Owner: Hockey to go ‘dormant’ in Dayton

Credit: Jim Witmer

Credit: Jim Witmer

Dayton professional hockey will go “dormant” for the 2016-2017 season ”due to arena availability and lack of lead up time,” franchise owner and coach Joe Pace Sr. announced on the website daytonprohockey.com.

“Unfortunately due to circumstances out of my control Hara Arena is unable to sign leases,” Pace said.

The Dayton Demolition most recently called Hara home, following the Bombers, Gems, Demonz and others. They competed in the Federal Hockey League last season and lost in the first round of the playoffs.

Pace said he expects only a one-year hiatus.

“Like I told my players, we never say never,” he wrote. “I will be eagerly pursuing to find a location to house our professional hockey team in the Dayton area if Hara Arena is not available for the 2017-18 season.”

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