http://merciad.mercyhurst.edu/sports6.html

The above link is a news article featured in my college's weekly newspaper and online paper site. This year, me and a good friend of mine decided to take on a tough task. We decided to jump start a broadcast for Mercyhurst ACHA D1 hockey. At first, our discussions were to do live radio feeds. We didn't get that type of publicity. We took it a step beyond that. We went big time with a local television station run out of our school's communication department. HurstTV, Ch. 19, in Erie, Pennsylvania, is now the new home of the Mercyhurst Lakers ACHA D1 Men's Club hockey team.

Yes, I said Club Hockey team. Granted, the first thing people say are things like, "Club hockey isn't real hockey" or "Oh, it's not the NCAA men's team?" John Baranowski, my broadcast partnet, decided to gain some respect for the program. Last year, I was taken on as Video Coach for the squad, and it was a low budget type of deal. This year, with the television broadcast, we have given my Video Coordinating and Coaching position a whole new dynamic. I am doing color commentating for the broadcasts (with a few games here and there with Play-by-Play which is usually done by Baranowski). I tell you, this is the most fun I've had in my whole life, and it gives you more respect, appreciation, and understanding for the game. But, my main reason for jump starting this broadcasting effort is primarily for the players and their families. Their families deserve the opportunity to see their boys and the successes of their upbringing in the hockey world and as adults.

Starting in January, I'm going to be adding a segment to the broadcasts during the intermissions called "Lacing Up the Skates with David Stearns." I'll be doing like a Cool Shots style interview off and on the ice with the players individually so that the viewing audience can see the players for more than just what they are on the ice. College athletes do a great job of balancing their lives on and off the ice, and I felt that it needed to be recognized.

And of course, I'm endeavoring into the hockey world even further by reaching out to the populous of Erie, PA and the colleges who receive Ch.19 outside of Mercyhurst, the chance to catch up on NHL hockey. I'm going to be premiering a new show called "Hockey Week in Review with Rant Man and Johnny B." This show will be a half hour feature on many topics in the NHL along with recapping highlight games of the week.

So, all in all, I thought I'd give you all a glimpse into the world of the ever so busy David Stearns the Rant Man, and all the fun things I do in the hockey world. If you're interested in knowing more about the Mercyhurst Lakers, you can check out their website at: http://hurstathletics.cstv.com/sports/c-hockey/mery-c-hockey-body.html

If you'd like to catch me in action doing play-by-play, and you're in the Buffalo area, Friday January 18th, 2008, at the AMHERST PEPSI CENTER, I'll be there to broadcast the matchup between the University of Buffalo Bulls and my Mercyhurst Lakers!

Any questions, comments, don't be afraid to email me @ NHLhockeyrant@hotmail.com