Plymouth Whalers Return to Radio Station WSDP (88.1 FM) for Broadcasts in 2011-12

The Ontario Hockey League’s Plymouth Whalers will return to "The Escape," also known as radio station WSDP (88.1 FM), as its broadcasting home for the 2011-12 season.

“The Escape” – a state award-winning radio station located at the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park – will begin its broadcasting schedule during Plymouth’s season opener on Sept. 21 in Owen Sound and will carry the bulk of the Whalers games this season with a minimum of preemptions. WSDP might also carry the Whalers' first preseason game Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. against Windsor at the Farmington Hills Ice Arena.

Pete Krupsky remains Whalers' play-by-play voice with Sean Baligian providing analysis of home broadcasts.

All Plymouth regular season and playoff games will be streamed online at www.plymouthwhalers.com with the assistance of media partner Neulion.com.

"The Whalers and WSDP are the perfect combination,” said Bill Keith, WSDP Station Manager. “It makes sense to have Plymouth's team on Plymouth's radio station. We are looking forward to another great season with the Whalers and hope to follow them through a long playoff run."

The Whalers' relationship with WSDP extends beyond an opportunity to broadcast games. All younger Plymouth players attend high school at the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park.

“We’ve enjoyed our time on ‘The Escape’,” said Krupsky. “The listening audience has a choice – they can hear the games locally on 88.1FM, while long-distance fans tune in online.  We appreciate the continued support of the Extended Whalers Family.”

Sound bytes: The Whalers played several exciting games on the road last season in games heard on WSDP.

• Feb. 3 - Plymouth comes from behind in the third period to beat Sarnia, 6-5.  Sound bytes: James Livingston scores, then scores the equalizer in the third period to tie the game.  Dario Trutmann scores the game-winner late in the third period.
• Playoff series against Kitchener - Stefan Noesen scores the overtime game-winner in Game 4.  And then the memorable seventh and deciding game before a sold out crowd in Kitchener - Michael Whaley's goal in the second period to give Plymouth a 1-0 lead.  Robbie Czarnik scored later in the period to give the Whalers a 2-0 lead.  Then Plymouth closed out ther series in the final minute.

In addition, the Whalers will continue to team up with Schoolcraft College Sports Network for television broadcasts of home games at Compuware Arena.  The broadcasts are distributed throughout Detroit-Metropolitan-area and shown on the Comcast, SWOCC and Brighthouse networks.

After missing the OHL playoffs in their inaugural season of 1990-91, the Whalers have qualified for the playoffs for 20 consecutive years – a current OHL record.  With a full roster returning, Plymouth expects to be in the middle of the ultra-competitive race in the Western Conference again in 2011-12.

The Whalers report to training camp at on Sept.1.  After opening the season Sept. 21 in Owen Sound against the Attack, Plymouth hosts Erie in its home opener on Sat. Sept. 24 at 7:05pm at Compuware Arena.

Single-game tickets for all Whalers games, along with season-ticket packages and group rates, can be purchased at Compuware Arena by calling (734) 453-8400.

Disclaimer: Pete Krupsky is the director of communications and the play-by-play voice for the Plymouth Whalers.