ST. CLOUD, Minn. – When the St. Cloud State University men’s hockey team opens its 2016-17 season on October 2 hosting the Regina Cougars, fans will hear the new broadcast team of Jim Erickson handling play-by-play and Dave Reichel as color analyst, as announced today by Learfield’s St. Cloud State Sports Properties.
Reichel, a familiar voice to Huskies, has been color commentator for his alma mater since 1990. He was a two time All-American during his hockey playing days with the Huskies in 1978-79. For the first time he will be joined by Erickson, who boasts more than 25 years in sports broadcasting. Most recently he served two years as play-by-play announcer for all 14 games of the Class A and AA Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament which aired on KSTC-TV in St. Paul/Minneapolis.
He also served two years handling play-by-play duties for the Class A and AA Minnesota State Girls Hockey Tournament. Erickson, a Branham, Minn. native, began his radio career at WCMP radio in Pine City as morning show host and sports play-by-play announcer. He went on to serve two stints at KLCI in the Twin Cities overseeing all broadcasting for high school football, volleyball, basketball, hockey, baseball and softball. Erickson also worked four seasons in minor league hockey, serving as play-by-play announcer and director of media relations for the CHL’s Memphis RiverKings and AHL’s Iowa Stars. He was voted “Best Broadcaster” and “Broadcaster of the Year” by the Central Hockey League following the 20016-07 season.
“We conducted a comprehensive talent search to find the most qualified, best voice to work alongside Dave, and we are excited about finding Jim,” said Matt Rau, general manager for St. Cloud State Sports Properties. “His background, and obvious connections to the state of Minnesota and hockey, made him an easy choice for us to consider. We know it won’t take long for our fans to embrace Jim and appreciate what he’ll bring to the Huskies hockey broadcasts.”
In addition to the new broadcast team, fans will find Huskies hockey on a new radio home, The Rev 96.7 FM as previously had been announced.
“St. Cloud State Athletics is excited to welcome Jim Erickson as the voice of Huskies Hockey. The quality of our radio broadcast as produced by Learfield is critical to our fans and partners, and we know Jim will become a recognizable personality on our flagship station The REV 96.7 FM,” said SCSU Director of Athletics Heather Weems. “Jim brings energy, expertise, and a passion for hockey, and will be complemented on air by Husky legend and color analyst Dave Reichel.”
Learfield has long been immersed in the collegiate athletics landscape. In addition to SCSU, the company manages the multimedia and sponsorship rights for 120 collegiate institutions, conferences and arenas. The company also supports athletic departments at all competitive levels as title sponsor of the prestigious Learfield Directors’ Cup. For more, visit www.learfieldsports.com.
For complete information about tickets for any home game at St. Cloud State in 2016-17, please visit www.scsutickets.com or call 1-877-SCSUTIX.