The Oklahoma City Barons of the American Hockey League have agreed to terms with Ben Buckland to serve as the team’s public address announcer, the Barons front office announced today.

Widely regarded as one of the best P.A. announcers in the country, Buckland will bring his legendary call of “Let’s Play Hockey!” to the Cox Convention Center beginning in October 2010. He served a similar role with the Oklahoma City Blazers during their tenure in the CHL where he was voted the best P.A. announcer in the league for five consecutive seasons. Buckland has called events from hockey, to racing, arena football, rodeo and rattlesnake round ups during his career. He is also a certified auctioneer.

“Ben has been a part of the hockey community in Oklahoma City and will continue to do so,” said Prodigal LLC owner Robert Funk Jr. “Both the Barons and Edmonton recognize his talent in the ability to command energy from a crowd.”

“I’m proud, pumped and looking forward to this adventure,” said Buckland. “I’m looking forward to the routine of being downtown at the Cox Convention Center 40 nights year. I’ve followed the AHL and I think people will truly appreciate the difference in the athleticism these players will bring each night.”

Currently, Ben is the General Manager for Paragon Communications which operates a publishing company and radio stations in Elk City and Woodward, Okla.

The Barons will be the primary development team for the Edmonton Oilers of the NHL. In operation since 1936, the AHL continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 NHL teams. More than 85 percent of today’s NHL players are American Hockey League graduates. The AHL is played in major North American cities such as Houston, San Antonio, Chicago, Austin, Cleveland, Milwaukee and Charlotte.  Article published 2010