After Owner Pledges Support, Ice Dogs Score a 6-1 Victory

There were a lot of smiles in the Ice Dog locker room Sunday, even if they were a bit unexpected after the past week.

The reason? The Ice Dogs beat the Minnesota Moose, 6-1, before an announced 3,367.

The victory moved the team (8-5-2) into second place in the International Hockey League’s Southwest Division with 18 points, second-best in the league.

So are the worries about the team’s financial situation over?

For the time being, yes.

Players said that owner Fred Comrie addressed the team before the game and said that he is going to make every effort to keep the team and keep the players instead of having a fire-sale to help shore up club finances.

Sunday’s attendance was a boost for the team, and management’s effort to secure more corporate financing has had some success.

“We needed a win after everything that’s been going on,” Coach John Van Boxmeer said. “The worst thing for the players is the uncertainty. They need to know that there is a game plan in place [to get through the financial problems].

“I was never sure he [Comrie] was going to keep the doors open. I’m more comfortable now.”