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