Ice Dogs Struggling at Rink and at Bank : Hockey: With another top player apparently leaving, team faces financial difficulties.

For most of the year, the Ice Dogs said they could make a spot for themselves in Los Angeles’ hockey market.

But Thursday night, owner Fred Comrie found himself answering whether the Ice Dogs are on the verge of folding or moving.

Two of the top players are gone--center Hubie McDonough was traded to Orlando on Saturday and right wing Dwayne Norris is expected to sign with the Mighty Ducks today--and Comrie admits that he is worried.

“For me to say we’re happy . . . well, we’re disappointed. It’s important that we draw well. We would like to see a better season-ticket base,” said Comrie, who said that the season-ticket holder base in the Sports Arena is about 1,100. Six thousand was the target.

Average attendance for the International Hockey League team is announced as 3,721. Wednesday, the attendance was an announced 1,261. As usual, it appeared smaller.

“We’re looking at different finance alternatives,” Comrie said, although he said he couldn’t elaborate because they weren’t completed.

All the paychecks have been met, but Comrie didn’t rule out layoffs or ultimately moving the team if it’s unable to survive financially.

“The merchandise sales are phenomenal; the corporate sponsorship is going real well too. Those are bright spots. We have an exciting hockey team--the league rated us the best in terms of fans having fun at the game. But we have a big office. We have a large travel schedule.”

Comrie said he and the players love the Sports Arena, but it appears that crowds don’t. After the opening-night crowd of more than 9,000, attendance diminished quickly.

“I really believe in this, in bringing that kind of family price to the city. I want to see it work--we didn’t spend all this not to,” Comrie said.