Frank DuRoss lives out his sports dreams not on the field, but behind the scenes. He is an owner of minor-league franchises in hockey, soccer and indoor lacrosse, a benefactor of youth sports and a successful businessman.

DuRoss, a Utica native, was born November 19, 1950. He attended Notre Dame High School and graduated from Utica College in 1972 with a degree in business administration.

His first entry into sports management came in 1984 when he formed a group to purchase the Mohawk Valley Comets hockey team. He served as president and co-owner of the Comets, 1984-86, and also served as vice-president of the Atlantic Coast Hockey League.

In 1986, thanks to a million-dollar renovation of the Utica Memorial Auditorium that he spearheaded, he enticed the New Jersey Devils to transfer their American Hockey League franchise from Portland, Maine, to Utica. DuRoss served as chairman of the Utica Devils Advisory Board from 1988 to 1992.

After the New Jersey Devils pulled their AHL team out of Utica, DuRoss kept the area's hockey dreams alive by establishing the Pro Hockey And Proud committee in 1993. Through these efforts, Utica obtained a Colonial Hockey League team.

In the meantime, DuRoss ventured in new directions. He became co-owner, president and treasurer of the expansion Providence (R.I.) Bruins of the AHL in 1991, and it became an immediate success at the gate. In 1994, he purchased a second AHL franchise and relocated it to West Palm Beach, Fla., but eventually sold it. 

He turned his attention to pro soccer when he purchased the Rochester Rhinos in 1995. 

Two years later, the Rhinos were voted "A" League team of the year. From 1996 to 1998, he served on the league's executive committee. In 1997, DuRoss joined the U.S. Soccer Federation Foundation. 

In 1996, he co-founded the eight-team National Lacrosse League and became owner of the Boston Blazers in 1997. He didn't forget the children of his hometown either. He formed the Utica Youth Hockey Association in 1990 and founded the Utica Little Rhinos Soccer League in 1996. He recently built a $12 million four-pad ice plex at Monroe Community College in Rochester. 

DuRoss and his brother, Jim, established Oneida Building Services, Inc., in 1976. It was sold to International Service Systems, Inc. in 1986. The DuRoss brothers also created Oneida Asbestos Removal, Inc., in 1980. Frank is currently president and co-owner of DuRoss Realty Inc., and the president and sole owner of DuRoss Associates in Utica.