102.9 FM The Drive secures ICE broadcast rights in three-year extension
Cranbrook, B.C. – The Kootenay ICE Hockey Club and The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group (102.9 FM The Drive) are pleased to announce a three-year contract extension as the official radio broadcast rights holder of the ICE.
All Kootenay ICE games, including select pre-season, all regular season and playoff games, will continue to be heard exclusively on 102.9 FM The Drive and through their website www.thedrivefm.ca.
The Drive has been the official radio broadcast partner of the ICE since the organization arrived in the East Kootenays 20 years ago.
“We are extremely proud to have been partners of the Kootenay ICE since they moved to Cranbrook 20 years ago, and we are equally proud to be carrying on our partnership with this new three-year agreement,” explained Marvin Perry, General Manager of the Cranbrook/ Fernie Division of The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.
Perry added, “this ownership group of the Kootenay ICE and their staff have been fantastic to work with and their expanded, long-term partnership with The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group will help elevate the ICE and WHL brands. It will both provide our listeners the opportunity to stay informed about the team and provide the team with the recognition they deserve. Lastly, we are proud to help connect the team and the surrounding communities of the East Kootenays.”
Over the years, ICE fans have experienced numerous historic broadcast moments through the voice of various commentators. Fans gathered around the radio and listened to 102.9 FM The Drive as the ICE captured a WHL Championship in 2000, 2002 and 2011. The year of 2002 was made extra special when the ICE were crowned Memorial Cup champions.
The extended partnership includes several new and exciting features including the broadcast of the ICE versus the Calgary Hitmen on September 14 in Invermere, and the return of the ICE Kid Reporter (more information can be found below). In addition, the ICE and The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group will work together to provide exciting contests to ICE fans on 102.9 FM The Drive.
“The Drive (102.9 FM) shares our commitment to community and desire to work closely to re-ignite the excitement, passion and source of pride in the team,” said Matt Cockell, President and General Manager. “The willingness of The Drive to expand their fan engagement content to include even more player features and behind the scenes coverage, in addition to their professional broadcast, were very important factors leading us towards a multi-year agreement.”
The first broadcast of the 2018-19 regular season will take place on Saturday, September 22 when the ICE host the Calgary Hitmen at Western Financial Place. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. MT. Brant Hilton will return as the voice of the ICE for the 2018-19 season.
ICE KID REPORTER PRESENTED BY THE DRIVE
The wildly popular ICE Kid Reporter will return for the 2018-19 season. Three episodes where local kids will interview their favourite ICE players will be filmed, edited, produced and released on the Kootenay ICE website and on all ICE social media channels.
The ICE Kid Reporter gained momentum last season when five local youth hockey fans were awarded the opportunity to interview 15 ICE players.
Those interested in applying to become the latest ICE Kid Reporter can click on the link provided >> CLICK HERE
JUNIOR BROADCASTER EXPERIENCE CONTEST PRESENTED BY THE ICE AND THE DRIVE
In addition to Tuesday’s announcement, the Kootenay ICE, along with 102.9 FM The Drive, are excited to launch the Junior Broadcaster Experience Contest.
The contest is for youth ages 5-16.
The winner will receive:
- The Drive’s luxury suite (includes 12 tickets) for the ICE Home Opener at Western Financial Place on September 22 (food and beverage not included)
- The opportunity to sit on the ICE bench and watch the warm up
- The opportunity to chat with ICE commentator Brant Hilton on the air during the second intermission
The contest is officially underway and concludes on Thursday, September 13 at 5 p.m. The winner will be announced on The Drive’s morning show on Monday, September 17. A member of the ICE staff will contact the winner to arrange the specifics for September 22.
Those interested in entering the contest can register by clicking the link provided >> CLICK HERE
Kootenay ICE 2018-19 season seats are available. Get yours by stopping by the ICE Gear Store at Western Financial Place, by calling 250-417-0322 or online at www.ICEcountry.ca.
