City Dayton, Ohio Conference Turner Colors Blue, Red, White Founded 2009 | League Central Hockey League Home arena Hara Arena Arena Hara Arena Color Blue, Red, White | |
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Owner(s) GDHP, LLC (Rob Garfield, Kathy Rupp & Dr. Paul Nitz) Location Dayton, Ohio, United States | ||
The Dayton Gems were a professional ice hockey team based in Dayton, Ohio, in the Central Hockey League. The team was originally a member of the International Hockey League before it merged into the CHL. The team played their home games at the Hara Arena in nearby Trotwood.
History
The team was established in 2009 and joined the IHL for the 2009–10 season. The team was named after the original Dayton Gems of the original International Hockey League. Their acceptance into the IHL was officially announced on June 9, 2009. On June 15, 2009 the Gems named John Marks head coach.
On December 2, 2009 the IHL Board of Governors announced that the Board had terminated the ownership group of the Dayton Gems and that the board has taken ownership of the team and a new local ownership group is being pursued. The Dayton Gems were taken over by a local ownership group GDHP, LLC, led by Rob Garfield, in January 2010. The other two owners were Kathy Rupp and Dr. Paul Nitz.
On April 23, the Gems owners announced that John Marks was fired as head coach after one season.
On June 1, 2010, the International Hockey League announced that they are joining the Central Hockey League.
On July 7, 2010 the Dayton Gems announced that Brian Gratz would become the new Head Coach/GM.
On July 19, 2010, the 2010–11 Dayton Gems jerseys were announced after they were voted by the fans. Also, the Gems announced the first ten players signed for the upcoming season.
On May 17, 2012, the Dayton Gems ceased operations. The Gems were replaced by the Dayton Demonz of the Federal Hockey League for the 2012–13 season.