MiamiCountyPost.com
 

Miami Valley game postponed

Tuesday, 31 March 2009

Excerpts From the CIFL

The scheduled contest for April 4 between Miami Valley and Milwaukee has been postponed. The game will be moved to the end of the season and will only be played should it affect playoff seeding.

“Right now, there is just not a suitable place to play the contest,” said CIFL Co-founder Jeff Spitaleri. “We exhausted all of our options when it came to finding a place to play this game; it is unfortunate that we have to postpone the game, but it really is our only option.”

Both Miami Valley and Milwaukee will return to action on April 11 when the Silverbacks square off with Rock River and the Bonecrushers face Wheeling.“We will just have to take the wait-and-see approach for now,” said Spitaleri. “When we had to re-work the schedule, it was our goal to make sure everyone got 12 games; However, we have to do what is best for the league and postponing this game is what is right for the CIFL.”


The siverbacks return to Rapid Fire Field inside Troy’s historic Hobart Arena to host the Wheeling Wildcats on Sunday, April 19 at 3pm. Tickets are now available by calling the Hobart Arena box office at 937-339-2911 or visiting www.hobartarena.com.


For more information on the 2009 Miami Valley Silverbacks, visit www.silverbacksfootball.com and for the latest on the Continental Indoor Football League, visit www.continentalindoorfootball.com.

 
 

By JT Szabo

Rumor to reality.

After eighteen seasons of professional "AA" hockey, the Dayton Bombers have announced that they will be sitting out the 2009-2010 ECHL calendar, citing financial and support declines.

The second longest tenured franchise, only behind original-member Johnstown Chiefs, the Bombers have played in front of over two million fans, playing home games in three venues (Hobart included); yet it was ultimately a severe dip in support and revenues that ended that run.

What was speculated for months, and had become an annual rumor every march, had become true when team president Costa Papista held a special conference call for season ticket holders and sponsors. In no uncertain terms, participants to the call were told that a "miracle" would need to happen for the team to stay operational next season, noting that the current Bombers schedule has only days left in it.  Most could take that to mean a fresh set of investors, confirmation of the downtown arena project getting underway, or more likely: both.

What is sad is the rather lackluster ending to a franchise that has seen so much. Two trips to the Kelly Cup Finals, countless future NHL players and coaches (including one with the Columbus Blue Jackets), youth players skating between periods, birthday parties with Adam Bomber and later with Bucky, and let us not forget that drunk guy at the bottom of the steps at Hara who continuously shelled peanuts. At least that's what I remember.

Details are still coming to light on this story, and The Miami County Post will keep you up to date on the happening of Miami Valley hockey. Besides, there might be hockey back sooner than you think.


 
 

Bombers Fall to Devils in Home Finale, 3-1 
March 28, 2009


Dayton, OHHosting their largest crowd of the season – 8, 108 – on Saturday night at the Ervin J. Nutter Center, the Dayton Bombers were defeated by the Trenton Devils 3-1 in the final home game of the season. 

For the second straight night the Bombers were the first to light the lamp as Jim Henkemeyer netted his sixth of the year from Nino Musitelli and Kelly Perrault on the power play at 8:01. The Devils tied it up at 15:25 when Jim Henkel put the puck past Dayton’s Paul Drew.

In the second, Trenton took a one goal lead when Matt Cohen netted his 12th of the year. The Devils were outshooting the Bombers 19-13 after two periods of play. 

Trenton grew their lead to two in the third period as Tony Zancanaro potted his 4th of the year.

Drew finished the night 33 of 36 for Dayton, while Gerald Coleman was 16 of 17 for Trenton. The Bombers were 1 of 4 on the power play and 6 of 8 on the penalty kill. 

The Bombers will finish the regular season on the road next week with games in Elmira on Thursday, Wheeling on Friday and Reading on Saturday.

Visit www.daytonbombers.com for more information on the Dayton Bombers.

 
 

Marion 55, Miami Valley 0
Excerpts From The CIFL

MARION, Ohio—The Mayhem bounced back from last week’s loss to Fort Wayne by recording the fourth shutout in CIFL history. Marion blanked in-state rival Miami Valley 55-0 at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Marion, Ohio.

The Mayhem joined Port Huron, Rochester and New England, who each notched shutouts in 2007, as the only team’s in league history to blank their opponent.

Marion capped a three-play, 25-yard drive with a 15-yard hookup between Tavares Woodley and Ian Schmidt with 6:29 remaining in the opening quarter. Schmidt then hauled in a seven-yard score less than five minutes later to make it 14-0.

Jared Stace’s one-yard score with 11:14 left in the second made it 21-0. On the next Mayhem possession, Thomas Riley recovered a Woodley fumble in the endzone to give his team a 27-0 advantage.

With 4:05 left in the half, Damien Birch recovered a Silverback fumble in the endzone to give the Mayhem a 34-0 lead at the break.

Walter Dudley returned an interception three yards for a score in the third, Stace scored on a 19-yard pass from Woodley in the fourth and Mike Tatum capped the scoring on a 39-yard strike from Woodley with 4:02 left in the game.

Woodley finished 12-of-16 for 154 yards and four touchdowns and Schmidt caught four passes for 43 yards and two touchdowns. Stace carried three times for 28 yards and a score to go along with his 19-yard TD reception.

Marion’s defense allowed just 50 total yards, forced two fumbles and intercepted two Silverback passes on the night.

Miami Valley now travels to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to battle the Bonecrushers on April 4, before making their Hobart Arena debut on April 19. More information on the Silverbacks can be found at www.silverbacksfootball.com or www.continentalindoorfootball.com.

 
 

Dayton, OH – The Dayton Bombers fought back late in the third period only to fall 4-3 in overtime to the Trenton Devils on Friday night in front of 5,473 fans at the Ervin J. Nutter Center. 

Les Reaney put the Bombers on the board first with his 13th goal of the year at the 3:40 mark, assisted by Greg Labenski and Andrew Fournier. The lead would be short lived as Trenton tied it up at 18:39. Roughly 30 seconds later Jeff Prough put in his second goal of the game for the Devils, taking a 2-1 into the locker room after one period of play.   In a tight second period, the Bombers evened the game at two when Matt Auffrey netted his 12th of the season from Nathan Schwartzbauer and Justin Chwedoruk. Trenton would answer right back as Prough picked up a hat trick on his 33rd goal of the year. Despite trailing 3-2 after two, the Bombers were outshooting Trenton 21-18.  Trailing into the second period, the Bombers continued to put pressure on the Trenton defense. With less than 30 seconds to go in regulation and the Bombers opting to pull goalie David Shantz for the extra attacker, assistant captain Ryan Smyth scored the game-tying goal. Joe Van Culin earned an assist on the play.

In the five minute overtime, the Bombers fired two shots at Trenton’s Gerard Coleman before the Devils’ Eric Castonguay netted the game-winner 3:25 into play. 

In net for Dayton, David Shantz was 19 of 23, while Coleman went 31 of 34. Both teams were 0 for 5 on the power play.

The Trenton Devils return tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. for the second night of “Fan Appreciation Weekend” with prizes and giveaways all throughout the game. It’s also the final “Military Appreciation Night” and Silver level tickets are 2-for-1 with a military or WPAFB ID at the box office. 

Individual tickets start at just $10 for kids under 18 and $15 for adults (includes parking) and can be purchased at the Nutter Center box office or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more at the Nutter Center are always available by contacting the Bombers office at (937) 775-4747. Visit www.daytonbombers.com for more information.

 
 

By JT Szabo

In this time of minor-professional uncertainty, one owner had the dedication to both his league and his fans, to press on for the 2009 season.

Hurt by the current economic crisis, and the apparent end to "major-league" indoor football with the AFL going dark, Miami Valley Silverbacks owner Jeff Kolaczkowski shouldn't' have any sweat tonight as his club opens up their unprecedented fourth season of play in the Miami Valley.

He's done this before.

Originally brought to life by a less-than-desirable ownership back in 2005, it wasn't until the team was about to flounder (preseason, I may add) that rival AIFL Stuebenville Stampede owner Jeff Kolaczkowski stepped in. The rest is Silverback history.

This season is different however, with the team playing a "mostly" road schedule, having only two tentative home dates at Hobart Arena. Of those two, both are Sunday match ups scheduled for a 3pm kickoff.

As they prepare for their season opener tonight in Marion, Ohio (north of Columbus, for those who may not be as familiar with parts of Central Ohio that doesn't have a "shoe"), The newly revamped Silverbacks will begin an uphill climb in the now eight-team CIFL.

Less than a month before kickoff is a tough time to re-start a professional football team. Fortunately for Miami Valley, the original announcement to not play a 2009 schedule was made after a successful first round of tryouts and camp. Sources around the CIFL insist that fans will see "familiar faces" in the lineup this season, yet some aren't so sure.

Several comments on a CIFL message board indicate uncertainty among Silverback faithful, especially since the official website has not provided any clues since February 23. Rosters and a final schedule are expected to be released this weekend for obvious reasons, while a number of fans are taking a "wait and see" method for week one. Week two is scheduled at Milwaukee Wisconsin with the team traveling to Rockford, Ill for week 3, so fans who miss tonight's opener may have to wait all the way until the first Hobart contest on April 19.

For a full schedule, and the very latest scores, stats and information, visit www.continentalindoorfootball.com

Rest assured, the Silverbacks are..well..back for 2009.

 
 

Bombers fans, come out and cheer for your team as they close out their 2008-09 home season at the Nutter Center against the Trenton Devils this weekend! It’s your last chance of the year to see all of the fast paced, hard hitting action of professional “AA” hockey right here in the Miami Valley, so don’t miss it! 

Check out the great promotions the Bombers have planned – from Military Appreciation Night to Fan Appreciation to a specialty jersey auction – there’s something for everyone this weekend!

Friday, March 27 vs. Trenton Devils @ E.J. Nutter Center, 7:30 p.m.

-         $5 Silver Level kids (12 and under) tickets at the box office (day of game only)

-         Fan Appreciation Weekend: Prizes and giveaways all throughout the game from Bombers sponsors and local businesses

-         Happy Hour at Concessions: Enjoy $1 off beer from 6:30 to 7:30

-         Dayton Bud Girls will be in attendance 

Saturday, March 28 vs. Trenton Devils @ E.J. Nutter Center, 7:30 p.m.

-         Doors opening at 6:00 p.m. Come early to avoid waiting in line!

-         Fan Appreciation Weekend: Prizes and giveaways all throughout the game from Bombers sponsors and other community businesses

-         Scout Night II: Join scouts from across the Miami Valley for a fun night of entertainment…includes giveaways just for scouts and special ticket offers

-         Military Appreciation Night III: 2-for-1 Silver level tickets with a military or civilian WPAFB ID at the Nutter Center box office

-         Military Jersey Auction: Stay after the game for a live auction of the new Bombers authentic, game-worn military themed jerseys. Bid on the sweater of your favorite player to benefit the Dayton Bombers Charitable Foundation

Individual tickets start at just $10 for kids under 18 and $15 for adults (includes parking) and can be purchased at the Nutter Center box office or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. 

Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more at the Nutter Center are always available by contacting the Bombers office at (937) 775-4747. Visit www.daytonbombers.com for more information.

 
 

Bombers Cap Weekend With 4-2 Win Over Gladiators  
March 22, 2009  

Troy, OH
- Coming off two straight games played past regulation, the Bombers defeated the visiting Gwinnett Gladiators 4-2 at Troy's historic Hobart Arena on Sunday evening.  

Despite outshooting the Gladiators 14-7 in the first period, neither team found the back of the net. In comparison, three total goals were scored between the two teams on Saturday night in the opening frame.  
It was Gwinnett who lit the lamp first in the second period when Matt Siddall put the puck past Dayton's Paul Drew. The Bombers would score the equalizer at 6:11 when Christian Gaudet took a feed from Jarret Lukin on a shorthanded opportunity. It was Gaudet's 12th goal of the year.   Greg Labenski put the Bombers ahead in the third with assists from Joe Van Culin and Andrew Fournier at the 1:56 mark. The lead would not stand as Gwinnett's Jordan Fox tied the game near the eight minute mark. The Bombers continued to pour on the offense in the period when Les Reaney, assisted by Fournier and matt Auffrey, poked the puck into the net. Nino Musitelli ensured the win with an empty netter in the closing minute.   Drew was 20 of 22 for his 13th win of the season. Gwinnett's Dan Turple went 28 of 32 in the losing effort.   The Bombers were 1 of 5 on the power play and a perfect 3 of 3 on the penalty kill.   The Bombers play their final three home games of the regular season this week with games on Wednesday against Cincinnati and Friday and Saturday against Trenton. All games start at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information please contact the Bombers at (937) 775-474 or visit www.daytonbombers.com

 
 

Ultimate Sports

Sat. at 10:00am

Join us here on Channel 5 for Ultimate Sports Coverage of THS Sports! Covering up to 48 events along w/ all rebroadcasts of events. These events include Boys Varsity Football, Girls & Boys Varsity Soccer, Boys Hockey, Boys and Girls Varity Basketball, and Wrestling. Season 06-07.

Sponsored in part by: Unity National Bank, Getters Automotive, Minster Bank,Miami Jacobs College, Hobart School of Welding Inst., and HTM Area Credit Union.

Next Episode:
Hockey Day : 6 Games beginning at 10am!

Squirt Game 10am, THS vs. Beavercreek 11am, THS vs Springboro 1pm, and THS vs Moeller at 2:15. Followed by two Dayton Bombers ECHL professional hockey Games.

Game 1 Bombers vs. Chiefs at 4pm, and Game 2 Bombers vs Wheeling at 6pm.

Join former professional hockey player Rick Szabo and the "voice of the Bombers" JT Szabo all afternoon for exciting hockey on Troy5.

To order DVD or VHS copies of any games listed, contact Steve Dunne at Troy5 at 937-339-4445 or www.Troy5.com

 
 

Bombers In Action at Hobart Arena This Weekend

Sports fans, it’s March Madness in the ECHL as your Dayton Bombers take on the Gwinnett Gladiators for a pair of games this weekend at Troy’s historic Hobart Arena! It’s the Bombers last appearance at Hobart this season, so come out and cheer them on to victory! 

As always the team will be wearing their throwback Bruins jerseys, honoring the founding fathers of hockey in the Miami Valley. Take a piece of the action home on Sunday by bidding on a game-worn jersey at the live post-game auction.


Don’t miss any of the excitement from Troy Bruins Youth Hockey, to chuck-a-puck, to the Bombers’ fun and furry mascot, Bucky!
 Saturday, March 21 vs. Gwinnett Gladiators @ Hobart Arena, 7:30 p.m.-         Bombers last weekend at Troy’s historic Hobart Arena – catch the team in their Bruins throwback jerseys-         Troy Bruins Youth Hockey skating at intermission Sunday, March 22 vs. Gwinnett Gladiators @ Hobart Arena, 5:00 p.m.-         Bruins Throwback Jersey Auction: Stick around after the game for the chance to bid on the Bombers’ game-worn authentic jerseys honoring the 1950s Troy Bruins of the IHL. Proceeds of the jerseys will help to benefit 18 Miami County charities and the Dayton Bombers Charitable Foundation-         Troy Bruins Youth Hockey skating at intermission

All reserved tickets are $15 and on sale now at the Hobart Arena box office, by calling (937) 339-2911 or visiting
www.hobartarena.com. Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more at the Nutter Center and Hobart Arena are always available by contacting the Bombers office at (937) 775-4747. Visit www.daytonbombers.com for more
information.


Photo Courtesy of www.daytonbombers.com