Alex Rawnsley hired as Kings' new broadcaster

Press Release

The Powell River Kings are excited to welcome Alex Rawnsley to their staff team as the official ‘Voice of the Kings’ for the upcoming 2011-2012 season.

Rawnsley will be moving to Sunshine Coast from Prince George. Last season Alex worked with the BCMML's Cariboo Cougars, broadcasting their home games and entire playoff run online. Back in July, he volunteered for the broadcast crew of the 2011 World Baseball Challenge. He also has a background in indoor soccer as he broadcasted all 12 games for the Prince George Fury during their first season. Alex's day job in Prince George was also broadcasting related as Alex was the Technical Director for CKPG TV where he did everything from directing news casts to shooting stories to anchoring to reporting.

Originally from Australia, Rawnsley is confident that he will bring a unique style to air as there are certainly no other Australian announcers in the BCHL. When asked as to his particular strengths that he’ll bring to the air, Alex notes, “I bring a background full of experience in broadcasting. I firmly believe that play-by-play is a two-way communication. Especially with things like Facebook and Twitter, I'm looking to communicate with fans during the show. Having them tweet in nominations for the three stars, or questions for intermission guests, I want to make this show as interactive as it is informative and entertaining.”

Alex looks forward to being part of the hockey community in Powell River. “The one constant I've heard about Powell River is that the fans are first class”, he raves. “They are knowledgeable and passionate and love their team. I'm looking forward in being fully involved in that and talking with people around town about this team. I'm looking forward to the road trips, the hours on the bus, the quick turn-around between games and everything that comes with Junior hockey.”

While Rawnsley will be arriving in Powell River mid-September, he already has started blogging and using social media to plug the Kings. ‘Kings of the Castle’ (www.alexrawnsley.wordpress.com) is linked to the Kings’ home page under ‘Social ‘King’dom’. Alex plans on using the blog for standard news like game recaps, thoughts, trades, college commitments and league news.

Last year Rawnsley blogged for the Cariboo Cougars (http://www.cariboocougars.ca/cougarsonline/blogs/finals-series-live-blog) which included everything from game results to a shopping trip with one of the assistant coaches. It got some great feedback from parents and media in the region, so he hopes to continue to spice up the blog on a few road trips this coming season. He notes, “It's all about the full experience, and giving fans the full team atmosphere, not just the product they see on the ice. Also expect lots of video and audio clips throughout the season with coaches and players!”

Fans can find out more about Alex Rawnsley on his website at www.alexrawnsley.com.

Fraser Rodgers, the former broadcaster for the Kings’ last season, has moved on to the Penticton Vees. The Kings’ wish Fraser all the best in his endeavours.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)