Kitchener Rangers Name FM 985 As Team’s New Radio Home

Waterloo, ON, Canada / Waterloo Region's Classic Rock | Local News | FM 985 CKWR

Following an exciting season, where the team brought home the Memorial Cup, the Kitchener Rangers have announced a new radio broadcasting partnership with Waterloo Region’s FM 985 CKWR, alongside The Grand @ 101.

The new partnership will help to bring Rangers hockey to fans throughout Waterloo Region and beyond, set to be the new radio home for the local team through the 2026-27 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) season.

“We are incredibly excited to begin this new partnership with FM 985 and The Grand @ 101,” said Joe Birch, Chief Operating Officer of the Kitchener Rangers.

“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.”

Broadcasts throughout the season will be available live on the locally-owned radio station, also available digitally through the station’s website, smart speakers, RadioPlayer Canada and iHeartRadio.

Alongside The Grand @ 101, the two stations will also provide extensive promotional and community support throughout the course of the season.

“We are absolutely thrilled to bring Kitchener Rangers hockey back to the airwaves of Waterloo Region on FM 985,” said Scott Jensen, President of FM 985 CKWR and The Grand @ 101.

“The Rangers are an important part of our community, and we’re proud to provide fans across the Region with a strong, local radio home for the team.”

In addition to game broadcasts, the partnership will feature regular game-day promotions, player and coach interviews, a weekly Friday Coaches Show, Rangers Fanfest coverage, and promotional support for community initiatives throughout the season.

“This partnership is a tremendous opportunity for FM 98.5 and The Grand @ 101 to connect with Rangers fans, support the organization, and continue our commitment to local programming and local sports,” Jensen stated.

“We couldn’t be more excited to get the season underway.”

In regard to broadcast talent, the Kitchener Rangers and FM 985 have stated that they are continuing to “work through identifying their on-air talent to cover Kitchener Rangers games for the 2026-27 season,” saying that they are exploring “all avenues” to ensure the broadcast continues to be the best in the OHL.

Further information and details surrounding the new partnership between the Kitchener Rangers and FM 985, alongside The Grand @ 101, will be revealed as they are known.

The 2026-27 OHL season is set to begin Sept. 17, with the Kitchener Rangers kicking off their season at The Aud on Friday, Sept. 18.