Dashers front office working hard towards season 2
Published on May 9, 2012 under Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL)
Danville Dashers News Release
After 25 years, the Danville Dashers returned to Danville thanks to owner Barry Soskin. The Danville Dashers joined the Federal hockey league as their furthest west member by about 800 miles. Soskin liked the structure and promise of the FHL and stated "I like what they (the FHL) are doing and I believe that my market (Danville) can support a budget that would in fact be able to compete in the FHL." In a roller coaster inaugural season full of trials and tribulations, owner Soskin continues to back his team "This is not a one-year commitment. I'm prepared to go the distance."
The Dashers season began with Scott Beneke behind the bench but after a dismal start, Soskin publicly thanked Beneke for his assistance getting the Dashers off the ground but handed the reigns over to Joe Pace Sr. Pace took over the team November 14 prior to a six day road trip to the east coast. Just days later an accident left Pace unconscious on the ice during practice resulting in a severe concussion that would end his season. The team picked up their first victory in a shootout with Akwesasne, playing with heavy hearts at the hands of their injured coach. The Dashers continued operating with intern player coaches at the helm as Soskin continued his search for the right man for the job. In mid-December, Soskin hired recently retired ex-AHL player Matt McIlvane to take over as head coach and GM.
Soskin was seeking a "long term solution" to the Dasher's coaching vacancy and McIlvane seemed to be the right fit. McIlvane took over a team without a regulation win and had been without a full time coach for a few weeks. "My first task was to identify what was holding the back from success and then solve each of the issues one at a time." The Dashers quickly gained respect in the league as a worthy opponent and recorded the first regulation win in franchise history December 31, 2011. Under McIlvane, the Dashers improved from 106 goals against in the first 13 games to 109 goals against in the final 26 games. Since McIlvane's arrival, the Dashers sent 7 different players up for stints at the AA level in the ECHL and CHL. The Dashers also saw their attendance grow steadily from 250 in the middle of December to over 1,000 fans by the end of the year. The Dashers made a huge difference in the community raising over $1,700 for cancer in a night with Provena United Samaritans Medical Center. They have also been active in helping the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store, The Homeless Veterans Association, Faith in Action, and Race for the Cure among others.
The Dasher's Head Coach and GM is optimistic about the team's future in Danville. "Our organization made huge strides last season and I believe the best is yet to come. The on ice product is going to continue to improve, our game operations is going to provide better entertainment for the fans and we are going to continue growing as an active member of the Danville community. I would like to thank the fans and each of our sponsors for their continued support of the Dashers. Of course none of us would be in Danville without our owner Barry Soskin so a special thank you to him for bringing hockey to the community" McIlvane stated.
Dashers Off-Season Action
The Danville Dashers would like to thank all of the people who made it possible to give greater Vermillion County its own professional hockey team. Each of the sponsors played a critical role in the development of the organization and to each of them, a special thank you. Furthermore, to the Dasher's season ticket holders, booster club, groups who attended games and to each individual fan who came out to a game, thank you! There are so many elements that make a successful team and the Dashers commend the support of the Danville community for supporting your very own professional hockey team.
Coach Matt McIlvane and assistant coach Joe Pace have been working tirelessly to continue the growth of the organization. The Dashers have officially partnered with the Jaycees, a young professional group whose model is to "leave Danville a better place than when we lived here." Coach McIlvane has been out in the community painting buildings and planting flowers as a part of the city's efforts to beautify Danville. The partnership will be pivotal for the incoming player's community relations as the Jaycees have plans for community advancement but need the extra man power Dasher's players can provide.
Another big step for the Dashers was the announcement of an affiliation with the Bloomington Blaze in the Central Hockey League (CHL). The two cities are a mere 80 miles apart and will be a great opportunity for Dashers players to climb to the "AA" professional ranks.
At the beginning of May, the Federal Hockey League required teams to submit a list of protected players. The Danville Dashers have exclusive negotiating rights to recruit these players to the 2012-2013 team. Coach McIlvane has been busy working trades to acquire a group of players of high talent levels and strong character.
The Dashers again thank all of the supporters throughout the inaugural season and we look forward to further success in year two!
Season ticket packages are now available on the website (danvilledashers.com). If your group would enjoy a night out at a hockey game our if your business would like to partner with Danville's own professional hockey team, email mmcilvane@danvilledashers.com.
Federal Prospects Hockey League Stories from May 9, 2012
- Dashers front office working hard towards season 2 - Danville Dashers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
