Changes coming to Pistons, MJHL broadcasts

Fans who catch Dave Anthony’s Steinbach Pistons broadcasts will have a new and easier way to listen to them this season.

Anthony will be broadcasting the audio streams for all Pistons games to a YouTube page, (@DABroadcasting). For the past few seasons, Pistons audio broadcasts were available on the Mixlr platform. Game broadcasts with video are available at FloHockey.com, which has an expensive yearly subscription.

“The big reason behind the change was giving Pistons fans an option for when we’re on the road,” Anthony told The Carillon.

“It won’t be video, it will only be audio but it’s easier to sync up to FloHockey. It’s also still free, so no worries there. As broadcasts around the Manitoba Junior Hockey League move forward, a home/away option is important in my opinion, especially when paying for streaming of games.”

The MJHL announced new minimum broadcast standards starting this season, with instant replay, multiple camera angles and even a powerplay countdown, all shot in high definition.

The Pistons are putting out a call for volunteers to help their broadcast. They are looking for camera operators for the upcoming season, with no experience needed. Anyone interested should reach out to the team at info@steinbachpistons.ca.

The MJHL will have a renewed social media and video presence this season. The league is introducing live coverage of two games a month in the MJHL Road Show, presented by new league sponsors UPL and Heritage Farms Brewing. The league did a similar production during last season’s playoffs and were encouraged to bring it to the regular season.

The first games of the Road Show will be in Niverville and Steinbach on the opening weekend, with the league featuring both teams’ home openers. The league is also introducing a MJHL: Up to the Minute weekly video.

“We felt there was a hunger from our fans and consumers last season who wanted more unique MJHL content so we’re happy to deliver that this season,” MJHL director of marketing and partnerships Erik Swar said in a news release.

“Creating a new, short and concise way for the MJHL to showcase the latest news, talent, and level of play that comes out of the league is important and we are extremely happy to have UPL on board for this new feature.”

Junior hockey fans in Manitoba will get a better look at the league with regular interviews on Winnipeg Sports Talk this season.

The Western Hockey League is also seeing some massive changes to how they deliver their broadcasts this season. Last year games were streamed for free on Victory+. With the streaming platform going under, games will now be broadcast on YouTube.

“The WHL’s audience is growing rapidly. We continue to believe that providing easy access to games is of critical value and importance as we look to expand our reach and deliver WHL excitement to our fans,” WHL Commissioner Dan Near said in a news release.

“By moving WHL Regular Season games to YouTube on a short-term basis, we are protecting that access for fans to livestream their favourite WHL Club and watch their favourite WHL stars when the 2026-27 season gets underway Friday, September 18.”