Watch the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic 2009 on V CAST from Verizon Wireless
Game at Wrigley Field Featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings Available on Jan. 1, 2009, at 1 p.m. ET
NHL fans who don’t want to miss a single shift of the upcoming Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic(TM) 2009 on New Year’s Day can tune into the game on their wireless phones with V CAST Video from Verizon Wireless, the two companies announced today.
At 1 p.m. ET on Jan. 1, the Chicago Blackhawks will host the Detroit Red Wings in the League’s annual outdoor game to be played this season at iconic Wrigley Field in Chicago. Verizon Wireless is teaming with the National Hockey League to bring both avid hockey fans and casual sports enthusiasts who want to be part of the historic event the opportunity to watch it on New Year’s Day. The game will be streamed in its entirety and can be found under the “What’s Hot” channel on V CAST Video.
“Bringing this once-a-year event to mobile customers is a great example of how compelling, long-form video content works on many different platforms,” said Tricia Lynch, director of content strategy and acquisition at Verizon. “Customers can watch the first period from their living rooms, then be sure they won’t miss the ending because they have V CAST on their mobile phones.”
“NHL fans are the most tech-savvy in all of sports,” said Andre Mika, the NHL’s senior vice president of broadband and new media production. “On a day when hockey fans across North America come together with the League to celebrate the game, we are thrilled to be able to offer these fans the opportunity to be part of the action on V CAST.”
The Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic 2009 is the first time a major league sporting event in the United States will be shown as it happens on V CAST Video. Last year, the NHL Winter Classic, held in Buffalo, N.Y., was attended by more than 71,000 fans and millions more watched on national television across North America.
Customers with select V CAST-enabled phones can check out V CAST whenever they want for just $3.00 for 24-hour use or by signing up for the $15.00 V CAST VPak monthly subscription, which also includes access to the Verizon Wireless ESPN MVP service, Get It Now(R) and Mobile Web services. Customers get unlimited basic video, but application download fees may apply for 3D games and premium video. There are no airtime or megabyte charges to download, stream or watch V CAST content with any V CAST subscription.
For more information about video content from Verizon Wireless, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.
Patrick Kane To Unveil Personally-Designed Skates and Stick at NHL Outdoor Game
Limited Number to be Auctioned for Cancer Research
Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane will unveil and use personally-designed skates and sticks during the upcoming Bridgestone NHL 2009 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field in Chicago on New Year’s Day.
Kane, working with designers and developers at Bauer Hockey, designed the skates and stick this past summer for exclusive use during the outdoor game. Only 88 skates and 88 sticks were created for this special event and Kane will personally sign and auction off a portion of the limited edition product to raise money for breast Cancer research in Chicago and his home town of Buffalo.
“It’s something I’ve been interested in from the beginning – designing your own skates and stick is a pretty unique experience,” Kane said. “It’s really exciting to look at a skate and design it to exactly how you want it to be made. To be able to give back to the community makes the whole experience even more special.”
The Nike Bauer Vapor XXXX skates designed by Kane feature the traditional black, white and red colors of the retro Blackhawks uniforms that will be worn during the game. The skates feature white patent leather tongues and a unique Patrick Kane logo exclusively created for the limited edition product. The word “Showtime” is printed on the tendon guard of the skate, referring to the high level of anticipation for the outdoor game as well as Kane’s exciting style of play. The Kane-designed Nike Bauer Supreme One95 stick is completely red and features the same logo design as well as a “Candy Kane” pattern to celebrate the holiday season. In addition, ‘Winter Classic PK88′ is written in the stick’s namebar to commemorate the memorable outdoor game.
“The skates and stick are the colors of the Blackhawks and should go well with the uniform, but at the same time, it’s a little bit of showtime,” Kane said. “Hopefully when I step out onto the ice, people will say ‘Oh wow, look at the skates Kane’s wearing.’ I’m fortunate enough to be the only one wearing these designs so it makes playing in the game even more exciting. You know the old saying, ‘Look good, feel good, play good.’”
Each skate and stick auctioned will be personally signed by Kane, individually numbered and accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Kane and Bauer Hockey. To access the online auction, which will run from Jan 1-10, 2009, visit Nikebauer.com
Bauer Hockey
Bauer Hockey is the world’s most recognized designer, marketer and manufacturer of hockey equipment and currently operates under the Nike Bauer Hockey name. Founded in Kitchener, Ontario in 1927, Bauer developed the first skate with a blade attached to a boot, forever changing the game of hockey. Since then, Bauer has continued to develop the most sought after products in the industry, including the widely successful Supreme and Vapor lines of products.
NBC 10 Sports Presents: Game Changers Friday, December 26th, at 7PM
Join NBC 10 Sports Anchor/Reporter Jade McCarthy As She Hosts The Inspirational Special On People Making a Difference
It’s lights, camera, action! On Friday, December 26th, at 7PM, turn to NBC 10 for a special edition of the Emmy award-winning “Game Changers.” This half-hour program, hosted by NBC 10 Sports Anchor/Reporter Jade McCarthy, zooms in on the triumphs and challenges of people who have used sports to inspire and make a difference in their communities.
“Game Changers” was taped in an old movie theatre in Pitman, New Jersey (The Broadway Theatre of Pitman, New Jersey). It features interviews of coaches, mentors and teachers, as well as local and nationally known athletes.
This special will spotlight star athlete and retired tennis pro Billie Jean King, who is synonymous with being a ‘game changer’ for women in sports.
Capturing the human spirit of passion, commitment and perseverance, “Game Changers” is a television program for the entire family to watch.
For more information on NBC 10 “Game Changers,” turn to NBC 10 or visit our website at www.nbcphiladelphia.com .
Mars North America Extends NASCAR Partnership
Multi-Year Partnership Keeps Fans and Animals Snacking On and Off the Track
Mars North America announced today that it will extend its contract as official NASCAR partner, giving tens of millions of NASCAR fans even more to cheer about at track and in store. The multi-year sponsorship commitment allows multiple Mars brands to connect with racing fans and includes four designations:
- Official Chocolate of NASCAR (M&M’S(R) Brand)
- Official Chocolate Bar of NASCAR (SNICKERS(R) Brand)
- Official Cheese-Filled Snack of NASCAR (COMBOS(R) Brand)
- Official Pet Food of NASCAR (PEDIGREE(R) Brand)
“The relationship between Mars and NASCAR is a win-win,” said Suzanne Beaudoin, vice president, Sponsorships and Sports Marketing, Mars North America. “Whether tailgating at the Talladega infield or having friends over to watch qualifying at Bristol, Mars wants to be part of every race experience. Being an official NASCAR partner illustrates our dedication to the fans, our drivers and the sport, while driving brand affinity and excitement for our brands.”
The multi-year partnership aligns Mars with its existing contracts with Joe Gibbs Racing, continuing a relationship that began in 2008.
For 2009, Mars will continue to develop programs that build relationships directly with NASCAR fans, including continuing two of its popular programs that let fans share their passion for NASCAR to the world. Brand highlights include:
- Now in its second year, M&M’S “The Most Colorful Fan of NASCAR Contest” will launch at the Daytona 500 and run for 24 weeks.
- For dog lovers, the PEDIGREE brand will launch a new contest, PEDIGREE Brand presents THE LUCKIEST DOG(TM) of NASCAR(R), beginning in late April when the first of three cars sponsored by the PEDIGREE brand races at Talladega Superspeedway.
- Mars’ COMBOS Brand will also leverage its NASCAR sponsorship with the new “Man Zone” on-pack promotion, visiting ten race tracks during the first half of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.
- SNICKERS Brand will promote its sponsorship at retail stores nationwide.
“Mars is an important partner to NASCAR, whose many creative programs excite our fans and help our sport to grow,” said Jim O’Connell, vice president of Corporate Marketing for NASCAR. “Mars’ commitment demonstrates the enduring value of an official NASCAR partnership. The measurable return this position brings is particularly important in a challenging economy when every marketing dollar must provide maximum value. With a fan base that actively supports the companies making the sport go, NASCAR sponsorship works for companies like Mars, and many other leading brands recommitting to NASCAR during difficult economic times.”
While Mars has been involved in NASCAR for nearly 20 years — with a variety of Mars brands sponsoring various teams — the company officially teamed with the sport’s sanctioning body in 2003. The 2008 season was highlighted by the success of Kyle Busch in the No. 18 M&M’S Toyota with Joe Gibbs Racing, which banked eight wins, 17-top five and 21 top-10 finishes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
For more information about Mars’ relationship with NASCAR, visit http://www.mms.com/us/racing.
Mickey Matthews Wins Second Eddie Robinson Award
James Madison coach Mickey Matthews was named the 22nd winner of the Eddie Robinson Award last night at The Sports Network’s Football Championship Subdivision Awards Banquet, held at the Chattanooga Marriott on the eve of the NCAA Division I Football Championship title game.
Matthews is the first two-time winner of the Robinson Award, which is presented annually to the top coach in FCS. Matthews also won the Robinson Award in 1999, his first season at James Madison.
“Coaching is all I ever wanted to do,” said Matthews. “Everyone, growing up in the south, knows who Eddie Robinson is. To be linked to that name is truly an honor and it is a humbling experience.”
Matthews’ JMU squad finished 10-1 in the regular season and was ranked No. 1 for the final eight weeks of the regular season in the Sports Network FCS top-25 poll. The Dukes also won the championship of the Colonial Athletic Association and were seeded No. 1 in the NCAA playoffs. It marked the best regular-season record in school history.
James Madison beat nine teams ranked at one point in the TSN poll on its way to the NCAA semifinals, including two No. 1 teams, Appalachian State and Richmond. The Dukes suffered their first loss since the opening game of the season, a 35-27 setback to Montana on Dec. 12, finishing the 2008 campaign at 12-2.
In 10 years at the helm of JMU, Matthews has become the winningest coach in school history, with a record of 76-46. He led the Dukes to the 2004 national championship with a 13-2 mark and was also the defensive architect of the great Jim Donnan-coached Marshall teams that were national finalists in 1991-93 and 1995, and won the 1992 national championship.
Matthews received 26 first-place votes out of the 102 ballots that were cast by a panel of sports information directors and selected media who regularly cover FCS games. He edged Rich Ellerson of Cal Poly by 45 points, with Ron McBride of Weber State finishing third.
The Sports Network established the Eddie Robinson Award in 1987. Past recipients of this prestigious honor include current FCS coaches, Jerry Moore of Appalachian State, Northern Iowa skipper Mark Farley, New Hampshire’s Sean McDonnell, Villanova’s Andy Talley, Mike Ayers of Wofford and Elon’s Pete Lembo.
Source: The Sports Network
Greg Peach Captures 2008 Buck Buchanan Award
Eastern Washington defensive end Greg Peach was named the 14th winner of the Buck Buchanan Award last night at The Sports Network’s Football Championship Subdivision Awards Banquet, held at the Chattanooga Marriott on the eve of the NCAA Division I Football Championship title game.
The Buchanan Award, named for the legendary Grambling and Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle, is presented annually to the top defensive player in FCS.
“Coming in as a freshman, you see the award and you think about it,” said Peach. “But I never thought I would have won it. To even be a top-16 guy on the Buchanan watch list was unbelievable for me.”
Peach led FCS in sacks (1.64 per game, 18 total for 103 yards in losses) and tackles for loss (2.05 per game, 22.5 total, 133 yards) in 2008, recording six multi-sack games and 72 tackles along the way. The campaign included an eye-opening four-sack effort against perennial FCS stalwart Montana on Oct. 11.
Peach was just one sack away from the Big Sky Conference single-season record, owned by Montana’s Andy Petak with 19, and finished fifth-best in FCS history. He is second in the Big Sky and fourth in FCS for career sacks with 35.5, finishing just three sacks behind Jared Allen of Idaho State, the 2003 Buchanan Award winner and now an NFL standout. Peach also owns school standards for single-season and career sacks, as well as tackles for loss marks for a season and a career.
The 6-2, 250-pound defensive lineman from Vancouver, WA ended his season with a flourish in the Eagles’ 33-26 victory over Big Sky co-champion and No. 8-ranked Weber State — a win that cost the Wildcats a perfect conference record, an outright league title and a probable seed in the NCAA playoffs.
With 1:02 remaining and WSU running back Trevyn Smith heading towards an apparent game-tying touchdown, Peach recovered a fumble on his final college play to seal his team’s victory and give EWU a winning season.
Peach won by the largest margin in Buchanan Award history, earning 39 first-place votes and 313 points to finish 107 points ahead of runner-up Jovan Belcher, a defensive end from Maine. Belcher had 15 first-place votes and 206 points, while Appalachian State safety Mark LeGree placed third with 183 points.
The Buck Buchanan Award was established in 1995 by The Sports Network. Past winners of the honor include current NFL standouts such as Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (2003, Idaho State), Jacksonville Jaguars safety Rashean Mathis (2002, Bethune-Cookman), along with former Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl linebacker Dexter Coakley (1995-96, Appalachian State).
Source: The Sports Network
Armanti Edwards Wins 2008 Walter Payton Award
Appalachian State quarterback Armanti Edwards was named the 22nd winner of the Walter Payton Award last night at The Sports Network’s Football Championship Subdivision Awards Banquet, held at the Chattanooga Marriott on the eve of the NCAA Division I Football Championship title game.
The Payton Award, named for the legendary Jackson State and Chicago Bears running back, is presented annually to the top player in FCS.
“It’s a great accomplishment and a great feeling,” Edwards said. “I always congratulate my team, because without them, I wouldn’t (even) be a finalist.”
The 6-foot-tall, 184-pound junior signal-caller rushed for 941 yards and 11 touchdowns, while completing 64% of his passes for 2,902 yards and 30 touchdowns. He ranked second nationally in passing efficiency, seventh in total offense (296 yards per game, 3,843 total yards) and 11th in passing yards.
Edwards, one of the team captains for the Mountaineers, saved his best games for the brightest spotlight. Facing South Carolina State in the first round of this year’s playoffs, Edwards completed 29-of-41 passes for a school-record 433 yards and four touchdowns, breaking predecessor Richie Williams’ mark of 413 in 2004 in a 37-21 win.
In a nationally televised game against Wofford for first place in the Southern Conference earlier in the year, Edwards was 17-of-19 passing for 367 yards and five touchdowns and added 73 yards and one TD rushing on just 11 carries. Edwards played only one series of the fourth quarter in that game, as he led the Mountaineers to a 70-24 victory.
“He’s made a huge difference in our football program from the beginning,” Appalachian State coach Jerry Moore said. “He’s been a great example on the field and in the classroom. Our team really rallies around him.”
Edwards finished first in one of the most lopsided Payton Award races in history with 53 first-place votes and 398 points. James Madison quarterback Rodney Landers was second with 17 first-place votes and 290 points, with Western Illinois running back Herb Donaldson placing third with 209 points.
The Walter Payton Award was established in 1987 by The Sports Network and previous winners of the honor include current NFL players such as Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (2002, Eastern Illinois) and Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook (2001, Villanova), and former Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair (1994, Alcorn State).
Source: The Sports Network