Stone to return to PrairieThunder
Published on October 2, 2008 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Bloomington PrairieThunder News Release
Veteran public address announcer B.J. Stone is returning to the Bloomington PrairieThunder on a full-time basis for the 2008-09 International Hockey League season, team officials announced Thursday.
Stone, who handled the public address duties for the PrairieThunder during its inaugural
season in 2006-07 and on a part-time basis during the 2007-08 campaign, has 11 years of experience behind the microphone. He was the public address announcer for the Peoria Rivermen from 1996-2005 and during the 2007-08 season.
"We are extremely happy to make this announcement," said PrairieThunder general manager Jerry McBurney. "B.J.'s distinctive voice, delivery and style add another element to the entertainment that PrairieThunder fans enjoy at our games.
"B.J. is second to none when it comes to pumping life into a crowd or creating a buzz in U.S. Cellular Coliseum. I've had a number of players tell me that they feed off B.J.'s enthusiasm while they are on the ice during a game."
Stone, the general manager of radio stations WBYS in Canton and WCDD in Peoria, said his relationship with PrairieThunder fans, coach Jarrod Skalde and McBurney were key reasons for his return to Bloomington on a full-time basis.
"In the two years I've done PrairieThunder games, I've grown to know and enjoy the PrairieThunder fans," said Stone. "Through my work with the PrairieThunder and Bloomington Extreme indoor football team, I've found the people in Bloomington-Normal to be great sports fans.
"I love working at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. I've also been able to build a strong working relationship with Jerry McBurney and last year I developed a strong fondness for Jarrod Skalde. I believe Jarrod will do tremendous things for the organization."
The PrairieThunder opens its season Oct. 17 at home against Flint at 7:05 p.m. at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. Tickets are available at the Coliseum box office, 101 S. Madison St., Bloomington; online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.prairiethunderhockey.com; or by calling 309-454-5500.
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