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Gems apparently secure, but team president fears he’s out

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By David DiCenzo, Contributing Writer Updated 4:45 PM Friday, November 27, 2009

TROTWOOD – While the future of the International Hockey League’s Dayton Gems seems secure, the same can’t be said for team president Richard Bruner.

“It appears the league wants me out,” Bruner said Friday, Nov. 27. “At this stage, I realize I’m probably going to lose my investment.”

IHL Chairman of the Board of Governors Michael Franke did not confirm that the Gems’ owner was going, but said that the board will reconvene next week and Bruner is expected to be involved in their regular conference call.

“That will be determined by the board,” Franke said regarding Bruner’s status.

IHL Commissioner/President Dennis Hextall was in Canada and unavailable for comment.

Regardless of what happens with Bruner, Franke also said that as far as the IHL was concerned, it was “business as usual” for the Dayton franchise and will be that way for the remainder of the season. That means the Gems will be playing tonight (Friday, Nov. 27), hosting the Flint Generals at Hara Arena, before heading out on the road to Muskegon Saturday and Bloomington Sunday.

Head coach John Marks on Friday reassured his players that the Gems weren’t going anywhere.

Bruner backed off his statement from Thursday in which he said that he would fold the team rather than allow the league to take over.

“That’s not his choice,” Franke said.

Bruner was disappointed with the situation and had resigned himself to the fact that his tenure with the Gems may be coming to an end.

“I’m heartbroken,” he said.

Bruner also said that he felt there was a double standard in the IHL. The Gems’ dues to the league were in arrears for the month of November, which is grounds for his removal.

But he suggested that other teams were facing similar financial hardships.

Contact this writer at dmdicenzo@gmail.com.

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