Dayton joining IHL
Published on June 9, 2009 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Bloomington PrairieThunder News Release
STATEMENT FROM BLOOMINGTON PRAIRIETHUNDER
REGARDING DAYTON JOINING THE IHL
"Dayton's announcement is definitely an exciting time for the teams, players and fans of the International Hockey League. The PrairieThunder wants to be one of the first organizations to welcome the Gems and their ownership group into the league.
"Not only is it exciting that the IHL is back to a six-team league, but it is also exciting that the league has expanded into a new state and market area. Dayton fits nicely into the geographic model plan IHL officials have discussed since the league was formed.
"The PrairieThunder looks forward to a developing a strong, healthy relationship with the Gems on and off the ice. The announcement also demonstrates why the PrairieThunder has continued to show confidence in the plan of action the league has been building regarding expansion.
"This is just one of the many positive things on the horizon for the league as it continues to gain overall strength in the world of professional hockey."
RELEASE FROM IHL REGARDING DAYTON
The International Hockey League (IHL) announced Tuesday that the Dayton Gems were approved by the league's Board of Governors as the first expansion franchise in the new IHL. The team will be owned and operated by Richard Bruner and Ryan Yerrick and will play at the Hara Arena beginning in the 2009-2010 season.
"We are very pleased to be able to announce the Dayton Gems return to the International Hockey League," stated Michael Franke, IHL Chairman of the Board. "We feel with the ownership group in place, along with the great facility in Dayton , that we have a winning combination with the Gems."
"The revival of the Gems is a product of a collaborative effort from the great folks at the Hara Arena and the dedicated ownership group both committed to providing a great IHL product on and off the ice to the Dayton market," added Frank D. Kinney, IHL Vice Chairman of the Board.
Dayton Gems were a member of the old IHL from 1964-1980. The Gems earned five trips to the Turner Cup Finals, winning the Turner Cup Championship in 1969, 1970 and 1976.
"I see an opportunity to re-kindle some of the old time hockey rivalries like the Fort Wayne Komets and Muskegon Lumberjacks," said Bruner. "Our goal is to bring a revival to Hara, old traditions with a new club and community leadership."
PRAIRIEHUNDER LEAD OWNER TIM LEIGHTON CAN BE REACHED FOR ADDITIONAL COMMENTS AT 309-828-7600
International Hockey League 2 Stories from June 9, 2009
- PrairieThunder promotes summer reading - Bloomington PrairieThunder
- Dayton joining IHL - Bloomington PrairieThunder
- IHL Welcomes the Dayton Gems - IHL 2
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.
