Kemp to Buy Ice Dogs, May Move Team to Long Beach

The Los Angeles Ice Dogs of the International Hockey League are expected to be sold to television producer Barry Kemp in a deal that could be completed early next week.

According to sources, the team is expected to move to the Long Beach Sports Arena next season.

The deal is pending while Kemp’s lawyers complete a formal check of the team’s finances.

“I’ve been interested in professional sports for some time, and in the last three years have been exploring what’s out there,” Kemp said Tuesday. “I asked my people to contact Fred [Comrie, the current owner]--I think it’s been a set-up because they have won every game I’ve been to.”

Neither Kemp, who owns about 4% of the Phoenix Suns, nor Comrie wanted to comment further, but sources said Kemp will pay between $3 million and $6 million for the team. He will have sole ownership.

The team is expected to remain in the Los Angeles Sports Arena this season, and negotiations are continuing with that facility.

Kemp, 45, owns Bungalow 78 Productions, which has produced the TV series “Coach” and “Delta.” He also wrote for “Taxi” and was an executive producer for “Newhart.”

Ice Dog attendance has averaged a little over 4,000, but not enough to offset what Comrie expects to be a $2.5-million loss at season’s end.

The Long Beach arena, which seats about 12,000, does not have a functioning ice system and uses temporary, portable systems for events such as the Ice Capades.

Comrie, who moved the team from San Diego before this season, said he intends to stay involved in the IHL, perhaps buying another franchise.