DAYTON, Ohio – As many have speculated, the Dayton Gems have advised their fans via a message on their website that the team has in fact, ceased operations. 
However, on Wednesday, May 30th at 2 p.m., the Dayton Professional Hockey franchise will be holding a press conference at the Hara Arena to unveil itself as the newest franchise of the Federal Hockey League and will outline their plan for the 2012-13 hockey season. The ownership group will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the future of hockey in Dayton. In addition, Federal Hockey League officials, Hara Arena Management, Dayton community leaders, and partners of the team will have speaking roles in the press conference. Here is the text of the announcement made available on Thursday: It is with heavy hearts that we have decided to cease operations in the Central Hockey League. As you know, we took over a fledgling franchise back in December of 2009 to save jobs and save professional hockey in Dayton. Our goal was to add an additional group of local investors to join us in our mission, but unfortunately, that never happened. After privately and publicly searching for these investors with little success, we’ve been left with no other option than to cease operations. We want to personally thank you for your loyal support over the past 3 years. Although this is a very difficult time for us all, we made some great memories and we couldn’t have done it without you. We hope that you have some special memories of your own to cherish as well. Our players, staff, corporate partners and especially our fans will always have a special place in our hearts.
Our goal is to see professional hockey continue on in this city for many years to come. We are willing to help with any transition that may be needed in order for this to happen. With that being said, we are glad to welcome the Federal Hockey League to Dayton. They will be operating a professional hockey franchise at Hara Arena for the 2012-13 season. More details will follow very soon regarding this new team, so stay tuned! We’ve met a lot of great people and created some fantastic memories during the last few years and we hope that you will keep in touch. Thank you again for being there for us during this tremendous journey!
Sincerely,
Kathy Rupp, Partner Dr. Paul Nitz, Partner Rob Garfield, Partner Pro Hockey News will continue to follow this developing story. Contact comments@prohockeynews.com
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