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.