Thunder 2009-10 Broadcast Information Announced

Published on October 15, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, the proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons, has renewed a working agreement with 1420-AM KSTN as the official radio flagship partner of the Thunder. Additionally, all Thunder games will be available for viewing and listening online via B2 Networks, serving as the official broadband broadcast provider of the ECHL in 2009-10.

"Having led the ECHL in attendance in each of our first four seasons, Thunder fans are obviously very passionate about their team," said Thunder president Dan Chapman. "We're very pleased to have our broadcast partners, KSTN and B2 Networks, back on board for our Fifth Anniversary season so that our fans won't have to miss any of the exciting action."

1420-AM KSTN RETURNS AS "RADIO HOME OF THE THUNDER"

The Thunder and 1420-AM KSTN radio continue a partnership to broadcast all 36 regular season road games and additional road Kelly Cup Playoff games for the 2009-10 season, with Mike Benton returning for his fifth season as play-by-play announcer, joined by color commentator Derek Eisler for most home broadcasts. The broadcasts aired in their entirety will begin 15 minutes prior to the opening face-off with the "Thunder Forecast" pre-game show. 1420-AM KSTN serves as the radio play-by-play home to the Thunder, Stockton Ports baseball, California Cougars indoor soccer, Oakland Athletics baseball and Pacific athletics.

Benton, 28, has served as a broadcast voice for national radio coverage of two ECHL All-Star Games (2007, 2008) and has been the Thunder's play-by-play voice since the team's inception. He graduated from Azusa Pacific University (Calif.) in 2004 with a B.A. degree in Communication Studies.

Eisler, entering his fourth season in the Thunder radio booth, previously served as Head Coach of the China Sharks of the Asian League from 2007-09 and helped guide the NHL's San Jose Sharks to their first two Stanley Cup Playoff berths in 1994 and 1995, serving as an assistant coach on Kevin Constantine's staff.

"KSTN is pleased to celebrate the Thunder's fifth anniversary in Stockton with another year of great hockey action on the ice and the radio," said 1420-AM KSTN general manager Robert LaRue. "The Thunder continues to be a valued partner in our local sports line-up."

B2 NETWORKS RETURNS WEBCASTS

The Thunder also partners with B2 Networks, the "Official Broadband Broadcast Provider of the ECHL" for the fifth consecutive season to offer a webcast via an audio link for all 72 Thunder regular season home and away games and Kelly Cup Playoff games. This feature will be available through the Thunder's website, www.stocktonthunder.com, free-of-charge.

A live, streaming video simulcast of each game will also be available through the Thunder's website, on a Pay-Per-View basis for $7.00 per game. A high-speed internet connection and Windows Media Player, version 11 or higher, are required to view the Thunder webcasts.

B2 Networks is a premier provider of reliable and secure international television and pay-per-view broadcasting systems. B2's worldwide network of arenas, stadiums, local venues and data centers are currently in use to distribute live sports and events to personal computers, television screens, mobile devices and commercial venues around the world. Working with organizations such as the ECHL, National Lacrosse League, the International Hockey League, the United States Hockey League, the North American Hockey League, Arena Football Leagues and selected NCAA and NAIA conferences and member institutions, B2 Networks has established itself as a leader in innovative global direct to home, mobile and television broadcasting. For the B2 Networks' Programming Guide visit B2TV.com or for information about B2 Networks, visit B2Now.com.

The 2009-10 season, the Fifth Year Anniversary for the team, launches on Friday, Oct. 16 at Qwest Arena against the Idaho Steelheads at 6:10 p.m. The game can be heard live on radio at 1420 KSTN and is available for viewing online at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks.

The Thunder home opener is Friday, Oct. 23 against the Ontario Reign at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena.

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/.

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