Hounds finally may get caring owner

The Hounds are going to lead this story as I finally have some news that might be good about this team of losers. First of all, I’m not the UHL homer with his authentic jersey reversed and the sign, who stands above the players tunnel with the sign “fire or trade Puhalski.” I think Puhalski, like just about anyone associated with the Hounds this season, has had a raw deal.

The deal was this: the Hounds are owned by a guy named Dr. Eric Margenau. Margenau had the fortune to be able to hire some good people, particularly middle management from the Chicago Wolves. I don’t know what they told him. He is a self-proclaimed successful minor league owner after all. What can you tell a guy like that? But do you suppose they told him to cut back on marketing? To avoid marketing in places hockey fans go, such as their fan clubs, hockey rinks or sports radio? Just asking. Because that seems to encapsulate the inaugural season marketing efforts, or lack of, for the team.

Anyway, last night I was at the game between the Hounds and the Fort Wayne Komets. The Hounds got killed in a boring shutout. What was the score? Ummn… I didn’t pay attention. I was falling asleep. I don’t know what the game sheet attendance was: I counted heads. There were about 400 people in the stands. I noted a lot of moms and kids under 10. I also saw a lot of puck bunny wannabees. What is it with 13 year old girls? Good god any photo of them would invite charges of child endangerment.

I also saw Craig Drektrah. This is the first time in the Hounds history in this city I’ve felt things might get better in the future. Drektrah is a minority owner in the Rockford IceHogs. The IceHogs have signed an understanding to sell the team to the Rockford MetroCentre. More on that in a moment. Drektrah is reportedly unhappy about the deal. A story in the Rock River Times notes he and co-owner Dr. Kris Tumilowicz are parting ways over the sale.

Drektrah now, according to a report on the Komets radio broadcast, is slated to purchase Margenau’s interest in the Chicago Hounds. He’s selling the Hogs for about $1.5 million, according to press reports. The Hounds are almost worthless. Margenau’s less than brilliant management saw to that.

Still, Margenau sold the IceHogs years ago, and they are now worth a major municipal blow-up and $1.5 million or so. So maybe Drektrah has two things going for him, one he can spot a deal and two, he can turn a bad situation around.

There’s still hope for the Hounds. Good luck Craig.