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.