The Drumheller Dragons and 99.5 Drum FM worked closely over the summer to develop the terms of a new media agreement that will bring an end to home game radio broadcasts for the 2017-18 season.
Dragons Business Advisor Amanda Stahl explains the change. “We have seen in other Junior ‘A’ markets that not broadcasting home games on the radio increases attendance,” she said, “and with the change in culture this year the Management Committee is focused on making the atmosphere in the arena more energetic and exciting. We think that can be achieved with more fans in the seats.”
The suggestion was brought to the Management Committee by Drum FM manager Dennis Harder, who brought forth evidence of the attendance spikes in other Junior ‘A’ towns in Western Canada when radio stations didn’t broadcast home games.
“We are trying it out this year to how it goes,” said Stahl. “The goal is to pack the arena for every home game. This is the Dragons’ fifteenth season in the Valley and we want the energy in the building to be electric and we want people to talk be talking about it.”
Drum FM will continue to broadcast away games with Jason Blanke, the Dragons’ new play-by-play announcer.
“We are looking forward to continuing our great relationship with Drum FM this season with game broadcasts on the road,” said Business Manager Nicky Faye.
Home games will continue being broadcast on HockeyTV where fans can pay a small subscription fee to watch the games. Bryan Wilson, former colour commentator for the Dragons, will be calling those broadcasts.
The Dragons next home game is Saturday, September 23 vs. the rival Brooks Bandits. Puck drop is at 7:30pm.
For more information please contact the office at 403-823-2022 or email nicky@drumhellerdragons.ca.