Monday, September 14, 2009

I Need Your Help!!

I wanted to mention this on a separate post, so it doesn't get lost at the bottom of my postgame report that I published earlier.


As of right now, there will be no radio broadcast of Express road games. Those of you who tried to tune into the game the other night probably figured that out the hard way. I had heard that this might happen, but didn't know for sure until I noticed there was no Express announcer in the pressbox in Albert Lea on Saturday.

I might have come up with an alternative. There are a lot of details to work out yet, but what I would like to have is a live blog session during some of the away games. If I can make it work, I would probably do this for all of the games against North Iowa and Albert Lea, and maybe some of the Alexandria games. Don't count on me making the trip to Bismarck or Topeka. This whole idea is contingent on being able to get a press pass so I can get internet access and a place to set up my laptop computer. If I can get it worked out, I might even be able to start with this weeks games at the Showcase.

I am planning on using software called "CoverItLive", which you will see in the box below. The next part requires some help from you guys and gals. Tuesday night (the 15th) at 7:00pm, I want to do a test run of the live blogging. What I would appreciate, is if you guys could tune in and ask me some questions, or at least let me know if it is working for you. You don't need to sign up for anything, or download any software, just follow the minimal instructions in the box below. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

See you on Tuesday night at 7pm for the live test blogging.


--BK


3 comments:

Unknown said...

I think this blogging idea is great and worth a try.

Also, remember that some of the teams do have their own broadcast, so listening to the other side sometimes gives a very interesting perspective.
Remember also, that all away games are available via B2 network(yes I know you have to pay, but it's cheaper than driving to bismarck or even Alex a couple times). In addition, since the Express are required to provide an audio feed for the home B2 broadcast, the great Roy Koenig has agreed to call those games and be the in arena Master of Ceremonies for all home Express games, so Roy is in no way gone and if the public demands it to Kat Country, games will be back on the air next season or in the future. The decision to not be on the radio this year was a mutual one bewteen the Express board of directors and KRFO radio, left open for future broadcasts and no hard feelings. The Express team now has a better chance to earn revenue from B2 broadcasts as opposed to zero revenue from radio broadcasts. True fans and supporters will understand this decision completely although it is somewhat disappointing one if you don't look at the big picture. Thanks Big Kahuna for all you do!

Kevin Luckow said...

so help me out here Mark. How will Roy call the games on B2 and be the in arena Master of Ceremonies? What does an in arena Master of Ceremonies do? In charge of in between period promotions? Talking during stoppages. Please explain, you guys may be onto something getting Roy involved more. He's a great play by play guy.

I'm excited to see what new things we'll see this season as far as marketing and in game promotions go. Hopefully things are shaken up a bit from the last few years.

Unknown said...

Yes, the master of ceremonies will do in between period promotions on ice and try to keep the crowd fired up. So Roy will be the guy on the mike on ice between periods when the usual fun stuff is happening like two people trying to push each other blindfolded on sleds or trying to crawl to the middle of the ice to win a jersey or whatever. But the big exciting news of this year is the $35000 super shot challenge. Yes, you heard that right. The Express have secured sponsors to give away a chevy car from Hursh, an ATV from Lacannes Marine, and or 2 snowmobiles and a trailer from Sette's. One person per game will be picked to go on the ice and take one shot to a small hole in the goal. If you make the shot you win big time. This will take place each game night. And yes, there could be more than one winner on future nights if someone wins this early in the season. We certainly need a good MC to do this on ice. That's Roy. We all love Roy and did not want to lose his involvement in Express Hockey. Roy will call the home games on B2, then go down to the ice between periods for MC duties. We hope it works smoothly. Pete Kalan will continue to be the in game announcer and talking during stopages. Tell your friends and even your enemies(tell everyone) about the super shot challenge. It's going to be huge and really add excitement to game nights on top of the already exciting hockey action. More details will be forthcoming about the rules and details and schedule of the Super Shot Challenge.