DAYTON, Ohio – – Two announcements were made that impacted the International Hockey League today directly and indirectly.
The first of the announcements was the placement of a franchise in Dayton (OH) by the IHL. The Dayton Gems will begin play in the 2009-2010 season. The move by the IHL stretches the league’s reach to western Ohio where the Dayton Bombers skated in the ECHL for years. Rumors of the Bombers’ demise were rampant for weeks and confirmed shortly after the conclusion of the 2008-2009 regular season.
As quickly as those rumors were confirmed new ones arose with the IHL making a move to fill the void in Dayton.
“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 in an IHL press release. “We feel with the ownership group in place, along with the great facility in
The 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.
The indirect announcement came from a now former IHL franchise, the Kalamazoo Wings. At the conclusion of the Turner Cup Finals, the K-Wings announced their withdrawal from the IHL effective immediately. That announcement was accompanied by an assurance that the club would compete for the 36th season of its existence.
Sources close to Pro Hockey News had said the club would move to the ECHL and that move was confirmed today when the team released its announcement.
The K-Wings will compete in the ECHL for the 2009-2010 season.
“Built on hockey-rich traditions, we (K-Wings) feel joining the ECHL is in the best interest of the organization and our loyal fans and corporate partners, said William D. Johnston, president, director and chairman of Greenleaf Companies in a team press release. “The ECHL is one of the top leagues in professional hockey and shares in our belief in creating a quality product on and off the ice.”
The move means a move into the IHL footprint for the ECHL and that of the that of IHL into the ECHL area.
“Having a history in ECHL, I have first-hand knowledge of the similarities between our organization and our new league, said Paul L. Pickard, president of Wings Stadium and Kalamazoo Wings. “With the K-Wings and the ECHL having strong business models and sharing similar philosophies, we (K-Wings) expect a smooth transition into the league.”
More moves are anticipated in the IHL, ECHL and the rest of minor professional hockey this off season. Stay with Pro Hockey News for all the latest developments.
Contact lou.lafrado@prohockeynews.com
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