WABI-TV, Channel 5 in Bangor, will air the University of Maine men’s hockey team’s season-opening series in Fairbanks, Alaska, on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Black Bears will play the Alaska-Anchorage on Friday at 8:30 and Alaska Goal Rush Tournament host Alaska-Fairbanks on Saturday at 11:30.

Steve Hiltz, WABI-TV program director, explained that he was contacted by representatives from Tanana Valley Television in Fairbanks asking if the station was interested in picking up the broadcasts.

“This was something we didn’t dream [of acquiring]. We didn’t think anybody would be producing those games,” said Hiltz. “All we have to pay is the satellite up-link charge and a production fee.”

He said the satellite up-link charge is approximately $500 an hour and the production charge would be $2,000, putting the final price tag at approximately $5,000.

“That is pretty reasonable,” said Hiltz, who is optimistic that they can sell commercial time to cover the fee.

He said WABI-TV “takes a lot of pride” in its coverage of local sports and activities.

These will be two of 11 Maine men’s hockey games that the station will air this season.