MISSISSAUGA and HAMILTON – The Ontario Junior Hockey League today announced the renewal and expansion of its broadcast partnership with CHCH-TV, which will include the airing of nine live hockey games during the 2019-20 season.
The CHCH Game of the Week will provide viewers across Ontario with Junior ‘A’ hockey (which is one step below CHL-level) from the largest Jr. A league in Canada. Featuring emerging local talent facing off Saturday afternoons in rinks across the province, the deal also includes the broadcast of nine episodes of The OJ Today, a weekly hockey magazine show featuring highlights and analysis from all games across the 22-team league.
“The OJHL is extremely excited about the expansion of our CHCH Game of the Week to a nine-game schedule,” said OJHL Commissioner Marty Savoy, in the press release. “The addition of the OJHL All Star Game to the schedule provides another platform to promote the top players within the league. The feedback from last year’s games was overwhelming and we look forward to this year’s telecasts with our partners, CHCH, this season.”
Weekly games will air on Saturdays at 3 p.m., beginning November 30 with the OJHL All-Star Game in Oakville. Players and coaches are also slated to make in-studio visits to CHCH Morning Live each Friday morning.
New this year, the broadcast deal will also include on demand viewing and overnight re-broadcasts on CHCH-TV. In addition, the partnership will be expanded away from the rink with watch parties set to be hosted in select communities of away teams this season.
“We’re looking forward to a stellar sophomore season with the OJHL,” said Nick Bannard, marketing manager at CHCH-TV. “The OJHL team have gone above and beyond to bring our viewers more access to local teams and dynamic young players than ever before. It’s an exciting time for us and for hockey.”
Veteran junior hockey announcer Alex Bloomfield will again handle play-by-play duties for all nine matchups, while Alex Bastyovanszky, host of The OJ Today, will serve as host and provide colour commentary during the CHCH broadcasts.
The “CHCH Game of the Week” schedule includes (all games at 3 p.m.)
Nov. 30 South East vs. North West in Oakville
Dec. 21 Mississauga Chargers at Whitby Fury
Jan. 11 Georgetown Raiders at Oakville Blades
Jan. 18 Toronto Patriots at Wellington Dukes
Jan. 25 St. Michaels Buzzers at Cobourg Cougars
Feb. 1 Pickering Panthers at Brantford 99ers
Feb. 8 Markham Royals at Trenton Golden Hawks
Feb. 15 Milton Menace at Brampton Admirals
Feb. 22 Stouffville Spirit at Collingwood Colts
