I knew about this last week but couldn't say anything until now:
PORTLAND, ME- The Portland Pirates and Atlantic Coast Radio (WJJB, WEEI Network and WLOB) announced today that they have entered into a long-term relationship starting with the 2009-10 season. Atlantic Coast Radio’s WLOB 95.5FM/ 1310AM will become the flagship radio station for all 80 Portland Pirates regular season hockey games and Calder Cup Playoffs. All games will be broadcast live with no pre-emption or delays due to other programming over a 5,000 watt signal.
“We are very excited to return to Atlantic Coast Radio to deliver Pirates Hockey through a stronger FM signal, not be bumped off the dial because of other programming and have the opportunity to integrate professional sports with the powerful, growing news/talk platform that WLOB has built over the past few years,” said Pirates Managing Owner/CEO Brian Petrovek.
"We enjoy working with the Pirates organization in the past and we are thrilled to have their games back on our airwaves. We are proud to be a part of their commitment to this great community and their strong tradition of excellence on and off the ice,” said Jon Van Hoogenstyn, Atlantic Coast Radio's General Manager. “This is a great day for us and we are excited to bring hockey back to our network."
Atlantic Coast Radio is Maine’s only locally owned radio network and will expand on their daily 11 hours of local sports and talk formats by adding the Pirates broadcasts to their airwaves beginning in October. WLOB features news talk, including Ray and Ted, Fox Morning News and local sports broadcasts throughout the year.
Atlantic Coast Radio and its stations will also continue to provide weekly interviews with Pirates coaches Kevin Dineen and Eric Weinrich, a weekly interview with “The Voice of the Pirates” Greg Glynn plus, player interviews on WJJB 96.3FM/1440 AM and WLOB 95.5 FM/1310 AM.
The Pirates broadcasts were previously on Atlantic Coast Radio on AM 1440 and FM 95.5 from 2001-2007. Over the last two seasons, the Pirates broadcasts were available on 1400AM and 1490AM “The Home of Bob and Tom in the Morning.”
“We appreciate the hard work and dedication from the staff at Portland Radio Group during the last two seasons. Their professionalism and support on and off the air has been terrific and consistent and we look to continue our broadcast relationship moving forward,” said Petrovek.
Atlantic Coast Radio, LLC is the only locally owned radio network located in the Portland market. Located at 779 Warren Avenue in Portland, the station is owned by longtime broadcaster J. J. Jeffrey. In addition to the Portland Pirates broadcasts, the network of stations also broadcasts the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox and Maine Red Claws, and the University of Maine.
Season ticket plans for the 2009-10 season are on sale now. The Pirates plans for next season include lower ticket prices and a re-scaling of the seating bowl at the Cumberland County Civic Center. Season ticket packages can be purchased with a $50 per ticket deposit by visiting the Pirates office at 94 Free Street in Portland, by calling (207) 828-4665 x350 or online at
www.portlandpirates.com/tickets.
