RESUME

Professional

info

Mike Benton is an award winning broadcast voice and on-air professional carrying 18 seasons of experience on radio and television, serving most notably as flagship studio host for the NHL's Seattle Kraken for all games heard on 93.3 KJR, affiliate audio network, and SiriusXM NHL Network Radio.

Also seen as TV voice for Western Hockey League play-by-play coverage on Fox13+ in Seattle and on the CW in Portland, he additionally can be heard in the radio play-by-play chair for high school basketball state championship coverage and fill-in host roles on 93.3 KJR-FM in Seattle.

Benton brings an effective, passionate, and engaging "storytelling" style that extends beyond the typical 2.5 hour play-by-play window: he connects with listeners and viewers on a "24/7 basis" with friendly dialogue and an eye for effective visuals. He was previously heard for six years as play-by-play voice and director of public relations for the Everett Silvertips (WHL). In 2017, he added to his resume by calling the longest game in Canadian Hockey League history, and fourth longest in North American hockey history (including NHL, AHL, ECHL) when the Silvertips defeated the Victoria Royals in the 5th overtime, 3-2 to win their best-of-seven playoff series on Apr. 2, 2017. Benton was on the air for over six hours, accounting for pre-game, post-game, and play-by-play coverage.

Mike started his hockey career in the ECHL as play-by-play voice and media relations contact in the ECHL with the Stockton Thunder, then with Alaska Aces where he delivered record ratings on the Aces flagship station, KFQD. He served on-air for three ECHL All-Star Game radio broadcasts and was named the 2009 recipient of the league's "Award of Excellence" in media relations. His call of the Aces championship triumph in Game 6 of the 2014 Kelly Cup Finals at Cincinnati, seen statewide on KTVA-11 (CBS), earned a Goldie Award for broadcasting excellence within the state of Alaska - an honor also captured by his predecessors, Jack Michaels (Edmonton Oilers) and Josh Bogorad (Dallas Stars), both working in the NHL. In addition, Benton strengthened the organizations digital initiatives with editorial, video, audio, and social media content.

Benton's contributions also extend to radio hosting and anchoring with AM 970 ESPN Radio (KESP) in Modesto, Calif. and storytelling with reporting and producing assignments that have been seen on ESPN2 and official websites of the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and San Jose Sharks. His call has been heard in arena football, college basketball, college football and minor league baseball.

Mike and his wife, Amy, are proud residents of the Pacific Northwest and have two sons, Lukas (8) and Liam (5).

Skills

Sony Vegas
Final Cut
ENPS
Microsoft Office
Adobe Audition
Marantz
Zoom H2
Comrex ACCESS

Work

experience

Seattle Kraken and 93.3 KJR, Seattle, WA

2021-Present

NHL Studio Host and Reporter, 93.3 KJR-FM, KRAKEN AUDIO NETWORK

Anchor pre-game, intermission, and post-game coverage of all Seattle Kraken NHL games, delivered to radio flagship 93.3 KJR-FM and extended affiliate audio network. Support broadcast with original and pre-produced audio content, and radio flagship outreach goals. Retained for ancillary appearances with radio flagship daytime programming and on television with rightsholder partner (ROOT Sports).

THE WHL on Fox13+ and Portland's CW

2021-Present

Television play-by-play announcer

Serve as play-by-play announcer for U.S. Division game broadcast coverage across greater Seattle, Spokane, and Portland television markets. Assist coverage production needs with interviews, storyline and statistical installation.

Everett Silvertips, Everett, WA

2015-2021

Radio Play-by-Play, Director of Public Relations

Handled play-by-play for all games on 1380 AM KRKO/1520 AM KKXA and radio hosting duties. Oversee media relations, digital media activities and contribute in community outreach functions.

Alaska Aces, Anchorage, AK

2013-15

Television and Radio Play-by-Play, Director Media Relations

Handled play-by-play for all games on 750 AM/103.7 FM KFQD and statewide home/playoff telecasts on GCI Channel 1 and radio hosting duties. Oversee media relations, team services, digital media activities and assist in corporate partnerships. Emcee community functions.

Stockton Thunder, Stockton, CA

2005-13

Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations

Handled play-by-play for all games on radio, facilitated web video and podcasting, broadcast administration, media coverage, credentialing. Assisted in publication materials, web content, corporate and ticket sales. Emcee community functions.

KESP AM 970 (ESPN Radio)

2006-08

On Air Talent, Anchor

Co-host of afternoon drive time shows, facilitated production both in studio and with remote locations and anchored developing news/scoreboard udpates. Gathered actualities and helped develop show topics on frequent basis. Assisted with booking of on-air guests from portfolio of major league contacts.

Dayton Dragons, Dayton, OH

March-September 2005

Broadcaster/media relations assistant

Middle-innings play-by-play, pre-game and post-game co-host/ assisted in press box set-up, compiling game notes, releases, and publication materials. Coordinated local and national media interview requests and credentials.

Broadcast highlights

Color commentary and middle innings play-by-play, 1410 ESPN Radio (WING-AM)
Public address announcer, Atlantic-10 conference and Ohio State baseball championships.

RELEVANT BROADCAST EXPERIENCE

Play-by-play announcer, WIAA Washington high school state basketball championship games (950 KJR-AM Seattle)
EdmontonOilers.com and SJSharks.com, contributing reporter
Sideline reporter, NAIA men's basketball national tournament, Kansas City, MO (Metro Sports-TV)
Television play-by-play announcer, Azusa Pacific University men's basketball (Adelphia Cable)
Play-by-Play announcer, UC Riverside women's basketball
Reporter/segment producer, Time Warner Cable (ESPN2 - "Valley Sports 2")
#2 broadcaster and media relations intern, High Desert Mavericks

Education

Azusa Pacific University

2001-04

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Communication Studies (Journalism)

Vanguard University of Southern California

2000-01

Citrus College

1999-00