Bobcats Broadcaster Going Pro
BISMARCK, ND – While home opening weekend will mark the first look that Bismarck Bobcat fans will have at the 2013-14 installment of the team, it will be their last go-round with veteran broadcaster Paul Teeple, who recently accepted an offer to become the voice of the Florida Everblades in the ECHL.
The team has announced that his final game on Super Talk 1270 and FASTHockey will be Saturday against the Wenatchee Wild.
“It’s a bittersweet decision, for sure, to say goodbye to Bismarck/Mandan, which has been my home for over four years now,” stated Teeple, who took over broadcasting and media relations duties for the Bobcats prior to the 2009-10 campaign. “I’ve seen some incredible teams, called unforgettable games, made lifelong friends and—most importantly—met my wife here as part of this amazing journey with the Bobcats.
“At the same time, it’s an unbelievable opportunity to join the staff of an organization that’s as successful and well-respected in the hockey community as the Everblades.”
He moves on to join the Everblades, the AA affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes, as their Public and Community Relations Manager and Broadcaster.
With 371 games under his belt in the NAHL, he departs as the league’s second-longest-tenured active broadcaster, behind only Topeka’s Arch Ecker.
During Teeple’s time behind the mic, the Cats have collected four Central Division banners and a Robertson Cup title in 2010. He also presided over the league’s most-clicked broadcast on FASTHockey in 2010-11 and was named lead broadcaster for the NAHL’s Top Prospects Tournament in 2012.
“The entire staff, players over the years as well as fans across the board—even in most of our competitors’ cities—have come to appreciate the innate talent and hard work that Paul puts into each of his broadcasts and written pieces,” said Bobcats team owner Thom Brigl. “Paul goes into every game completely prepared and calls a game in a manner that, as everybody listening will tell you, makes you feel like you are right in the stands.
“The entire city and all who know him wish Paul and his young family the very best in all that life brings them. We have been blessed to have him.”
While there are some big shoes—and bow ties—to fill in the broadcast booth, the Bobcats plan to announce Teeple’s successor as soon as possible, as the black and gold have a Championship to defend!
On the ice, the Bobcats return home to open their home schedule at 7:15 PM Friday against the Wild with Coors Light Opening Night at the VFW Sports Center.
Fans can buy and print tickets online at BismarckBobcats.com or call the box office at 222-3300.
Friday's home opener will be broadcast locally on the radio home of Bobcat Hockey, Super Talk 1270, KLXX-AM, and worldwide on the internet television partner of the North American Hockey League, NAHL.FASTHockey.com. Pregame coverage will get under way at 6:45 PM.
Season tickets for the 2013-14 season are now on sale—and going fast! Reserve your seats for the new season, including the brand new Dasher Bar, by calling the Bobcat Hockey office at 222-3300.