WGN Radio and the Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have agreed on a three-year broadcast rightsholder extension.  The agreement will keep Blackhawks hockey on WGN Radio through the conclusion of the 2013-14 NHL season.

WGN Radio has been the flagship station for the Blackhawks since the start of the 2008-09 campaign. The partnership united two historic Chicago institutions that have been part of the city’s fabric for over 80 years.

“This is tremendous for our listeners who have the chance to connect with a great ‘radio sport.’ There’s nothing like the magic of radio play-by-play and we’re thrilled to continue to bring the excitement Blackhawks hockey to our listeners,” said Tom Langmyer, Vice President and General Manager of WGN Radio.

WGN Radio’s 50,000-watt signal reaches 38 states and Canada, and offers live Internet streaming available worldwide. John Wiedeman serves as the Play-By-Play Announcer for Blackhawks hockey on WGN Radio while Troy Murray serves as the Color Analyst. Head Coach Joel Quenneville, General Manager Stan Bowman and several players make frequent appearances on the station’s different shows.

Langmyer added, “WGN’s partnership with the Blackhawks was built on belief.  From our previous relationship with (team president) John McDonough and (senior vice president of business operations) Jay Blunk, we knew when (owner) Rocky Wirtz hired them, this was going to be big. Since then, we have both worked hard in rebuilding our respective brands in Chicago. Our listeners love the Blackhawks and we will continue to deliver the best for Blackhawks fans.”

On WGN Radio’s Greg Jarrett show this morning, Blackhawks Owner Rocky Wirtz said about the broadcast agreement, “I think it’s been the number one thing that helped rebuild the franchise in the last few years here.  We welcome the partnership and you’ve done a terrific job and we look forward to a number of years together going forward.”

“We’re really proud of this association. When you talk about being a big league franchise or an elite team, the prestige of WGN Radio being your amplifier, it can’t get any better,” said Blackhawks President John McDonough during the interview with Greg Jarrett this morning. “And the great management led by Tom Langmyer here is one of the great reasons we’re here for another four years.”