Dayton (AP) – Recently speculation was rampant that the CCHL Seattle Reign led by owner, philanthropist, visonary and business mogul Cameron McCurdy were partying into the wee hours on New Year’s Day which led to an embarrassing display of hockey later that day against the hometown Dayton Musicmen.
One of the Learjets belonging to McCurdy was indeed at the James M. Cox International airport on December 31st and witnesses did verify that a large enterourage was seen disembarking. It was confirmed that McCurdy was the last one to emerge from the jet escorted by Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Chastain. Neither of the actresses’ representatives would confirm their agenda or activities on the day in question other than to say they were researching roles for upcoming films.
Reign players led by Patrice Bergeron and Evgeni Malkin were seen exiting the Dayton Marriott hotel at around 5:30 pm. Players signed autographs and memrobilia for fans who were waiting outside before the team climbed into several stretch limosuines. Players had been heard stating they were just going out for dinner and a quiet New Year’s celebration because of the impending game versus the Musicmen the next day.
Patrons at several Dayton bars, The Dublin Pub, Blind Bob’s and South Park Tavern to name but a few stated they saw members of the Seattle Reign enjoying themselves and consuming alcoholic beverages. Some even complained that the lineups to get in to the bars were longer than normal and some persons were denied access because of a “private party” taking place inside.
An annoynomous source told the Dayton Daily News that members of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Lebron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving were also spotted in the area along with Cleveland Indians Corey Kluber, Jason Kipnis, Danny Salazar and Michael Brantley. The same source also stated that these players were in possesion of Seattle Reign t-shirts and baseball caps but photos have yet to emerge to substaniate that claim. The only Cleveland Browns players seen in the area was Johnny Manziel but that was most likely just a couincidence.
One interesting thing of note was that Dayton Musicmen owner Bill Corfield was seen in the area and rumour has it that he was going from bar to bar using his connections to sneak into the bars and asking the bands to play the longer versions of such songs as Brown Eyed Girl, American Pie and Sweet Caroline so that the parties would be extended for as long as possible.
One person also stated that they believe Corfield was in disguise and joined one of the bands on stage to sing a stirring rendition of Starships “We Built This City”….heartfelt, inspirational and haunting were just a few of the adjectives used to describe the performance. Confirmation is also being sought that other CCHL GM’s Matt Young, Zak Davis, Gayle Zuk, Chuck Taylor and Brandon Zoladz were also seen partying the night away at the same places
We do know that McCurdy a long time Republican supporter and Ted Cruz endorser was seen dancing with Mayor Nan Whaley, maybe even during Corfield’s performance. He was also spotted doing shooters with Ohio Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown just after midnight. Governor John Kasich was also seen leading a conga line outside from one of the bars with Gustav Nyquist, Jeff Petry, Corey Crawford and McCurdy near the front of the line.
The teams on ice performace may have been influenced by the celebrations that took place the night before however allegations have surfaced that Dayton has been keeping the pucks used at all home games at slightly warmer temperatures than what the league rules stipulate. These warmer pucks tend to bounce a little more causing opposing goalies and teams fits.
This has become known in CCHL insider circles as “rubbergate” not to be confused with recent laws passed related to the adult film industry. No word from the league if there is any truth to the rumour but based on the goals given up Crawford in the Reign net that night there may be more to it than just a simple rumour.
Marriott hotel staff confirmed a procession of limosuines did stop at the hotel just near 7:00 am local time and it appeared to be Seattle Reign players and coaching staff who entered the hotel in various stumbling states.
No one from Seattle Reign’s offices was available to shed light on any of the activities that Reign players and staff may have participated in that night although an airport employee did see McCurdy boarding a learjet with Jennifer Lawrence and Halle Berry at approximately 7:30 am New Year’s Day.
He was not in the vistor’s owner box on gameday and all requests for interviews have yet to be answered.
(Reporting by Jim Naseum and Art Ruum, editing by Candy Kane)
