Merrimack College and WBIN-TV Announce Hockey Broadcast Partnership

and WBIN-TV have reached an agreement to broadcast three hockey games live from Merrimack’s Lawler Rink during the 2011-12 season.

“We are extremely happy to reach an agreement with WBIN-TV to televise three of our home games this season,” said Senior Associate Athletic Director Dean O’Keefe. “WBIN is a great outlet reaching over six million viewers in the Boston and Manchester markets, and this partnership provides another way to connect with our growing fan base and showcase Merrimack hockey in our region.  WBIN is moving forward at a rapid rate with many exciting changes to their station, and we are thrilled to be partners with them as they continue to grow their program offerings.”

”We are pleased to add Merrimack Hockey to the WBIN lineup. Coming off a 25 win season, an NCAA berth last year and entering this season with a top 15 national ranking, the Warriors will be a strong addition to the WBIN team” said General Manager Gerry McGavick.

The first televised game on WBIN-TV is scheduled for Saturday, December 17 at 4 pm against Union College; the other games are Saturday, January 14th at 7 pm against the University of Maine; and Sunday, January 29th at 4 pm against Providence College.  In addition, The University of New Hampshire has partnered with WBIN-TV to broadcast their home game against Merrimack on Saturday, January 21 at 7 pm.

Merrimack’s three game agreement with WBIN marks the first time in school history that the College has inked its own television package.

Merrimack will continue to stream all home games live online with Pack Networks producing all broadcasts.   All away games will be broadcast on the radio at 1400 AM.

WBIN-TV, which is Channel 18 (811 in HD) on Comcast, 6 on Fios (506 in HD) and 50 on Direct TV, has an audience that encompasses over 2.4 million households representing nearly 6 million viewers over the air and via major cable systems in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.