Hounds continue to Rock
Soo Greyhounds will retain an on-air presence with their flagship radio station for at least another three years.
The Ontario Hockey League team has reached a new three-year agreement to have all of their games — home and away — broadcast live on Sault Ste. Marie radio station Rock 101.
Rock 101 has been broadcasting Greyhound games for the past six years with Gerry Liscumb Jr. calling the play-by-play.
Rock 101 is owned by Sovereign Communications, which also operates five other Sault Ste. Marie-based radio stations, including 99.5 Yes-FM, Country 105, Oldies 93, ESPN 1400 and WSOO 1230.
Sovereign radio stations have a strong air presence with local sports broadcasts.
Sault Ste. Marie native Bill Gleich, who is president and chief executive officer of Sovereign Communications, confirmed the extension of the broadcast agreement between Rock 101 and the Greyhounds.
“You know how important local sports is to us,” Gleich told HockeyNewsNorth.com. “Sports is a big part of what we do.
“On that note, we are absolutely delighted to continue our long-time relationship with the Greyhounds,” added Gleich. “The Hounds are a very important part of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and we’re proud to be the voice of the team for our listeners and advertisers. Everyone at Rock 101 is really looking forward to being right in the middle of the excitement for another three years.”
Hounds general manager Kyle Raftis is very much in tune to what Rock 101 provides for the local OHL team.
“We are very excited to be extending our agreement another three years into the 2017-2018 season,” said Rafts. “The partnership has come a long way from its beginnings and we look forward to working alongside the great people at Rock 101 in continuing to improve how we broadcast our games to the great Soo Greyhound fans.”
And Liscumb, the high-energy, fan-favourite, voice of the Greyhounds, also offered his thoughts on the extended partnership.
“This partnership began six seasons ago and during that time I have seen the level of commitment to excellence that I can’t describe,” said Liscumb, who has been calling Greyhound games for 10 seasons now. “Bill and the entire staff at Sovereign have helped me grow and our broadcast grow. I’m excited to have the ability to continue to work with them.”
SOVEREIGN SPORTS
Via its other Sault Ste. Marie-based radio stations, Sovereign Communications is also home to Lake Superior State University Lakers hockey play-by-play with Bill Crawford on 99.5 Yes-FM, the Hockey North Show with Randy Russon on ESPN, Coaches Corner with Dave Watson on WSOO and Sault High Blue Devils all-sports play-by-play on WSOO.