The Fredericton Red Wings are the new kids on the Maritime Hockey League block!
To make sure the Red Wings are noticed in the world of live streaming, Fredericton has turned to a pair of veterans to call the games on the webcasts for the 2019-20 season. Veteran play-by-play broadcaster Brad Janes and colour commentator Perley Brewer will provide the calls during Fredericton’s inaugural season in the junior A MHL.
The pair worked together as the voices of the University of New Brunswick Reds for the past three years and also called U SPORTS Cup action when the national championships were held in Fredericton.
‘We’re excited to make this announcement because we are getting two individuals who work remarkably well together in the booth and bring more than just game action through their broadcasts,’ said Fredericton team president, Roger Shannon. ‘Both Brad and Perley bring strong hockey backgrounds to the roles they provide. They feed off of each other very well and not only call a strong game, but they are entertaining story tellers who keep fans engaged.’
Janes has a long background in hockey as a player, administrator and media personality.
He spent nine seasons as the beat writer for the American Hockey League’s Saint John Flames and has extensive print, radio and television experience.
‘I had a tremendous relationship with UNB and its Reds’ program and am incredibly thankful for the athletics program to allow me to call Atlantic University Sport and national tournament games,’ said Janes. ‘The Red Wings offered a new challenge to create a new market and with so many games through the week, it allowed a little more schedule flexibility.’
The ability to re-connect with Brewer was enticing for Janes, too.
‘Working with Perley again is just icing on the cake,’ he said. ‘The first time we met was a mere three minutes before a broadcast and we clicked right away. Roger and his Red Wings staff have been great to deal with. I believe Fredericton is in for a treat with the return of junior hockey.’
Brewer has long been associated with UNB hockey and has extensive colour commenting experience with Bell TV1 as well during AUS games of the week of post-season action. He brings a downhome and honest style to his work. Brewer loves digging into numbers as part of his game night presentation.
‘It’s going to be a whole new experience being a part of the Red Wings’ broadcast, but I can’t wait to get going,’ Brewer said. ‘We want to ensure the fans watching and listening are up to date and through data, we’re able to offer a complete game experience. Brad is an absolute professional to work with and I’m really glad Roger and the Red Wings family have brought us back together. We had a great time with UNB and this is going to be another great experience.’
The Red Wings will play out of the MHL’s East Link North Division. Fredericton joins Campbellton Tigers, Edmundston Blizzard, Grand Falls Rapids, Miramichi Timberwolves and Summerside Western Capitals of Prince Edward Island in the division.
The East Link South Division features Amherst Ramblers, Pictou County Weeks Crushers, South Shore Lumberjacks of Bridgewater, NS, Truro Bearcats, Valley Wildcats of Berwick, NS, and Yarmouth Mariners.
Fredericton will open its training camp in August and prepare for pre-season action later that month and into early September!
The Red Wings will mark the return of junior A hockey to the Capital on Friday, Sept. 20 when they host the Grand Falls Rapids.
Fredericton’s season opener is on the road, facing Pictou County on Sept. 12.
For further information on the Red Wings, the MHL or season ticket information, visit frederictonredwings.com or contact director of sales and marketing Kyle Holder at kyle.holder@frederictonredwings.com or Liz Shannon at liz.shannon@frederictonredwings.com