18th when they open the arena to fans from 5-8 to come in and pick out their favorite seat.
“Tickets are selling at about 45mph, if the current speed would continue we would be sold out in two months,” said team co-owner Richard Brunner “We’re exceeding our preliminary goals.”
They have four telephone lines and every once in a while someone has trouble getting through. He says to just call back in a few minutes if you get a busy signal.
So far they are all individual season ticket sales, the corporate and groups sales start next week.
Snacks will be served during the ‘Pick A Seat’ event. Visitors are encouraged to wear any nostalgic Gems gear they might have for a group picture that might show up on the team’s web page. There will even be a few door prizes.
Marketing Director Matt Goshert points out that full season ticket holders get free game parking as an added incentive.
If you can’t wait until Thursday you can always purchase your tickets at the Hara box office or by calling 275-7777.
The phones in the new Dayton Gems hockey team office in Hara have been in overdrive said a press release issued this morning.
Their drive to get early commitments from fans will get another push on Thursday June 18th when they open the arena to fans from 5-8 to come in and pick out their favorite seat.
“Tickets are selling at about 45mph, if the current speed would continue we would be sold out in two months,” said team co-owner Richard Brunner “We’re exceeding our preliminary goals.”
They have four telephone lines and every once in a while someone has trouble getting through. He says to just call back in a few minutes if you get a busy signal.
So far they are all individual season ticket sales, the corporate and groups sales start next week.
Snacks will be served during the ‘Pick A Seat’ event. Visitors are encouraged to wear any nostalgic Gems gear they might have for a group picture that might show up on the team’s web page. There will even be a few door prizes.
Marketing Director Matt Goshert points out that full season ticket holders get free game parking as an added incentive.
If you can’t wait until Thursday you can always purchase your tickets at the Hara box office or by calling 275-7777.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Rams Break Own 4x400 Relay Record At State
Rams Break Own 4x400 Relay Record At State
By Bruce Kettelle
The Runnin’ Rams have done it again. Burning up the track at the state championship tournament in Columbus the Trotwood-Madison Rams claimed the 2009 title in the 4x400 relay breaking their own record they set just last year.
Julius Ruby, Jordan Paschel, Michael Jordan and William Henry blasted out of the gate deciding the race before the first handoff. The team ran a 3:13:32 beating their 2008 record run by 16 hundredths.
Track coach Randy Waggoner’s last minute add of Jordan to the relay team really paid off giving the Rams their only win this year at the state competition.
Trotwood will still be the one to watch in this event for 2010. All four of the runners will return next season.
Also spotted in Columbus was retired Trotwood coach John Mckinney. McKinney said he just couldn’t stay away. He came back from Alabama to see his alma mater do it one more time.
By Bruce Kettelle
The Runnin’ Rams have done it again. Burning up the track at the state championship tournament in Columbus the Trotwood-Madison Rams claimed the 2009 title in the 4x400 relay breaking their own record they set just last year.
Julius Ruby, Jordan Paschel, Michael Jordan and William Henry blasted out of the gate deciding the race before the first handoff. The team ran a 3:13:32 beating their 2008 record run by 16 hundredths.
Track coach Randy Waggoner’s last minute add of Jordan to the relay team really paid off giving the Rams their only win this year at the state competition.
Trotwood will still be the one to watch in this event for 2010. All four of the runners will return next season.
Also spotted in Columbus was retired Trotwood coach John Mckinney. McKinney said he just couldn’t stay away. He came back from Alabama to see his alma mater do it one more time.
It's Official, Gems Hockey Will Play In Dayton
By Bruce Kettelle
At a press confrence in Hara Arena this morning the new Gems Hockey team was accepted into the International Hockey League for the 2009 season. IHL Chairman Michael Franke delivered the news and said he looks forward to new rivalries especially between the Ft Wayne Comets and the Dayton Gems. Ft Wayne is the closest IHL team to Dayton.
The fall schedule has not been created but Franke assured fans there will be exciting action on the ice in October.
(more in a few minutes)
(here's more of the story)
It’s official and hockey fans are rejoicing. Dayton will have hockey in 2009 and it will be at Hara right here in Trotwood
The Dayton Gems, that’s right they are using the old name retired 20 some years ago, are a brand new franchise in the IHL (International Hockey League). New owners Richard Brunner and Ryan Yerrick of Ft Wayne Indiana scrambled to create the new team when word got out that the Dayton Bombers were closing down due to financial challenges.
IHL Chairman Michael Franke delivered the news in person during a press conference in Hara this morning. Franke said he looks forward to new rivalries especially between the Ft Wayne Comets and the Dayton Gems. Ft Wayne is the closest IHL team to Dayton.
Not surprisingly a few hockey fans managed to crash the press conference. Sporting a Dayton Gems hockey jersey was former Dayton Bomber season ticket holder Steve Macdougarr. “I’m already signed up for four Gems season tickets,” he said enthusiastically.
Macdougarr said the writing seemed to be on the wall for the Dayton Bombers and he was reluctant to reup his season tickets there for another season which he thought might not happen. The Bombers owner announced in April they would not be able to play in October at the Nutter Center due to financial difficulties.
“It was very sterile watching games at the Nutter,” said Macdougarr. He said he became even more aware of the unfriendly environment after seeing the Bombers playoffs in 2002 which were moved to Hara Arena because of scheduling problems. “It seemed there were fewer fans at the Nutter Center after that game in Hara.”
He noted that the Nutter always felt a little empty with its 10,000 seats. “In Hara if they draw 4,000 it will feel packed.”
The Dayton suburb of Trotwood is the actual home of Hara, a fact that didn’t go unnoticed by local officials. Mayor Darreyl Davis and members of the city council were on hand to welcome the Gems to town and congratulate the owners of Hara for landing the startup team on such short notice.
Rue Wampler one of the arena’s family owners sported a suit for the occasion but said his jeans were in his office so he could change after the press conference. “I’ve got six years of work to do in just a few months,” he said about getting the arena in shape for the team’s debut in October.
Exactly what those improvements are was left unstated but fans will be able to see some while the players will see others such as the makeover of the locker rooms.
Former Gem coach and player Warren Back as Director of Business Affairs is one of the first hires in the team’s front office. Another former player Guy Trottier is Director of Hockey Operations. Matt Goshert Director of Sales and Marketing, and Bob Brogan Corporate Sales Coordinator round out the initial operation.
The schedule will include 38 home games in Hara this season. The full schedule will be finalized during the league’s annual meeting June 15-17th. The team began accepting season ticket reservations last week by phone at 275-7777.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Gems Press Conference Is On
By Bruce Kettelle
Staff at Hara Arena in Trotwood confirmed late this afternoon that the press conference for the Dayton Gems is a go for tomorrow morning. They would not confirm if the IHL franchise agreement had been approved but said come to the press confrence to find out.
This is great news. We expect the fat lady to be singing tomorrrow morning and there will be a new team with an old name playing in Dayton this fall.
Totally Trotwood will be at the press confrence. Look for our coverage late Tuesday.
Staff at Hara Arena in Trotwood confirmed late this afternoon that the press conference for the Dayton Gems is a go for tomorrow morning. They would not confirm if the IHL franchise agreement had been approved but said come to the press confrence to find out.
This is great news. We expect the fat lady to be singing tomorrrow morning and there will be a new team with an old name playing in Dayton this fall.
Totally Trotwood will be at the press confrence. Look for our coverage late Tuesday.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Dayton Gems Hockey at Hara Press Release June 1
Press Relaease From The Dayton Gems dated June 1
Dayton Gems return to Hara as your home town community team!
To see all of our IHL Dayton Gems stories click here or click on 'hockey' in our View By Sport menu.
The excitement is building at Hara Arena as the Dayton Gems team move their offices in this week. The Dayton Gems new owners, Richard Bruner and Ryan Yerrick, secured the old Gems name via a lease agreement with Jeffrey Walker, negotiated by Warren Back, the teams new Director of Business Affairs. Most Gems fans will remember Back as the 1964-65 original Gems IHL player/coach.
Additional administrative staff of the Gems include Guy Trottier, Director of Hockey Operations; Matt Goshert, Director of Sales and Marketing; and Bob Brogan, Corporate Sales Coordinator.
Bruner and Yerrick's vision for the team is a community based team, where the players will serve as leaders, both on and off the ice. “I see an opportunity to re-kindle some of the old time hockey rivalries, like with the Fort Wayne Komets” said Bruner, “Our goal is to bring a revival to Hara, old traditions, new club, community leadership, amazing players, and fun!”
“I am proud to be standing on the same ground as Warren and Guy, taking our place in Dayton hockey history, and leading a resurgence of professional hockey in Dayton, Ohio” said Ryan Yerrick, Vice-President of the new franchise club, adding “We're here to stay!”
“One of the things that I feel hockey has been missing in Dayton is a community fan following” said Matt Goshert, Director of Sales and Marketing for the new Dayton Gems franchise, adding, “Dayton needs a team that is supported by fans, run by fans, owned by fans, and that is why I am so glad that Rich and Ryan have put the franchise here, with the group they've assembled.”
The Dayton Gems Ice Hockey Group is planning an official press conference for next Tuesday, June 9th, at 10:00 am.
Dayton Gems have begun taking season ticket reserves. $100 reserve will hold your tickets and you may pay the balance over four months. You may call the Dayton Gems office at (937) 275-7777, or stop by the Hara Arena ticket office 9am-5pm, Monday – Friday.
A lot more excitement is planned for the fans, so stay tuned. For information regarding this release of Dayton Gems official business information, please contact Matt Goshert at (937) 275-7777.
Dayton Gems return to Hara as your home town community team!
To see all of our IHL Dayton Gems stories click here or click on 'hockey' in our View By Sport menu.
The excitement is building at Hara Arena as the Dayton Gems team move their offices in this week. The Dayton Gems new owners, Richard Bruner and Ryan Yerrick, secured the old Gems name via a lease agreement with Jeffrey Walker, negotiated by Warren Back, the teams new Director of Business Affairs. Most Gems fans will remember Back as the 1964-65 original Gems IHL player/coach.
Additional administrative staff of the Gems include Guy Trottier, Director of Hockey Operations; Matt Goshert, Director of Sales and Marketing; and Bob Brogan, Corporate Sales Coordinator.
Bruner and Yerrick's vision for the team is a community based team, where the players will serve as leaders, both on and off the ice. “I see an opportunity to re-kindle some of the old time hockey rivalries, like with the Fort Wayne Komets” said Bruner, “Our goal is to bring a revival to Hara, old traditions, new club, community leadership, amazing players, and fun!”
“I am proud to be standing on the same ground as Warren and Guy, taking our place in Dayton hockey history, and leading a resurgence of professional hockey in Dayton, Ohio” said Ryan Yerrick, Vice-President of the new franchise club, adding “We're here to stay!”
“One of the things that I feel hockey has been missing in Dayton is a community fan following” said Matt Goshert, Director of Sales and Marketing for the new Dayton Gems franchise, adding, “Dayton needs a team that is supported by fans, run by fans, owned by fans, and that is why I am so glad that Rich and Ryan have put the franchise here, with the group they've assembled.”
The Dayton Gems Ice Hockey Group is planning an official press conference for next Tuesday, June 9th, at 10:00 am.
Dayton Gems have begun taking season ticket reserves. $100 reserve will hold your tickets and you may pay the balance over four months. You may call the Dayton Gems office at (937) 275-7777, or stop by the Hara Arena ticket office 9am-5pm, Monday – Friday.
A lot more excitement is planned for the fans, so stay tuned. For information regarding this release of Dayton Gems official business information, please contact Matt Goshert at (937) 275-7777.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
