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Gems ownership impresses IHL commissioner

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By David DiCenzo, Contributing Writer 4:27 PM Thursday, April 1, 2010

TROTWOOD – The new Dayton Gems ownership group has been trying hard to hold things together since taking over after Thanksgiving. And according to International Hockey Commissioner Dennis Hextall, they’ve done a good job.

“I believe this city and area can support a team,” Hextall said in a visit for Wednesday’s thrilling 4-3, overtime win by the Gems over league-leading Muskegon. “There are people that want hockey around here.”

While the commissioner and league office are behind the GDHP LLC, headed by Kathy Rupp, Rob Garfield and Dr. Paul Nitz, there is clearly more work on the horizon. Dayton’s league-low average attendance (1,276 per game), for one, is troubling. Staff is already making a push to increase season-ticket numbers for next year.

But the IHL, which faces a number of critical issues in the coming weeks, is planning to make things more feasible for member clubs on the financial front. Next season’s schedule has been cut to 70 games, for example.

Hextall said there also are other ideas in the works. A more sensible schedule, in which travel is cut down, could have a decided impact, as would roster changes where both the number of veterans making higher salaries and the overall number of players on a roster would be reduced.

“We’re also working on a league equipment deal,” said Hextall. “That could potentially save a team $10,000 to $15,000 per year.”

The ideas are all welcome ones. The problem is that the league itself has many hot-button issues. Muskegon is leaving because of its financial shortcomings, which Hextall said he didn’t understand based on an average attendance of 2,902 a game. Flint has had ongoing struggles and may be on the way out. A story in the Quad-City Times on Wednesday suggested that the Mallards may sit out a year if the IHL can’t maintain a strong membership group (in fact, according to the article, the Mallards’ lease with the i wireless Center has a clause saying that Quad City needs to be in an eight-team league to be housed there, though arena management didn’t invoke it this season with seven teams participating).

Perhaps most disturbing of all the rumors is that the two-time defending Turner Cup champion Fort Wayne Komets, a strong franchise that has helped other teams out financially, is possibly on the hunt for a new league. Hextall said he had no knowledge of that and added that Fort Wayne’s ownership group has been nothing but helpful and gracious in keeping the league moving forward.

Overall, the commissioner was optimistic about the IHL’s future. In the next few weeks, he expects to get news on the Evansville Icemen joining the fold.

“We need six solid teams for next year,” said Hextall.

Whether or not the IHL will have that will be revealed in the coming months.

Spencers ‘nasty’

They seemed like relatively insignificant deals at the time but Dayton’s acquisition of defensemen Todd and Jeff Spencer has helped on the blue line. The siblings have added some size (each about 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds) and nastiness to the back end.

“They’re simple players but they have a physicality that we like,” head coach John Marks said.

Todd, the older of the two at 27, showed his commitment by taking on tough-as-nails Muskegon defenseman Matt Krug in a scrap Wednesday. He took a few and landed a few but more importantly got a big reception from his teammates when he skated back to the bench after his five minutes in the sin bin.

Jeff played sparingly with the Suffolk Rams of the ECAC East the past two season but could surprise with more games under his belt.

Hair club for men

Hockey players traditionally grow beards late in the season and specifically in the playoffs. The Gems have officially been eliminated from the IHL postseason but it hasn’t stopped some from entertaining new looks.

Facial hair, of varying kind, has become fashionable in the Gems room. Iain McPhee and Pierce Norton have distinctive 70’s-style staches, while Matt Maccarone was in the same boat until opting to shave. Jeff Spencer is sporting a nasty fu man chu, unlike brother Todd, who has the full mountain-man beard.

“At least some of the guys can wear them well,” said captain Greg Labenski.

Easter Blade hunt

Gems mascot Blade will be getting in on Easter festivities this weekend. The white tiger will join a group of kids in the Helping Hands 1st Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday at 5499 West Third St. (2 p.m.). Helping Hands Community Outreach Center helps Dayton residents improve their living conditions, with a special concern for children.

Gem of the week

A.J. MacLean hit career highs in both goals (17) and points (31) after his two-goal effort Wednesday. Both were huge markers in the third period and indicative of how MacLean’s been picking up some of the scoring slack following the departure of John Snowden.

“He’s one guy that’s been scoring goals,” said Marks, acknowledging the good work done by MacLean and linemates Corey Couturier and Tim Hartung.

MacLean has five goals and an assist in the past six games.

Gems next week

Wednesday, Apr. 7: vs. Quad City Mallards, 7 p.m. ($1 Beer Night)

Friday, Apr. 9: at Fort Wayne Komets, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Apr. 10: vs. Fort Wayne Komets, 7:30 p.m. (Away Jersey Auction/Trading Card Night)

Sunday, Apr. 11: At Port Huron Icehawks, 5 p.m.

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