NHL Lockout Hits Home with Dayton Bombers
September 21, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Dayton Bombers News Release
On September 15th, the National Hockey League (NHL) owners locked out the players after negotiations on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement failed. How long the NHL will remain idle is difficult to predict, but Bombers co-owner Don MacAdam is hoping they come back sooner rather than later. "As a hockey fan, you want to be able to watch the best players and the best league in the world play. People need to be able to watch it on television and in person in order to see what a great game we have." MacAdam said.
The NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets are a key marketing partner of the Dayton Bombers. They have helped to elevate hockey's presence in Southwest Ohio, increasing the number of hockey fans in the area. This increased hockey awareness has helped the Bombers grow their fan base and in-turn drive fans back to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Nearly 20 percent of Blue Jackets season ticket holders are from the Miami Valley.
The lockout will affect play in the ECHL, as players who would normally play in the American Hockey League (AHL) will now play in the ECHL. This trickle-down effect is due to the increase of players that will be in the AHL rather than the NHL where they would normally play. The player increase will elevate the talent level and depth throughout the ECHL, making the league much stronger. "The talent level this year in the ECHL could be the highest it has ever been. Fans are going to see some of the best hockey they have seen in their buildings. For us, it is exciting as fans will get to see players here in Dayton that they might have to drive an hour to Columbus to watch in a year or two." stated MacAdam.
The Dayton Bombers are the proud affiliate of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets and a member of the ECHL - America's Premier "AA" Hockey League. The Dayton Bombers home opener is October 29th at the Ervin J. Nutter Center. Season ticket packages for the 2004-05 season are available by calling the Bombers' office at 937-775-4747.
ECHL Stories from September 21, 2004
- Falcons Sign Talented Duo - Fresno Falcons
- Campbell Returns To Sea Wolves - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- NHL Lockout Hits Home with Dayton Bombers - Dayton Bombers
- Original Paws returning to Pride - Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz
- From Russia with love - Charlotte Checkers
- Titans Acquire Scoring and Toughness - Trenton Devils
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.
