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Rodgers becomes new voice of the Cougars

Former Vees Fraser Rodgers is the new voice of the Prince George Cougars
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After stepping down from his position as director of broadcasting and media relations with the Penticton Vees, Fraser Rodgers is the new voice of the WHL’s Prince George Cougars. Submitted photo

Fraser Rodgers isn’t leaving hockey’s broadcast booth after all.

The Prince George Cougars announced on their website Tuesday they are excited to welcome Rodgers as the team’s manager of broadcasting, media and team services.

“It was kind of out of left field,” said Rodgers, of his new job. “I wasn’t expecting an opportunity in Prince George.”

Rodgers, who stepped down from his position with the Penticton Vees after six years in early June, was contacted by friend Dan O’Connor. He is replacing O’Connor as the Cougars manager of broadcasting, media and team services. O’Connor reached out to him 10 days ago as he is now the voice of the WHL’s Vancouver Giants. O’Connor recommended Rodgers to Cougars ownership and management staff after receiving Rodgers’ approval.

Related: Rodgers leaving Vees broadcast booth

“It’s pretty flattering, pretty humbling to have someone speak that highly of you and to think of you as their top replacement,” he said. “That’s what his words were. He’s such a great broadcaster. He really was Mr. Everything for the team.

“It has always been a dream of mine to work in the Western Hockey League and I couldn’t be more excited to join the Cougars family,” said Rodgers in a team release. “Prince George is a great hockey town and I look forward to calling it home.”

Rodgers joins the Cougars after spending six years (2011-2017) with the Vees as their director of broadcasting and media relations. In his time with the Vees he called over 470 regular season games, and was behind the mic for three BCHL championships, a Western Canada Cup championship and an RBC Cup national championship. Rodgers was recently named the 2016-17 BCHL Broadcaster of the Year, an award voted on by his peers.

“First and foremost, it’s very humbling and flattering getting this recognition knowing it’s my peers that voted,” said Rodgers. “There are so many good broadcasters in this league. When you look at the lineage of other guys that have won, it’s humbling to have my name there. I’m grateful for this award.”

Related: Rodgers named the BCHL broadcaster of the year

“We’re thrilled to have Fraser join our staff and help us deliver our exciting product to our devoted fans,” said general manager, Todd Harkins. “His enthusiasm and dedication is evident and I think he’ll do a tremendous job as our new play-by-play voice. Our hope was to find an experienced, eager professional and we believe we’ve found that in Fraser.”

Rodgers will broadcast all 72 regular season games plus playoffs on the home of the Cougars, 94.3 the GOAT. It all begins on opening night Friday, Sept. 22, when the Cougars raise their first BC Division championship banner at CN Centre against the Spokane Chiefs.

Rodgers plans on relocating to Prince George at the end of the month, ahead of training camp.