Today the Dayton Bombers ECHL membership was relinquished to the league's board of directors by Bombers president Costa Papista, thus ending nearly two decades of sports history in the Miami Valley. As part of the announcement this afternoon, Papista offered this parting message to fans and supporters:
Dear loyal fans and supporters, Close to two decades of professional hockey…two Kelly Cup championship appearances…and 13 playoff appearances, not to mention countless memories – I am sad to report that a rich piece of Miami Valley hockey history is coming to an end. Regretfully, I have turned the ECHL’s Dayton Bombers membership back to the league at the annual Board of Governors meeting this morning. I have been unable to secure a new majority owner for the team. I want to personally thank you for your unwavering support. Each of you - our loyal season ticketholders, sponsors, those of you who made season ticket pledges for the re-entry plan, local media and prospective minority investors - has made a difference in the team's successful 18-year tenure. While I am disappointed with our current circumstance, today's decision is one that will allow the ECHL to move on with planning and scheduling and remain the premier “AA” hockey league in North America. It is my hope that “AA” caliber hockey and the ECHL will return to the area soon. I truly believe that a downtown arena is the key to generating increased community support for professional hockey and ice based recreation at all levels. I hope that the feasibility study being led by Dr. Mike Ervin, University of Dayton athletic director Tim Wabler and Ed Bentley, of Deloitte & Touche, will confirm that belief. And I am happy to know that during the coming year, fans will be able to get their hockey fix by supporting the new junior A Troy Bruins at Troy’s historic Hobart Arena as well as the new IHL’s Dayton Gems at Hara Arena. Any effort to promote this great sport in our community is good news. It has been a joy to be a part of professional hockey in Dayton: the championship run in 2007, watching former Bombers achieve their goals of reaching the “AAA” level and even the NHL. But more importantly, I have seen the impact of being good community partners. During the past five years, we have had the opportunity to work with many important community groups that are making a difference in the region. From our volunteer work and charitable efforts, we have learned how effective the Dayton community can be when we are all working together. On a personal note, I am extremely grateful to all of you for welcoming me into your community. The Dayton region has been my home for the past five years and I have made many close friends. While the Bombers will no longer be in town, I will continue to maintain ties here. I look forward to seeing you soon. Sincerely, Costa Papista
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