Mike Benton tabbed as Thunder broadcaster

Published on September 7, 2005 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder have signed broadcaster Mike Benton as the club's inaugural play-by-play broadcaster, Thunder President Dan Chapman announced today. "We are pleased to have Mike on board as the first-ever voice of the Stockton Thunder," said team President, Dan Chapman. "His previous experience in the ECHL, as well as other sports broadcasting opportunities he has had, assures us he will be a favorite of our fans."

Benton, 24, will call all Thunder home and away games over the internet, and will also serve as the team's primary media contact as the Thunder's Manager of Media Relations. A recent 2004 graduate of Azusa Pacific University (CA) with a B.A. in Communication Studies, Benton already has four years of professional broadcasting experience under his belt, most recently with the Long Beach Ice Dogs (ECHL), where he worked select games on the Ice Dogs internet broadcasts in 2004-05.

"This is an absolute dream come true for me," Benton said. "It is an incredible opportunity for me where I have always carried a tremendous ambition of a successful career in hockey broadcasting. I look forward to working with a talented and promising organization in the Stockton Thunder and I look forward to bringing a passionate, informative and entertaining style to the Thunder broadcasts each night."

Benton, who also served the Dayton Dragons minor league baseball team during the 2005 season as a radio broadcaster and media relations assistant, also served UC Riverside as the women's basketball team's radio broadcaster for 2004-05.

A native of Azusa, CA, Benton's four years of experience in television include roles as television play-by-play announcer for Azusa Pacific's men's and women's basketball teams, and as a feature reporter on "Valley Sports 2," a local sports show airing in select cities around the Los Angeles, CA. area on ESPN2. While in college, Benton also worked at Azusa Pacific's campus radio station in the sports department.

Season tickets for the upcoming Thunder season are on sale now. Tickets for the home opener can currently be purchased as part of a full or mini season package. For more information on season tickets, mini packages, merchandise, or other information, please call the Stockton Thunder at (209) 948-3322 or visit www.stocktonthunder.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from September 7, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central