1280 AM KWSX, Thunder Partner As New Radio Flagship

February 24, 2010 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, a two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," in conjunction with KWSX 1280 AM today announced an agreement for the Stockton-based radio station to become the new radio flagship home of the "Stockton Thunder Broadcast Network, serviced by Bruce's Body Shop."

Thunder road games for the regular season and Kelly Cup Playoffs will air on KWSX 1280 AM for the remainder of 2009-10, including tonight's Thunder game against the host Utah Grizzlies, beginning at 6:05 p.m. Thunder broadcasts aired in their entirety begin 15 minutes prior to opening face-off with the "Thunder Forecast" pre-game show.

Wednesday's broadcast will be joined in progress with the pre-game show's "Chalk Talk" segment at 6:00 p.m.

Owned and operated by Clear Channel Communications, KWSX is a 1,000 watt station with a signal that can be heard throughout the San Joaquin County, including areas such as Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, Tracy and stretching as far west as Livermore, where many Thunder supporters reside and conduct business.

"The Thunder is very excited about a brand new partnership with KWSX and their willingness to become the radio home of Thunder hockey for the remainder of the 2009-10 season," said Thunder president Dan Chapman. "KWSX carries a significantly much stronger signal than our previous arrangement, which will be very beneficial to Thunder fans and business partners throughout our region."

"I couldn't be more excited," said Clear Channel Radio vice president and general manager Rich Hawkins. "Stockton has a tremendous lineup of sports teams and the entire staff here at KWSX is gratified to have the opportunity to forge this great partnership with the Thunder. It really enhances our growing lineup of sports programming on 1280."

KWSX is a growing leader in live Stockton sports coverage, additionally serving as the radio play-by-play home of Stockton Ports minor league baseball and Pacific athletics.

Mike Benton is currently in his fifth season of Thunder play-by-play, handling radio and online coverage for all Thunder home, away and Kelly Cup Playoff games. Derek Eisler, a former assistant coach for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League in his fourth year in the Thunder broadcast booth and Cam Gore serve as color commentators for home games.

The proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League and Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League, the Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season tickets for 2009-10 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.



ECHL Stories from February 24, 2010


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