Busy Day... WHL Radio News

Can you tell hockey season is nearing? More news and press releases from the league and it's 22 members.

Today, us radio folk got some ink on the WHL website. Before I get to that, We have our own news. A little arm twisting on my part and some other factors will mean Ryan Switzer will join me in the booth for 5th season of Broncos hockey. He's excited as am I and I think we will have another fun season. He again will be a part of the 36 home games and some divisional road games schedule permitting.

Ryan and I have a great time at and away from the rink. It makes things a lot easier when you're good friends with your broadcast partner.

Also, the Eagle 94.1 FM will broadcast an unprecedented 15 "AAA" midget hockey games this season. We will continue our on-going commitment to the Legionnaires by providing ten broadcasts. We are also proud to present Diamond Energy "AAA" Wildcats female hockey this winter. The Wildcats will be one of the premiere female midget hockey teams in Western Canada and we will provide five broadcasts over the winter months. With Head Coach Terry Pavely, assistant Steve Veason and General Manager Tim Tisdale, I have no doubt they will put forth an exceptional team and it will be run top notch. Pavely, Tisdale and myself were behind the first "AAA" Legionnaire broadcasts six years ago. Also a HUGE thanks to title sponsors Fabro National Oil Well and Diamond Energy.

The Eagle 94.1 FM continues to raise the bar with sports broadcasting. Year round the station provides over 120 games or about every third night.

Here's the WHL news today:

The Portland Winter Hawks announced today that Andy Kemper has agreed to become the primary radio voice on Sunny 1550 AM for the 2007-08 season.Kemper had been the color analyst for the team for the past three seasons, working next to Dean “Scooter” Vrooman, who left the team to pursue other opportunities earlier this month.

"Andy has been a valuable part of this organization for a long time, both as a fan and, more recently, as Dean Vrooman's broadcast partner," said Winter Hawks President, Jack Donovan.

"We are excited that he is now able to take a more involved role with the team. With our return to radio this season, it was very important that we have his extensive knowledge of the game, the Western Hockey League and the Winter Hawks as a part of our broadcasts."

“I am looking forward to being a larger part of the Winter Hawks broadcasting team, “ Kemper said, “But, I realize that I have some very large shoes to fill being the guy to follow Scooter who was so highly thought of during his 25 years behind the mic for the Hawks.”“I will do my best to keep the same standards that Scooter and I brought to the broadcasts the past three years”

Kemper will work all home games and the vast majority of the road games, as his work schedule permits. “I am lucky enough to have a job that allows me to travel through much of the WHL cities during the hockey season and I will do everything that I can to be in the press box describing the action for the Hawks faithful back in Portland and around the world via the internet,” Kemper stated.

The color analyst position will be announced prior to the start of the season.


SILVERTIPS NAME JON ROSEN DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING

– Everett Silvertips Vice President/General Manager Doug Soetaert announced today that Jon Rosen has been hired as the new Director of Broadcasting, Media and Public Relations.

A native of Los Angeles, CA, the 26 year old Rosen has spent the previous three seasons as the Director of Broadcasting with the High Desert Mavericks, the Seattle Mariners’ Class-A affiliate in the California League. Prior to his work in baseball, Rosen gained valuable experience with the University of Michigan’s Varsity Hockey program, serving as a television color commentator and play by play broadcaster on WOLV-TV in Ann Arbor, MI for four years prior to his graduation in 2003.

“I would like to express my profound gratification to the Everett Silvertips for allowing me this privilege to provide informative broadcasts to a knowledgeable hockey fan base. In an environment where on and off-ice success has been thoroughly evident, I look forward to continuing to raise the scope and awareness of Silvertips Hockey through excellent relations with the local community. I am also excited to be broadcasting all 72 Silvertips games this season on our flagship station North Sound 1380 KRKO.”

Doug Soetaert, Vice President and General Manager of the Silvertips, views this hire as one beneficial to both the legions of supportive fans and members of the Everett business community.

“We are really excited for Jon to be joining the organization, as he brings a vast background of hockey knowledge and professionalism to this position. He has an outstanding track record and will maintain a high standard of quality broadcasts for our listeners. We all look forward to working with him.”


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Congratulations to both and welcome aboard! I've worked with Andy before and he's no stranger to the Civic Center. Check out his WHL blog at www.afterthewhistle.blogspot.com

I have never met Jon Rosen but I wish him luck with the Tips. He'll be dancing for his dinner in no time in lovely Everett Events Center. Those that have been there no what I'm talking about.

Welcome Jon!