Aug. 21, 2012

AMHERST, Mass. - Nelligan Sports Marketing, on behalf of the University of Massachusetts Department of Athletics, has reached an agreement with WHMP (Saga Communications) to be the new flagship home for UMass hockey in 2012-13. Heard locally in Hampshire and Franklin Counties, WHMP will carry every game and coaches show for the Mass Attack this season. All games and coaches shows will also be streamed online via www.whmp.com, available internationally.

"We are very pleased to join WHMP in partnership for broadcasting our men's ice hockey games for the upcoming season," said John McCutcheon, UMass Director of Athletics. "Not only is WHMP a great partner as a local radio station, but their ability to stream the games online allows our fans, parents and alumni the chance to listen world-wide. We are excited that once again WHMP will be involved with UMass hockey after being the longtime flagship home for the Minutemen."

"WHMP was the flagship for all of UMass sports for many many years," said Dave Musante, General Manager of WHMP. "Growing up in the 70's I remember listening to UMass games on WHMP at night in my room. Broadcasters Joe Fennessey and Ray Ellerbrook made Mike Pyatt, Derrick Claiborne, Alex Eldridge, Al Skinner and Coach Jack feel like family. Then in the 90's it was Mark Vandermeer (Hot Potato!) calling out the games that had us all on the edge of our seats. And now with the excitement surrounding UMass hockey, we are eager to create a new generation of fans surrounding this fantastic program."

"We're excited to have WHMP serve as the flagship station for UMass hockey," said Nelligan Sports General Manager Pam Batalis. "The station will provide a tremendous vehicle for our corporate partners to reach UMass fans in the region as well as providing outstanding coverage and exposure for UMass Athletics overall. "

WHMP is Hampshire and Franklin County's heritage news/talk radio station, which broadcasts on four frequencies--96.9 FM Williamsburg, 1400 AM Northampton, 1240 AM Greenfield and 1600 AM East Longmeadow. Live and local Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., the station provides extensive coverage of local news, local sports and the local arts scene. Progressive syndicated talk programming after 10 a.m. includes the Stephanie Miller & Thom Hartmann Shows. WHMP was previously the home of UMass hockey from 1994 to 2002.

Podcasts of UMass hockey games and coaches shows will be available at www.whmp.com. Dates, times and locations for the coaches shows will be released at a later date.

The broadcast schedule includes all 34 regular season games and any additional postseason play. UMass opens its 2012-13 campaign at home against Connecticut on Friday, October 12 at 7 p.m.