Jackals and Sound Communications Announce Three-Year Broadcast Agreement

Elmira, N.Y. -  The Elmira Jackals, along with Sound Communications, LLC, announced today that they have reached a three-year agreement for Jackals hockey to be broadcast on Gem 98.7 FM. An online audio stream of the broadcasts will also be available, and America One will again produce on-demand internet television broadcasts of all Jackals games.

"We are proud to announce our new partnership with Sound Communications to carry Jackals hockey broadcasts. Gem 98.7 FM will reach all of our fans in the Twin Tiers, and the online stream will be accessible anywhere in the world. All of our supporters, from sponsors to fans, will be thrilled with the reach and quality of these broadcasts.

"There are also many options for cross-promotion on Sound Communications' other properties so it puts us in a great position get the word out about all of the exciting things going on with the Jackals and First Arena," said Jackals vice president and general manager Robbie Nichols.

The agreement between the Jackals and Sound Communications entails all 72 regular season games from 2013 to 2016 being carried on Gem 98.7 FM with a 15 minute pre game show and a 15 minute post game show. Preseason games will not be carried, but there is a provision for playoff games to be picked up.

Additionally, the Jackals will introduce a weekly half-hour talk show that will air on Gem 98.7 FM and will be streamed online. The title of the show, as well as the date and time the show will air, will be announced at a later date. The show will feature interviews with Jackals head coach Dwight Mullins, Jackals players, profile stories, ECHL news and notes, and more. The show will be hosted live at the brand-new brew pub that is under construction at First Arena, and fans will be welcome to attend.

Ray Schmitt, who returns for his second season as the play-by-play voice of the Elmira Jackals, will call all of the action on Gem 98.7 FM. The Johnstown, Pa. native has 458 games of ECHL broadcasting experience, and is set to enter his seventh season in the league. He will also be the host of the to-be-named live talk show.

"Gem 98.7 FM is proud to partner with the new owners of the First Arena and Elmira Jackals and broadcast the games of the area's premiere sports franchise for the next three seasons. Additionally, Sound Communications, LLC as a whole, including our other properties Magic 92.7/97.7 FM, Kickin' Country 105.3 FM, and News Talk 1230 & 1450 WENY AM see a bright future for downtown Elmira, due in no small part to the efforts of Tom Freeman and Nate Cook," said Sound Communications general manager Jamie Evans.

Partnership opportunities are available on Elmira Jackals radio broadcasts and the live talk show. Any parties interested in getting involved with the Jackals broadcasts can contact Ray Schmitt by calling 607-734-7825 x 3216.

Mark your calendars! The Jackals open their home schedule for their seventh season of ECHL hockey on Friday, October 25 against the Reading Royals at 7:05 p.m. Don't miss a minute of the action with Jackals season tickets. They offer the best discount off of the box office price and come with great benefits like merchandise discounts, exclusive meet-and-greets with the team, ticket exchange, and more. Call 607-734-7825 to order your season tickets today. They start as low as $10 per game!

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UPCOMING FIRST ARENA EVENTS

Saturday, Septbember 14: Roller Derby, The Dolls of Destruction host their third bout at First Arena with a 6:00 p.m. start. Tickets start at $10. Click here to order tickets.

Saturday, September 21: Wegman's Twin Tiers Tap In presented by TLC Limo and Anchor Glass. 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sample fine craft brews from across the country, and tasty local food. Tickets are $30. Click here to order tickets.

Thursday, October 17: Air Supply Live in Concert. Show begins at 7:00 p.m. and tickets start at $25.75. Click here to order tickets.