The Kitchener Rangers have officially found a new radio home for the 2026–27 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) season, partnering with FM 98.5 (CKWR-FM) and The Grand @ 101 (CICW-FM).
The deal brings play-by-play coverage for all home and away games back to the local airwaves on FM 98.5, with additional digital streaming available via the station’s website and the Radioplayer Canada and iHeartRadio apps. Sister station The Grand @ 101 will provide promotional support across Wellington County.
The partnership follows the sudden shutdown in July of 570 NewsRadio (CKGL-AM) in Kitchener, which left the organization without a broadcast home, causing widespread concern among supporters fresh off the team’s Memorial Cup victory.
“570 News was shut down quickly as you know, catching the Kitchener Rangers off guard,” Scott Jensen, President of FM 985 & The Grand @ 101, told Broadcast Dialogue. “It created a media and social media frenzy in Waterloo Region, with people concerned there coming off a Memorial Cup win, and back into the season without a potential broadcast partner.”
Jensen said hd quickly put together a proposal and sent to the Rangers’ management team.
“They had a few stations interested to my understanding, but we were pleased they chose to work with us as a locally-owned and operated radio station. This allows us to continue to support our community athletes, build on fan excitement and community spirit, being part of the game through our broadcasts, and taking a large leap in sports broadcasting,” he added.
Rangers leadership echoed the excitement over keeping the broadcasts grounded in the region.
“Following the closure of 570 NewsRadio, it was very important to us that we find a strong local partner committed to Rangers hockey and our community,” said Joe Birch, the hockey club’s Chief Operating Officer. “We are incredibly excited to begin this new partnership with FM 985 and The Grand @ 101.”
The network is currently auditioning play-by-play voices throughout September, with plans to announce a permanent anchor in October.
Beyond game coverage, the deal includes a weekly Friday Coaches Show, player and coach interviews, coverage of Rangers Fanfest, and promotional support for local community initiatives.
