Lakehead University and Dougall Media are pleased to announce an exciting new television broadcast partnership that will give Thunderwolves' hockey fans across Northwestern Ontario and around Canada the chance to watch exciting live Thunderwolves hockey. Dougall Media will broadcast select home games from the Fort William Gardens on Thunder Bay Television CTV-CHFD television. The games will be available throughout TBTV-CHFD's broadcast footprint, including nationally via Bell Express Vu and Star Choice satellite television networks. TBT-CHFD is found on Channel 222 on Bell Express Vu and Channel 314 on Star Choice.
This year will see two games hit the airwaves; February 12 vs. the Brock Badgers and February 19 vs. the Western Mustangs. There are also tentative plans for a playoff broadcast. The partnership also will see three broadcasts in each of the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons. Dougall Media has also brought in technical producers from TSN to work together with TBT staff to develop the broadcasts.
"I think this is a great day for Lakehead University and Lakehead Athletics," said Tom Warden, Director of Athletics and Lakehead University. "This new partnership with Dougall Media will allow a much larger audience to see just how exciting the Lakehead hockey experience is."
Kevin Klein, Dougall Media Vice President and General Manager, said Dougall Media is committed to this new partnership with Lakehead University. "The impact the Thunderwolves has had on the region is an important one; we are able to come together, root for our home team, and rally as a community behind the Thunderwolves," Klein added. "Reflecting Dougall Media's commitment to the community and the region, we are pleased to be bringing this feeling to all of Northwestern Ontario and all of Canada by broadcasting these exciting games live."
Fraser Dougall, President of Dougall Media, echoed Klein's thoughts, adding "This is a fantastic opportunity for growth for both Dougall Media and the Thunderwolves. We look forward to working together in this important partnership as well as many more successful seasons from the team."
"Lakehead University is very proud of all our Thunderwolves' teams," said Dr. Fred Gilbert, President of Lakehead University. "There is a strong fan base in the community, which is evident at any game played at the Gardens or on campus in the Thunderdome. Since Thunderwolves Hockey started in 2001, it has brought in on average about 3,000 fans to watch the games at the Fort William Gardens. Through this new partnership more people will be able to take part in the excitement of these games, not just in Northwestern Ontario, but across Canada."