See ya Bombers??

[rock70]

Their is talk of a AHL hockey team coming into the Dayton market. This would most definitely spell doom for the Bombers. To have the Nutter Center to ourselves would be great IMHO. My only concern is whether or not having the Bombers leave would put a financial strain on the Nutter Center.

Here is and article in the DDN this morning talking about the possibility of and AHL team coming into town.

www.daytondailynews.com/s/content/oh/story/sports/pro/2008/04/30/ddn050108spaudible.html

AHL could be the ticket to energizing area hockey

By Sean McClelland

Staff Writer

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Couldn't help but chuckle last week after learning of the feasibility study being conducted to determine whether the Miami Valley would support an American Hockey League team.

As if the answer isn't obvious.

First, it's a level above the ECHL, which has governed the Dayton Bombers since the early 1990s. Fans actually would know they are watching future NHL players, much like Dayton Dragons supporters pay to see future major-leaguers.

Second, the new team would play in an arena south of town built mainly for hockey.

Third, it would be run by the same outfit that brought you the Dragons. Seen any empty seats at Fifth Third Field lately? (Well, OK, maybe, but, as we know, they're all purchased, and have been since the first pitch flew in 2000).

So ... uh ... where exactly is the downside?

I'm convinced hockey can flourish in Dayton, but it's probably time for an upgrade all the way around, from the talent on the ice to the marketing acumen in the front office, to the venue that is called home. Love the Nutter Center, but it's hardly a hockey facility. Heck, sometimes it's even a stretch to call it a basketball facility.

The Bombers? Well, after the initial shedding of a tear or two, even diehard fans would realize their team is being shoved aside, bulldozed if you will, in the name of progress.

Dayton is a minor-league town, but why can't it be a Triple-A town, at least in hockey?

For so many reasons, this AHL opportunity looks too good not to be explored fully.


Contact this reporter at [phone] or [e-mail].

[Raider Rowdies]

Until we can find an alternate income source, we need that revenue to cover operational expenses at the Nutter Center.

[Glory Days]

Get rid of them and the ice.

[Nutt House]

The Nutt House should be for basketball only!

[Willie]

How about a "who cares" option C.

[Class of '83]

As long as we have first choice of dates for games, I can live with the Bombers playing at the Nutter Center. I would prefer it if we could generate enough revenue to not have to use the Nutter Center for any event outside of Raider's hoops, but I'm a realist. I'd rather have them here if they generate enough revenue to offset some of our operational costs at the Nutter Center. I want us spending all available revenue of our coach's salary and recruiting budget, not paying for up keep at the Nutter Center.

[Sixth Man]

This is our house. We need to get enough fans in the stands so that we can give the bombers the boot.

[Tipp City Raider]

May 5, 2008 15:08:33 GMT -5 Sixth Man said:

This is our house. We need to get enough fans in the stands so that we can give the bombers the boot.

Well said.