Best Syracuse Crunch Podcasts (2025)

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Ross Yates 28:56

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10M ago28:56

28:56

On Episode 70 of Crunch Chronicles, presented by Wendy's, Lukas Favale is joined by Ross Yates. Yates spent a decade in Syracuse, spanning the entire Columbus Blue Jackets era, from 2000 to 2010. His first six seasons (2000-06) were spent as an assistant coach to Gary Agnew. He then took over as head coach and continued in that role for four season…

1
Jon Mirasty 29:52

10M ago29:52

29:52

On Episode 69 of Crunch Chronicles, presented by Wendy's, Lukas Favale is joined by Jon Mirasty. Mirasty spent four seasons in Syracuse with the Crunch during both the Columbus and Anaheim affiliations. Mirasty signed with the Crunch for the 2007-08 season and contributed to one of the toughest teams in hockey. A member of the 'Nasty Boys', Mirasty…

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Brett Connolly 29:34

10M ago29:34

29:34

On Episode 68 of Crunch Chronicles, presented by Wendy's, Lukas Favale is joined by Brett Connolly. Connolly played for the Crunch for two seasons beginning in 2012-13. A first-round pick (6th overall) by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2010, Connolly started the 2012-13 season with the Crunch while the NHL was in a lockout. The second-year pro produced…

1
Ryan Lohin 25:20

11M ago25:20

25:20

On Episode 67 of Crunch Chronicles, presented by Wendy's, Lukas Favale is joined by Ryan Lohin. Lohin played parts of two seasons for the Crunch during his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. A seventh round draft pick in 2016, Lohin went to UMass-Lowell from 2016 to 2019. At the end of his 2018-19 campaign, Lohin signed his entry-level…

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JF Labbe 30:35

11M ago30:35

30:35

On Episode 66 of Crunch Chronicles, presented by Wendy's, Lukas Favale is joined by JF Labbe. Labbe spent parts of three seasons with the Crunch during the first few seasons of their affiliation with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Acquired by Columbus in a November 2000 trade, Labbe helped turn the Crunch's 2000-01 season around. The former AHL MVP goa…

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Jeff Halpern 27:11

11M ago27:11

27:11

On Episode 65 of Crunch Chronicles, presented by Wendy's, Lukas Favale is joined by Jeff Halpern. Halpern joined the Tampa Bay Lightning organization in 2015-16, serving first as a player development coach and then as a full-time assistant. After one season in a player development role, Halpern was hired as an assistant coach for the Crunch ahead o…

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Syracuse Speaks #121: One Last Souvenir From My Trip to Your Shores 19:50

1y ago19:50

19:50

Syracuse Speaks is going on hiatus. Thank you so much to my listeners, to all of my guests over the years, and to all of the friends of the pod out there. Keep taking care of each other out there in Crunch Land...So long for now.

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Syracuse Speaks #120: Syracuse is #1! (#TooEarlyAssessment) 32:07

1y ago32:07

32:07

The new-look Syracuse Crunch have had a great start to their 2024-25 season, going 2-0 with multiple players contributing. Alex discusses the differences between this season's team and last season's team in this podcast episode recorded on 10-13-2024. She also takes a peak at the rest of the North and covers the upcoming schedule and promotional sl…

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Syracuse Speaks #119: Peaking in at Pre-Season and Promotions 32:30

1y ago32:30

32:30

It's time for pre-season and promotions! Podcast host Alex takes a look at the Syracuse Crunch's upcoming pre-season slate, covers the anticipated delayed start for a group of Crunch players who had surgery over the summer, and discusses Syracuse's promotional slate for their 2024-25 season. It's time to get excited - Crunch hockey is back! Music f…

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Syracuse Speaks #118: 2024 Free Agency Recap 33:49

1+ y ago33:49

33:49

It's a new season, y'all! Well, as close as we can get right now with pucks on ice, anyway. With the start of NHL Free Agency last week, Syracuse Crunch fans followed along in earnest as a very active Tampa Bay Lightning made moves to shore up both themselves and their farm team. In summing it in all, Alex discuses the team's newest potential defen…

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Syracuse Speaks #117: To Live for the Hope of it All 30:46

1+ y ago30:46

30:46

It's time for a new season of Syracuse Speaks! New sounds, new methods, new awkward timing problems, and, best of all, new news! In this episode, recorded June 22, 2024, Alex discusses some of the most recent joys in Crunch Land, including the re-signing of two of the Crunch's beloved players. She also goes over the roster as it stands going into f…

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Syracuse Speaks #116: Delicious Fried Crow 29:10

1+ y ago29:10

29:10

The Syracuse Crunch have made it to the North Division Final, so podcast host Alex Ackerman has a dinner of fried crow to eat, just like mom used to make! Between bites, Alex takes a look back at the Crunch's five game series against the Rochester Americans. She looks at the Crunch's top performers, gives praise to Syracuse goalie Brandon Halverson…

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Syracuse Speaks #115: Keep The Faith 32:42

1+ y ago32:42

32:42

Host Alex Ackerman goes into full cheerleader mode - well, as much as she can on a Monday night, anyway - as the Syracuse Crunch gear up for the 2024 AHL Playoffs.

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Syracuse Speaks #114: The North Just Can't Get It Together! 33:58

1+ y ago33:58

33:58

Alex decides to change it up this week and record on a Friday! Coming to you just in time for the weekend's upcoming games, she breaks down the fascinating situation that is currently the North Division's playoff picture. She also discusses Syracuse's top performers, applauds the team for their Canal Mules night, and takes a look at the Crunch's Ap…

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Syracuse Speaks #113: One Month to Go 27:29

1+ y ago27:29

27:29

In this episode, recorded March 23rd, 2024, Alex ponders how the Syracuse Crunch is going to push through to the playoffs without their Captain. She discusses why the loss of Gabriel Dumont to season-ending ACL surgery is a tough challenge for the team to overcome. She also makes sure to point out why the team will overcome the challenge of playing…

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Nick Riopel 31:52

1+ y ago31:52

31:52

On Episode 64 of Crunch Chronicles, presented by Wendy's, Lukas Favale is joined by Nick Riopel. Riopel signed an AHL contract with the Crunch during the 2015-16 season and remained part of the organization until the 2017-18 campaign. The goaltender split time between the Crunch and the ECHL during his seasons with the organization.He dressed as th…

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Syracuse Speaks #112: What Happened to the Original Plot? 26:32

1+ y ago26:32

26:32

In this episode from March 10th, 2024, Alex tries to express how the fan base is feeling after a trade deadline that was mostly bad news for the Syracuse Crunch and the organization's depth chart. She explores the general sentiments of Crunch fans, ponders what this could mean for the playoffs hopes of a team that has excelled this season despite v…

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Jeremy Reich 27:47

2y ago27:47

27:47

On Episode 63 of Crunch Chronicles, presented by Wendy's, Lukas Favale is joined by Jeremy Reich. Reich spent five seasons playing for the Crunch, beginning in 2000 at the start of the team's affiliation with the Columbus Blue Jackets. That was Reich's rookie season, and he skated in 56 games and compiled 15 points and 108 penalty minutes.His role …

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Ken Klee 28:26

2y ago28:26

28:26

On Episode 62 of Crunch Chronicles, presented by Wendy's, Lukas Favale is joined by Ken Klee. Klee spent two seasons as an assistant coach for the Crunch beginning with the 2017-18 season after he was hired in July 2017. A veteran of over 900 NHL games played, Klee was responsible for the team’s defensemen and penalty kill and he helped the team to…

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Syracuse Speaks #111: Welcome back, ABB! 28:41

2y ago28:41

28:41

Alex recorded this episode in the late afternoon on February 25th, 2024, prior to Syracuse's tilt against Utica. For all your pre-gaming needs, she covers the most recent transactions affecting the Crunch (Alex Barre-Boulet, we sure missed you), breaks down the North Division as it stands, and discusses which team is currently a monkey on Syracuse'…

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Lauren Kochian 30:42

2y ago30:42

30:42

On Episode 61 of Crunch Chronicles, presented by Wendy's, Lukas Favale is joined by Lauren Kochian. Kochian spent time working in the Crunch's front office, first as a public relations intern in the late 90's, before continuing her career in public relations with the new Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.After spending some time working in sports, Koc…

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Doug MacLean 32:30

2y ago32:30

32:30

On Episode 60 of Crunch Chronicles, presented by Wendy's, Lukas Favale is joined by Doug MacLean. MacLean served as the first General Manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He helped usher the Blue Jackets into the NHL for the inaugural season in 2000-01, and it was his relationship with Crunch Owner Howard Dolgon that led to the affiliation between…

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Marc Methot 33:41

2y ago33:41

33:41

On Episode 59 of Crunch Chronicles, presented by Wendy's, Lukas Favale is joined by Marc Methot. Methot spent three seasons playing for the Crunch during the Columbus Blue Jackets affiliation. A sixth-round pick in the 2003 NHL Draft by Columbus, Methot began his pro career with the Crunch in 2005-06. The defenseman skated in 70 games as a rookie, …

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Syracuse Speaks #110: The More Things Change... 29:47

2y ago29:47

29:47

Hello Crunch fans! Welcome to the AHL All-Star "break" that really isn't a break. Alex reviews the latest games for Syracuse, previews their upcoming schedule, discusses some of the team's upcoming charity initiatives, and ponders how the team is still performing so well given all the changes afoot.

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Robert Dome 31:27

2y ago31:27

31:27

On Episode 58 of Crunch Chronicles, presented by Wendy's, Lukas Favale is joined by Robert Dome. Dome spent two seasons in Syracuse during the late '90s as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. After being selected in the first round of the 1997 NHL Draft, Dome joined the Crunch as an 18-year-old in the 1997-98 season. He scored 21 goal…

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Syracuse Speaks #109: Theme Night Excellence 30:33

2y ago30:33

30:33

AHL teams generally excel in engaging their communities, but the Syracuse Crunch lately has been truly teaching a Master Class in theming. In this episode, Alex discuses the two most recent theme nights put on by Syracuse, their first-ever Wizarding Night and their throwback 90s Night. She expounds on why these nights are so smart for minor league …

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Syracuse Speaks #108: Sorting the Crunch (and Other Topics) 44:08

2y ago44:08

44:08

This episode, recorded January 7th, 2024, is very much a tale told in two parts. In the first segment, host Alex Ackerman covers the team's most recent results, the standings in the AHL, the (many) transactions affecting the team, and the trends within the roster. She also takes her usual look at the team's upcoming schedule, including any promotio…

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Syracuse Speaks #107: Cuppa Crunch Cheer 38:59

2y ago38:59

38:59

Alex recorded this episode mid-morning on December 10th, 2023, to get it out before Syracuse's afternoon tilt against Utica. She takes a look at the standings, Syracuse's top 11 point-getters, and previews the team's upcoming schedule. She also discusses why she loves the Teddy Bear Toss, minor league hockey's charitable tradition, and dissects an …

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Syracuse Speaks #106: Latest Hockey Happenings in Syracuse 26:49

2y ago26:49

26:49

Recorded on November 19th, 2023, this episode takes a gander at all of the current Crunch news. Alex covers the latest games, looks at the top 10 performers on the roster, discusses the standings in the North Division, and peaks at special teams. She also previews the upcoming games, with an emphasis on one of the most special minor league holiday …

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Syracuse Speaks #105: Exceptional Special Teams Propel the Crunch 38:26

2y ago38:26

38:26

This episode was recorded on November 5th, 20223, a time when, in any other season since 2016, Crunch fans would have been waiting (im)patiently for The Groulx Effect to take hold. This year, however, Crunch fans have a front-row seat to the changes in team feel, shape, and play that new head coach Joel Bouchard and his staff have brought to Syracu…

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Michael Bournival 29:57

2y ago29:57

29:57

On Episode 57 of Crunch Chronicles, presented by Wendy's, Lukas Favale is joined by Michael Bournival. Bournival spent three seasons in Syracuse with the Crunch between 2016 and 2019. He joined the Lightning organization as a free agent in the summer of 2016 and split his first season between the Lightning and Crunch. He played a big role in the pl…

1
Sarah Costello 27:57

2y ago27:57

27:57

On Episode 56 of Crunch Chronicles, presented by Wendy's, Lukas Favale is joined by Sarah Costello. Sarah is currently the Sr. Manager, Lightning Foundation & Community Events for the Tampa Bay Lightning. She's in her ninth season in Tampa, and oversees all things community relations and charitable foundation for the Lightning.She began her journey…

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Syracuse Speaks #104: What Legacy Will the 2023-24 Crunch Create? 24:50

2y ago24:50

24:50

In this episode, recorded October 22, 2023, Alex takes a look at a Crunch team currently in first place in the North Division. She recaps their first week of the regular season, discusses some of the line combinations seen so far, and ponders what such a great start may mean for a team expected to experience growing pains. Players discussed include…

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Nick Holden 30:27

2y ago30:27

30:27

On Episode 55 of Crunch Chronicles, presented by Wendy's, Lukas Favale is joined by Nick Holden. Holden spent two full seasons in Syracuse with the Crunch during the team's affiliation with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He began his pro career by joining the Crunch at the end of the 2007-08 season, and made his pro debut during the Crunch's incredible…

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Syracuse Speaks #103: Your 2023-24 Syracuse Crunch Takes Shape 34:52

2y ago34:52

34:52

In this episode, recorded October 9th, 2023, Alex goes over the flurry of transactions that happened within the Tampa Bay Lightning organization in advance of their roster being due to the NHL at 5 PM. She discusses Gabriel Fortier, Zach Bogosian, Alex Barre-Boulet, and Pyotr Kochetkov from the Carolina organization. She focuses a bit of time on th…

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Syracuse Speaks #102: Mules and Wizards - Going for Unhinged Gold in a 30th Anniversary Season 38:39

2y ago38:39

38:39

In this episode, recorded September 21, 2023, Alex dives into her excitement about the Syracuse Crunch's 2023-24 promotional schedule. She covers all of the events, their dates, and why fans should get excited about what the team has planned for their 30th Anniversary season. In summary: "I trust this organization enough to know that whatever they'…

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Syracuse Speaks #101: The No Title Episode 39:28

2y ago39:28

39:28

In this episode, recorded on September 10th, 2023, Alex discusses the latest news and notes coming out of Crunch Land. She worries just a little over how young Syracuse seems on paper, but also considers some positives of the team's current as-is roster. She talks through her feelings around the team's Welcome to Town event (TL;DR: they're...mixed)…

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Syracuse Speaks: Welcome to Episode 100 18:48

2+ y ago18:48

18:48

In this episode, recorded August 6th, 2023, Alex ushers in some minor changes to the podcast, including a refreshed sound, to officially welcome the pod to its 6th season (and its 100th episode). Alex discusses some personal news before moving onto the important things: the release of the Crunch's 30th anniversary regular season schedule and the re…

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Syracuse Speaks: Examining the Coaching Change and Free Agency 31:37

2+ y ago31:37

31:37

Welcome to season six of Syracuse Speaks! In this episode, recorded July 4th, 2023, Alex takes a look at what has happened in the organization since she was last able to record. She begins by discussing the hiring of Joel Bouchard as the new head coach of the Crunch, replacing Ben Groulx. She takes a look at what's known about the change, why it ha…

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Syracuse Speaks: Ask Me Anything June 2023 Edition! 43:37

2+ y ago43:37

43:37

In this episode, recorded June 11th, 2023, Alex again turns to her listeners to ask her anything. With NHL free agency a few short weeks away, Alex wanted to know what was on the minds of Crunch fans and friends. Topics of conversation range from Syracuse's defense and goaltending this upcoming season to Alex's preferences for the the Crunch's 30th…

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Syracuse Speaks: Sneaking a Peak at 2023-24 31:10

2+ y ago31:10

31:10

In this episode, recorded May 21, 2023, Alex takes a look at the player contracts for the Crunch's roster for the team's 30th anniversary season. She starts out with a discussion of the team's AHL contracted players, captain Gabriel Dumont and newcomer forward Tristan Allard. She then moves down the list, discussing the potential organizational opt…

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Syracuse Speaks: Time to Raise the Bar? 23:03

2+ y ago23:03

23:03

In this episode, recorded the week following Syracuse's playoff collapse in the 2023 North Division Semifinals, Alex ponders a question that's been on her mind all season long: Is it time for the Tampa Bay Lightning to raise the bar for their farm team? If so, how could that be accomplished? What would it look like? In considering all of this, Alex…

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Syracuse Speaks: Not Surprised, Just Disappointed 28:00

2+ y ago28:00

28:00

In this episode, recorded April 30th, 2023 following the team's game 4 loss to the Rochester Americans in the North Division semifinals, Alex looks at what's happening to a team that was up 2-0 in the five-game series and now is facing a game five this Saturday. She discusses what is going right - the efforts of forwards Alex Barre-Boulet, Gage Gon…

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Syracuse Speaks: The 2023 North Division Semifinals 40:46

2+ y ago40:46

40:46

In this episode, recorded April 16th, 2023, Alex takes a look a how Syracuse's season ended before taking a glance at their upcoming North Division Semifinals playoff series against the Rochester Americans. Alex analyzes Syracuse's ending record, their scoring potency (hello, Alex Barre-Boulet), and summarizes their goaltenders' performances (with …

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Syracuse Speaks: Puzzling Performances and Playoff Problems 32:42

2+ y ago32:42

32:42

In this episode, recorded March 26th, 2023, Alex takes an extended look at the playoff bracket in the AHL's North Division, with a specific emphasis on how Syracuse's position could improve or get worse. She discusses how puzzled she is by the Tampa Bay Lightning's actions this season, especially when compared to their stated philosophy, with a spe…

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Syracuse Speaks: The Three Biggest Weeks of the Season 34:17

2+ y ago34:17

34:17

In this episode, recorded March 12th, 2023, Alex looks at where the team is with just over a month left in the regular AHL season. She discusses current and potential player movement between Syracuse and the Tampa Bay Lightning, including the continued recall of defenseman Darren Raddysh and potential movement regarding Philippe Myers if and when R…

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Syracuse Speaks: Bringing a Focus on Humanity Back into the Game of Hockey 1:02:31

3y ago1:02:31

1:02:31

In this episode, recorded February 26th, 2023, Alex welcomes Raw Charge contributor Lee Wright back to the podcast. To begin the episode, the two discuss Lee's recent trip to watch the Orlando Solar Bears in person. Lee discusses his observations from the game, including how prospects/call-up fodder Jaydon Dureau and Tyson Feist performed. The two …

1
Jared Nightingale 30:07

3y ago30:07

30:07

On Episode 54 of Crunch Chronicles, presented by Wendy's, Lukas Favale is joined by Jared Nightingale. Nightingale spent one full season and parts of one more in Syracuse at the start of the Tampa Bay Lightning affiliation. Nightingale joined the Crunch for the 2012-13 season after signing an AHL contract with the Crunch as a free agent that summer…

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Troy Bodie 26:57

3y ago26:57

26:57

On Episode 53 of Crunch Chronicles, presented by Wendy's, Lukas Favale is joined by Troy Bodie. Bodie spent one season in Syracuse with the Crunch in 2011-12, when the team was affiliated with the Anaheim Ducks. An immediate leader on the team, Bodie was an alternate captain for the Crunch and accumulated 15 points and 119 penalty minutes in 69 gam…

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Syracuse Speaks: Howard Dolgon for AHL Hall of Fame? 42:08

3y ago42:08

42:08

In this episode, recorded February 5th, 2023, Alex welcomes AHL content creator Patrick Williams back to the podcast. At the time of recording, Patrick was fresh off a visit to Syracuse and on the road to the AHL All-Star weekend in Laval. Given this unique opportunity to get a fresh perspective of the team's performance, Alex and Patrick start off…