Syracuse Speaks
By Alexandra Ackerman
"To my Syracuse Crunch fans, make sure to subscribe and listen to this! Many of you know this already but for those who don’t, Alex brings a sensational mix of fan appreciation, analysis and perspective of the Crunch and AHL hockey. Make it a habit to listen!" - Brent Axe
Syracuse SpeaksOct 24, 2021
Syracuse Speaks #116: Delicious Fried Crow
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, and discusses what the team needs to keep doing right against the Cleveland Monsters.
Syracuse Speaks #115: Keep The Faith
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.
Syracuse Speaks #114: The North Just Can't Get It Together!
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 April slate of games.
Syracuse Speaks #113: One Month to Go
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 without him. She looks at the playoff picture, previews the upcoming games, and adds her usual witty commentary to it all.
Syracuse Speaks #112: What Happened to the Original Plot?
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 various challenges, and wonders why the Lightning's overall philosophy seems to have changed from just a few short years ago. She also looks at the playoff picture for the North Division and previews Syracuse's upcoming games.
Syracuse Speaks #111: Welcome back, ABB!
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's back. She takes a look at player states before previewing the Crunch's next few weeks of games. She also ponders the upcoming NHL trade deadline and how it may affect Syracuse.
Syracuse Speaks #110: The More Things Change...
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.
Syracuse Speaks #109: Theme Night Excellence
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 teams to put effort into and talks about her personal enjoyment of such evenings. Alex also recaps Syracuse's most recent efforts on the ice before previewing their upcoming weeks, a period that will see Syracuse right up to the AHL All-Star weekend.
Syracuse Speaks #108: Sorting the Crunch (and Other Topics)
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 promotional nights. In the second half, Alex celebrates Syracuse's upcoming Wizarding Night by sorting the Crunch's roster into their wizarding Houses. She discusses the House system, the importance of the traits connected to those Houses within the movie and book franchise, and expounds on the personal and cultural value of the franchise as a whole.
Syracuse Speaks #107: Cuppa Crunch Cheer
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 interesting comment she heard which compared the current Crunch team to a certain previous team.
Syracuse Speaks #106: Latest Hockey Happenings in Syracuse
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 traditions: the Tired Teddy Toss.
Syracuse Speaks #105: Exceptional Special Teams Propel the Crunch
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 Syracuse. Alex covers the biggest changes in team dynamics she has noticed so far since Bouchard took over, most noticeably in the areas of secondary scoring support and special teams. Alex also discusses the one area of concern some Crunch fans have noticed, although she cautions against worrying too much just yet. To end the episode, Alex takes a peak at some transactions affecting the team and Syracuse's upcoming game schedule.
Syracuse Speaks #104: What Legacy Will the 2023-24 Crunch Create?
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 Felix Robert and Mitchell Chaffee. Alex then previews the team's upcoming schedule, including a look at the promotions and theme nights.
Syracuse Speaks #103: Your 2023-24 Syracuse Crunch Takes Shape
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 the Kochetkov transaction in particular, discussing the goalie's temporary place in a new organization. She then takes some time peaking back at Syracuse's 1-1 preseason before previewing the team's upcoming few weeks, including their 30th Anniversary opening night festivities.
Syracuse Speaks #102: Mules and Wizards - Going for Unhinged Gold in a 30th Anniversary Season
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're going to come up with...it's gonna be good."
Following this segment, Alex discusses the current news coming out of the Tampa Bay Lightning's training camp, with a specific focus on camp participants Gabriel Dumont, Daniel Walcott, and Alex Barre-Boulet.
Thanks for listening!
Syracuse Speaks #101: The No Title Episode
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), and also discusses the team's newest hire, a mindfulness coach for the front office. To finish the episode, she takes a look at Syracuse's preseason slate, and debates the actual worth of AHL preseason events (hint: it isn't ticket sales).
Syracuse Speaks: Welcome to Episode 100
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 return of a beloved player.
Give it a listen today!
Syracuse Speaks is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, and Spotify.
Thanks for listening!
Syracuse Speaks: Examining the Coaching Change and Free Agency
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 happened, and ponders what this might mean for the team. She then takes a look at how free agency has treated Syracuse so far, and expresses her concerns about what the roster currently looks like in terms of experience and proven abilities at the AHL level. She breaks down the groups currently slotted into each position, and explains why she seriously hopes the Lightning isn't done adding pieces to their farm club.
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
Syracuse Speaks: Ask Me Anything June 2023 Edition!
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 anniversary celebration. She also talks some fermented grape juice preferences, as well as a few other team topics and personal items.
Give it a listen today!
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
Thanks for listening!
Syracuse Speaks: Sneaking a Peak at 2023-24
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 options for players like Alex Barre-Boulet, Gage Goncalves, Darren Raddysh, and Philippe Myers. She also addresses the departure of forward Simon Ryfors, and the probable departure of Max Lagace (brought on by the recent signing of Matt Tomkins). She highlights other players that may seek their fortunes elsewhere like Daniel Walcott and P.C. Labrie. She also discusses Trevor Carrick, Gabriel Fortier, Maxim Groshev, and Sean Day, among others. Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
Syracuse Speaks: Time to Raise the Bar?
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 takes a look at Syracuse's playoff outings dating back to 2017, the low spread of scoring on the team this season, and what she considers the new status quo for the league when it comes to the sheer number of teams making the playoffs.
So, dear listener, what do you think? Is it time for the Lightning to raise the bar? Are you okay with Syracuse's growing reputation as a flash-in-the-pan playoff team, or do you crave more?
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
Thanks for listening!
Syracuse Speaks: Not Surprised, Just Disappointed
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 Goncalves, and Simon Ryfors - and what seems to be tripping the team up - emotions and penalties, the suspension of their captain Gabriel Dumont, and the inability of Darren Raddysh to disapparate. She wonders what's next for a team that just can't seem to be consistent to save their own hides - (another) first-round exit, or a tough second round against either Toronto or Utica.
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
Syracuse Speaks: The 2023 North Division Semifinals
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 a special appearance from Syracuse's less-than-stellar defense). She also recaps special teams percentages and penalty minutes. She then looks into the future and breaks down the Crunch's upcoming playoff battle with Rochester.
Give it a listen today!
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
Syracuse Speaks: Puzzling Performances and Playoff Problems
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 specific discussion around trading away draft picks and defensive depth (with a focus on the recall of Darren Raddysh). She then brings the remainder of the season into focus, with a glance at how the schedules of Syracuse, Utica, and Rochester all shake out. Players discussed during this segment include captain Gabriel Dumont, forwards Alex Barre-Boulet, Felix Robert, and Lucas Edmonds, and defensemen Philippe Myers and Declan Carlile.
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
Syracuse Speaks: The Three Biggest Weeks of the Season
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 Raddysh hits his waiver threshold with Tampa. With an eye on a current injury to Lightning captain Steven Stamkos, Alex also ponders whether Tampa would recall Alex Barre-Boulet if a forward was needed, or if perhaps they'd lean towards a player like Gage Goncalves or Simon Ryfors. Next, Alex checks out the AHL's playoff race as it stands at 3:30 PM on March 12. She dissects the closeness of the North Division's teams in points, and predicts that a lot of jostling will occur in the coming weeks as teams charge through the final sprint. Alex closes the podcast with a look at the upcoming schedules of Syracuse, Utica, and Rochester, and the important differences in divisional play between the three teams.
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
Syracuse Speaks: Bringing a Focus on Humanity Back into the Game of Hockey
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 banter a bit about the differences between the AHL and the ECHL, and the challenges that are unique to teams like the Solar Bears. Other topics discussed include the in-game experience that Syracuse offers, the team's community involvement and initiatives, as well as the Crunch's social media and engagement strategies. Other players discussed include the penalty kill, Gemel Smith, Gabriel Dumont, Trevor Carrick, P.C. Labrie, and newcomer Daniel Walker. To end the episode, Lee offers his opinion on Syracuse's eclectic March schedule, and how that might actually help the Crunch as the playoffs approach. Alex and Lee also take a brief look at the upcoming NHL trade deadline and how it might affect the team.
Syracuse Speaks: Howard Dolgon for AHL Hall of Fame?
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 with dissecting Syracuse's performance in two games vs. the Charlotte Checkers. The two then turn to talking about the current focus in the league, the AHL All-Star weekend. They discuss Syracuse's three All-stars - forward and captain Gabriel Dumont, forward Alex Barre-Boulet, and defenseman Darren Raddysh - and the shift in the event from a prospect-focus to a more well-rounded focus when it comes to picking players who attend. Alex brings the focus to the AHL Hall of Fame, which inducts people during the event, and quizzes Patrick on who he thinks might be selected from Syracuse's history some day. Although Alex was thinking along the lines of Mike Angelidis or Mike McKenna, Patrick surprises her with a convincing argument for team owner Howard Dolgon. The two end the podcast with a look at Hall of Fame inductee David Andrews, a man who "created a league that works for everybody" during his tenure as President of the AHL.
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
Syracuse Speaks: Searching for Equilibrium
In this episode, recorded January 22nd, 2023, Alex recounts all of the relevant stories currently affecting the Crunch's pursuit of some level of equilibrium this season. From stomach bugs to injuries to goalie suspensions and carousels, this season's current feast-or-famine situation can be summed up with one question from Lee Wright: "Makes you wonder what kind of damage this team can do if healthy?" Indeed, as the Crunch heads towards the All-Star "break" and the official middle part of the season, Syracuse is still searching for their own state of physical balance where they aren't winning several games in a row in break-neck fashion and then losing several games in a row, erasing any progress made in the standings. Alex covers this current quest with a focus on team captain Gabriel Dumont's resurgence, Alex Barre-Boulet's apparent acceptance of his fate, goalie fill-in Kaden Fulcher's one-night-only (hopefully?) performance, and more. Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
Syracuse Speaks: A Time to Flourish
Happy New Year, Crunch fans! In this episode, recorded January 8th, 2023, Alex welcomes Raw Charge contributor Lee Wright the podcast. Lee covers the Crunch for Raw Charge, a site that covers the Tampa Bay Lightning organization for SB Nation, and has been writing about the team since the beginning of the year. Lee and Alex settle in for a lively conversation about the team's most recent performance, one that has differed a bit from what Syracuse was showing prior to the holiday break. Lee expresses the opinion that the team is "out of their groove," and the two speculate together as to what is going on, among many other topics. Players discussed include Trevor Carrick, Hugo Alnefelt, Felix Robert, Alex Barre-Boulet, Philippe Myers, Darren Raddysh, Cal Foote, Tyson Fiest, Shawn Element, Gabriel Dumont, Jack LaFontaine, Gemel Smith. and Max Lagace.
Of note is that this episode was recorded prior to the team's game at Hershey on Sunday.
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
Thanks for listening!
Syracuse Speaks: Truly a Week of Assists
In this episode, recorded December 18th, 2022, Alex reflects on the team's Week of Assists, a period which began with the team's Teddy Bear Toss on December 10th and culminated this past weekend with their Hockey Fights Cancer game. She discusses all of the team's charity initiatives, and why it was so apropos that Daniel Walcott's record-setting, franchise-leading 335th game in a Crunch sweater happened during that period. In discussing Walcott's achievement in particular, she pays respect to the Tampa Bay Lightning and how that organization has handled Walcott's career with Syracuse, especially in regards to how player turnover usually works in the AHL.
Alex then answers some listener questions through an AMA segment. Players discussed include Darren Raddysh, Andy Delmore, Matt Taormina, Jack Finley, Gabriel Dumont, and P.C. Labrie. Schedule-wise, Alex also covers the current AHL standandings, briefly recaps the team's past few games, and looks into their future schedule.
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
Syracuse Speaks: Daniel Walcott Has What the Lightning Value
In this episode, recorded December 11th, 2022, Alex welcomes friend of the site and AHL content creator for theahl.com, NHL.com, and The Hockey News Patrick Williams back to the pod. After the usual pleasantries, the two get down to business. They first start with a general conversation around goaltending and defense in the league, especially with the high scores Syracuse and other AHL teams have put up this season. They address the ever-shifting goaltending situation in Syracuse, one that has changed again with a new injury to Max Lagace. Zooming in, they move their discussion to defenseman Darren Raddysh, who now leads the AHL in points, and what has made his season so different from his previous ones. They also take a look at what Patrick thinks is going on with forward Alex Barre-Boulet and where his immediate future may take him. They talk about flying teddy bears and AHL community impacts, and, in that same vein, take a look at what players like Daniel Walcott means to teams like Syracuse. Walcott is poised to break the record for games played in a Crunch uniform this Friday, when he will surpass Brad Moran with 335 games played.
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
Syracuse Speaks: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
In this episode, recorded November 27th, 2022, it's all about the comfortable predictability of the Crunch's November. Alex discusses the team's recent string of successes while also identifying some shakey areas Syracuse is trying to figure out. Players discussed include Hugo Alnefelt, Max Lagace, Jack LaFontaine, Alex Barre-Boulet, Darren Raddysh, Daniel Walcott, and Gabriel Dumont. She takes the temperature of the fans using responses to a recent Twitter poll she put up, and breaks down how those who responded are feeling. Alex ends the podcast in her usual way by taking a look at the Crunch's next few weeks of games and promotions, highlighting the team's North Division competition and discussing an upcoming beloved minor league hockey tradition: The Teddy Toss.
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
Syracuse Speaks: The Thing About Ben Groulx
In this episode, recorded November 13th, 2022, Alex puts "The Thing" about Syracuse head coach Ben Groulx to the test. Although she does start off with a brief recap of the Crunch's trampling of poor ECHL goalie Isaac Poulter, who was in net for the Utica Comets this past Saturday when Syracuse won 8-3, she quickly transitions to an interesting look back at Syracuse's recent-ish October/November starts. Many have been discussing how Crunch teams under Coach Groulx have historically started out slow and then gained steam as the season continues, but how true has it really been? Alex complied the team's records from the past six or so seasons (skipping 2020-21, of course, because...reasons), starting with where they were around this time in November each season and ending with where they were by April. Alex covers final season records, standings, and points, and any playoff success (if applicable). Her findings say a lot about The Thing With Ben Groulx, and just may help fans feel a little better about the Crunch's current 4-6-1-2 record. Alex then takes her usual look at Syracuse's upcoming schedule, including all of the home cookin' the team is going to find around Thanksgiving, and any special game day events in the team's future.
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
Syracuse Speaks: Welcome to the 2022-23 Season
In this episode, recorded October 23rd, 2022, Alex recaps the start of Syracuse's season, with a specific emphasis on the organization's 29th Home Opener on October 22nd. She highlights the tenacity and grit the 2022-23 edition of the team has showed so far, including the performances of newcomer Felix Robert, and veterans Daniel Walcott, Darren Raddysh and Alex Barre-Boulet. Alex breaks down the sights and sounds of the packed home opener for the organization, including a description of the opening hype video and how the Crunch highlighted their relationship with the Tampa Bay Lightning. She describes how the team emphasized their ties to the community with their player introductions, and the touching ways the team incorporated their players' children into that part of the night. Alex then takes a look at the team's upcoming three weeks, including their potentially challenging trip down to Charlotte. She also shines a light on the Crunch's upcoming Pink in the Rink night, as well as the other events the team has planned during that time period. Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
Syracuse Speaks: 2022-23 Crunch Season Preview
In this episode, recorded October 7th, 2022, Alex records her season preview for the 2022-23 season. She starts by taking a look back at the 2021-22 season (in short: huge potential-splat-what?!-YAS!). She recaps the team's record, playoff performance, top scorers, and breaks down their special teams performance in comparison to the North Division and the league as a whole. She then takes a look at the offseason moves for the team, summarizing the biggest additions to and subtractions from the team. She takes a look at Gabriel Dumont (try to contain your surprise), Lucas Edmonds, Trevor Carrick, Max Lagace, Alex Green, Remi Elie, Anthony Richard, and Fredrik Claesson. Next, Alex moves onto the team's season schedule, summarizing the big story lines she expects to develop throughout the year. Finally, she makes some predictions (despite being horrible at making predictions).
Syracuse Speaks: All Together On This (with Jim Sarosy)
In this episode, recorded September 23rd, 2022, Alex welcomes Crunch Chief Operating Officer Jim Sarosy back to the podcast for a positive, fun episode. (She promises!) Jim starts off with a bang, giving Syracuse Speaks listeners an exclusive preview of the some of the work that has been going on at the The Upstate Medical University Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial. Jim then gives a sneak peak at some of the plans for the organization that are going to be coming to fruition over the next few weeks, from player appearances to season ticket holder events. The two then discuss how the evolution of player development in the AHL has influenced the way the War Memorial looks. Jim covers some of the changes over the years, and discusses the pride behind those shifts and why they are so important to the organization. Jim then takes a dive into how the organization makes decisions on season ticket holder packages, and spends some time breaking down the data from the survey the team sent out to their season ticket holders this past summer. The two then take a look at the Lightning-Crunch affiliation, which is going into its 10th year this season.
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
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Syracuse Speaks: Prepping for the Season with Geo FitzGerald!
In this episode, recorded September 11th, 2022, Alex welcomes Raw Charge contributor Geo FitzGerald to the podcast. Raw Charge is a SB Nation blog that covers the Tampa Bay Lightning organization, and Geo has been writing for them for many years, specializing in the organization's prospects and players. With training camps approaching rapidly, Alex engages Geo in an in-depth conversation about how the 2022-23 Crunch is shaping up. Players discussed include Max Lagace, Trevor Carrick, Sean Day, Ryan Jones, Nick Perbix, Jack Thompson, Haydn Fleury, Gabriel Dumont, P.C. Labrie, Daniel Walcott, Gabriel Fortier, Gage Goncalves, Lucas Edmonds, and Ilya Usau.
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
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Syracuse Speaks: An Innovative Mentality in the AHL
In this episode, recorded August 21th, 2022, Alex and AHL content creator Patrick Williams reunite for a wide-ranging, entertaining, and engaging conversation as the AHL and the Crunch look towards their 2022-23 season. Making up for the podcast's summer break earlier this month, the two chat for over an hour, beginning with discussing the league's off season and why "NHL Free Agency" should be renamed to the more appropriate "AHL Free Agency." Patrick discusses his impressions of Syracuse's North Division rivals and how their off season has shaped up, and then the two dive into the Crunch's relatively quiet summer. While they look at the bigger picture of the team's roster, they also discuss the return of Max Lagace and the signing of newcomer Trevor Carrick. Patrick shares an in-depth review of Carrick in particular, information Crunch fans will find fascinating and exciting.
The two then turn their attention to the AHL playoffs and the return of last season's playoff structure. They debate the ins and outs of the format, and ponder what changes might be better for the league and its players (improbable as those changes may be). Their conversation then zooms out so that they can take the league in as a whole, with discussions of how player treatment (with a specific comparison to minor league baseball), divisional makeup, and geography have changed over the years.
It's a packed show for August to get everyone hyped for the new season. Give it a listen today!
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
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Syracuse Speaks: The 2022-23 AHL Schedule is Here!
In this episode, recorded July 24th, 2022, Alex starts off by recapping Syracuse's roster situation. She describes the veterans left on the team, including captain Gabriel Dumont, forwards Daniel Walcott and P.C. Labrie, defenseman Darren Raddysh, and goalie Max Lagace. She echos concerns among the fan base about the lack of veterans on the team, as Charles Hudon, Remi Elie, and Fredrik Claesson, three veterans who played huge roles with the Crunch last season, were not brought back by the Tampa Bay Lightning. She then discusses the signing of overager draftee Lucas Edmonds, a player who is looking to start the season in Syracuse.
Alex then gets onto the big story of the past week: The release of the AHL schedule. After discussing the league's shift to all of the teams playing 72 games, and summarizing the return of the five-team playoff slate for the North Division (and why she dislikes this decision), Alex turns her sights to Syracuse's portion of the schedule. She theorizes about the reasons the Crunch has been consistently starting their season on the road the past few seasons, and takes a look at how the shift to 72 games has changed the team's opponents and overall game slate. She discusses what has stayed the same about the schedule, as well, and how she feels about those familiar patterns (Hi, Rochester...Hi Rochester...Hi Utica...Hi Utica...Hi Utica...Hi Rochester...Hi Utica...Hi Utica...).
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
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Syracuse Speaks #75: "Felix" Felicis
In this episode, recorded July 13th, 2022, Alex discusses the 2022 NHL Draft and the start of NHL free agency, the latter of which unfortunately didn't give her much to work with from a Syracuse perspective. However, Alex attempts to take a fair, unbiased, unemotional look at what the Tampa Bay Lightning did for the Crunch over the past few weeks or so, first by discussing the largest signing of the Crunch's July, one that didn't even happen during free agency: The re-signing of goalie Max Lagace. She then covers two players drafted by the Lightning, Lucas Edmonds and Nick Malik, who could be signed soon and then immediately start their professional careers this fall. In the second half of the episode, Alex takes a look at what the Lightning did for themselves for free agency (hello and welcome back Vladislav Namestnikov) and what they did for Syracuse in free agency (hi...uh...Felix Robert). She compares this summer to last summer, which is honestly like comparing apples to oranges, and ponders the differences in the two time periods. She also puts out her wishlist for the near future.
(Related to her wishlist for the near future is that the alternative title for this podcast episode is: THE CRUNCH COULD HAVE HAD CHASE PRISKIE?!)
Give it a listen today!
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
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Syracuse Speaks: Summer Calm in TampaCuse Land
In this episode, recorded June 26th, 2022, Alex does a rundown of all pertaintant AHL, Crunch, and Tampa Bay Lightning news going into NHL free agency on July 13th. She starts by congratulating the AHL and their front office on a successful Calder Cup playoffs, the league's first since 2019. She also sends her congratulations to Chicago, the league's new champion, and to Richard Panik, who won the Cup with the Wolves and who used to play for Syracuse.
She then moves onto the "no news is good news" segment regarding Syracuse head coach Ben Groulx and the "will he or won't he" drama that has marked the first part of the Crunch's off season. She acknowledges the Lightning's current Stanley Cup final round against Colorado, and mentions how rare it is that Tampa signs players for Syracuse while still playing in the playoffs. Sign they have, however, and Alex discusses Gabriel Dumont's two-year AHL contract, the signing of defenseman Tyson Feist to an AHL contract, and the one-year, two-way contracts of defenseman Sean Day and forward Simon Ryfors. She also briefly addresses the departure of Otto Somppi from the organization.
Alex then takes a look at the remaining restricted free agents and potential free agents left in the organization, including Anthony Richard, Alex Green, and Fredrik Claesson.
Give it a listen today!
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
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Syracuse Speaks: "There's a Reason Syracuse Has Kept Tampa for Ten Years"
In this episode, recorded June 12th, 2022, Alex welcomes friend to Field Pass Hockey Patrick Williams back to the podcast. The two start out discussing the longer playoff run the AHL is currently experiencing, and what the future might bring for the league and its teams in terms of scheduling. They dissect the upcoming 72-game season for the league, the first season every team in the league will play the same amount of games since 2015, and give credit to the league and its owners for getting that deal done: "To do that especially coming out of the pandemic, the finical hit they took over the past few years, that made it a much bigger deal."
They then take a look at the Crunch's first round exit against Laval. Patrick ponders what went wrong with the Crunch's game, pinpointing the lackluster performances of Alex Barre-Boulet and Charles Hudon, and also wondering about the health of goalie Max Lagace. Ultimately, though, Patrick leans towards Syracuse just running out of gas after an intense season marked by injury, COVID-caused pauses, and a tight slate of games in the final half of the season. They then can't resist playing a little bit of the "What If" game, not only with 2022 Calder Cup playoffs, but also with the 2017 Calder Cup finals (Alex just had to).
The two then move onto the recent signing of team captain Gabriel Dumont and what it meant for the forward to sign an AHL-only pact with the organization. Patrick breaks down the kind of thinking that goes into a player making the decision to move from an NHL-focused/NHL-contracted career to an AHL-only focus. To end the episode, Alex and Patrick take a peek at next season for the Crunch. They briefly discuss head coach Ben Groulx's situation and how strange it is that he's still with Syracuse, with Patrick predicting Groulx's departure this summer: "He's worked for it." They end with discussing the team's potential roster for 2022-23, focusing specifically on the unrestricted free agents and the goaltending.
Syracuse Speaks: Looking Towards 2022-23
In this episode, recorded May 29th, 2022, Alex looks towards the 2022-23 Syracuse Crunch season. But first, she acknowledges the philosophical struggle around creating podcast episodes about hockey and sports as the nation she lives in experiences painful events. She takes a moment to acknowledge the past few weeks of violence in the United States, but also explains that she feels discussing what people are passionate about is also important. She emphasizes the positive mental health strategy of taking breaks from the coverage of everything, and expresses the hope that this podcast episode will help people do that.
Alex starts out her conversation around this summer right at the top with Coach Ben Groulx. Groulx, who has been with Syracuse since 2016, has made no secret of his desire to coach in the NHL. Speculation in that area has been heating up lately, so Alex takes a look at the current coaching vacancies in that league and discusses her best guest for where Groulx might end up if it goes that way (she sees you, Steve Yzerman). She also takes a very brief look at some coaches who have recently been let go by other AHL teams who could step into Groulx's rather large shoes if he is hired elsewhere.
Alex then goes on to look briefly at the Tampa Bay Lightning's roster situation before looking at Syracuse's, starting with the team's rather talented crop of unrestricted free agents. Not surprisingly, Alex's largest concern is UFA Gabriel Dumont, who captained Syracuse all season, but she also discusses forward Anthony Richard and defenseman Fredrik Claesson. Alex then addresses the goaltending, including veteran Max Lagace potentially moving on, and ponders what the Lightning might do (which is potentially different from what she hopes they do).
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
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Syracuse Speaks: Looking Towards Game 5 with Jim Sarosy
In this episode, recorded May 15th, 2022, Alex and Syracuse Crunch Chief Operating Officer Jim Sarosy chat about all things Crunch. The two start with a lookback at how far the team has come since the AHL shut down in March of 2020 and the team had a season without fans in 2020-21. Although there's still challenges in the league - the two spefically highlight how strange it's been to have a lack of interaction between the organization, fans, players, and sponsors - they also celebrate the return of fans to the arena and the necessary escapism hockey allows. Jim runs through all of the logistics, changes, and challenges the team has faced over the past year, but never allows the amazing reality of the present day to fade too much: "We're here on May 15th. We made it to this date so far...the fact that we came from there to here...is what I'm most proud of. We're still doing what we set out to do."
Later on in the episode, Alex and Jim spend some time conversing about one of the big splashes the organization was able to achieve in 2021-22: Their many theme jerseys worn throughout the season. Alex specifically makes sure to highlight her favorite, the team's Al the Ice Gorilla throwback jerseys. The design was based off of the team's former mascot, and Jim gives fans of that design some really good news for the 2022-23 season. The two then discuss the Laval series, fan attendance, and the how two former Crunch players on the Rocket - Danick Martel and Cedric Paquette - have done such a great job against Syracuse. Jim acknowledges the challenges of selling tickets for Tuesday's game 5 with such a short turnaround, but expresses confidence that the Syracuse faithful will show up, be loud, and support their team.
Alex ends the episode with a short look at Game 5 and some of the big headlines going into the contest, including the injury Syracuse goalie Max Lagace suffered during game 4 and how the Tampa Bay Lightning could end up shorting the Crunch a player or two sooner rather than later.
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
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Syracuse Speaks Bonus Episode: Staring Down the Barrel of Elimination
In this bonus episode, recorded May 13th, 2022, Alex expresses her feelings about the Crunch facing elimination by the Laval Rocket in the 2022 North Division Semifinals. Syracuse, currently down 2-1 in the five-game series, is showing the overemotional, scrambling tendencies that were more like the Crunch of the first half of the season than the second. Alex acknowledges the frustration the team's fans are feeling, and discusses why this is such a letdown to the Syracuse faithful. She admits to being gobsmacked by the sudden disappearance of team powerhouses Gabriel Dumont, Charles Hudon, and Alex Barre-Boulet from the scoresheet (while also giving credit to Remi Elie, Anthony Richard, and Daniel Walcott). She also discusses how the losses of defensemen Sean Day and Alex Green are affecting the team, especially when combined with the lack of scoring from the team's top talent. She finally makes the prediction that Syracuse's semi-Cinderella-esque season will truly be over if Syracuse's best players don't start looking like Syracuse's best players.
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
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Syracuse Speaks: Playoff Time!
In this episode, recorded May 1, 2022, Alex celebrates the return of the Calder Cup playoffs to Syracuse! She recaps the Crunch's season-ending record and ponders the dream-like state she has found herself in since Friday's game. She discusses Syracuse's final week and what it meant to the franchise, and enthuses about the team's playoff tagline and hashtag (#All4One). She also covers the final layout of the AHL's North Division, and what the matchups are in that division for the start of the playoffs. She goes over the dates of Syracuse's opening series against the Laval Rocket, discusses some general confusion over the "bye" round, and takes a peak at what the other rounds of the playoffs look like. She ponders the impact of Riley Nash's recall to the Tampa Bay Lightning and predicts that his absence won't be as hard for Syracuse to overcome as missing a different player like Gabriel Dumont, Charles Hudon, Gage Goncalves, or Alex Barre-Boulet. She ends with a rundown of everything this Crunch team has in its favor going into the playoffs.
Give it a listen today!
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
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Syracuse Speaks: Playoff Bound! (Probably. More than likely. Let's assume)
In this episode, recorded April 23rd, Alex begins by discussing the Crunch's Calder Cup playoff picture (all she has to go on are the clinching scenarios, but those are certainly promising). She discusses how special this season has become for the fans, and enthuses about how much things have changed for Syracuse over the past few weeks. Alex covers the ever-shifting landscape of the AHL's North Division, and takes a look at the schedules of three teams around Syracuse in the standings: Laval, Belleville, and Toronto, who ironically are going to be playing each several times during the final week of the season. Alex makes a bold prediction that Syracuse's playoff seeding will come down to their last game of the season, a home contest against Laval.
Alex then runs down some stats for the team. She covers the usual suspects like Gabriel Dumont, Alex Barre-Boulet, Charles Hudon, and Max Lagace, but also looks how Syracuse's players are doing against the rest of the league. She takes a look at how the special teams are going, a stat bolstered by recent power play success: the Crunch had four power play goals in two games over the weekend thanks to Dumont, Hudon, Riley Nash, and Anthony Richard. She ends with a look at how defensive prospect Nick Perbix is fitting in with the team and how he has contributed to the Crunch's recent success.
Give it a listen today!
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
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Syracuse Speaks: Peaking at the Right Time
In this episode, recorded April 10th, 2022, it's almost playoff time for a team that looked DOA just a few short months ago, and Alex couldn't be more pleased. With nine games left in their season, the Crunch is riding high off of stellar performances from Alex Barre-Boulet (finally!), team captain Gabriel Dumont, Charles Hudon and his power play prowess, prospect Cole Koepke, newcomers Anthony Richard and Riley Nash, and goalie Max Lagace, who is finally looking like the number one netminder Syracuse needs him to be. She also discusses what part the Lightning's own playoffs might play in Syracuse's quest. Alex takes a look at the North Division playoff picture, a field that is drastically different from even just four weeks ago, and discusses what the Crunch will need to do to punch their ticket. She looks at their remaining games, an eclectic mix of the usual divisional and some rarer non-divisional opponents, and offers up the suggestion that this is actually ideal for a team sharpening their skates for an unusual playoff year.
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
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Syracuse Speaks: Post-Deadline Rush
In this episode, recorded March 27th, 2022, Alex and guest Patrick Williams settle in to break down the Crunch's most recent successes on and off the ice. They start by addressing the nostalgic return of Syracuse's famed old mascot, Al the Ice Gorilla ("You can't spell 'Goal!' without 'Al!'"), and theorize why hockey fans grow so attached to certain eras or characters. They also talk through AHL identities and why the fan bases in certain cities - like Syracuse - really need their team to have their own identity, while the fans of other AHL teams - like Toronto - seem to need their NHL club's identity to thrive.
They then move into the present day, discussing the moves made by the Tampa Bay Lightning at the trade deadline to boost Syracuse's playoff hopes. Those moves included Tampa trading the infamous "future considerations" for Riley Nash, a player who has already brought more offense to the Crunch. With a month left in the AHL's regular season, they look at the remaining opponents on Syracuse's schedule and pinpoint the most needed victories to keep the team in playoff contention. Although the Crunch will most likely need help from other teams to ensure a spot in the postseason, Alex and Patrick also discuss what Syracuse can do to help keep its fate in its own hands as much as possible, with a focus on the play of team captain Gabriel Dumont, forward Alex Barre-Boulet, and defenseman Sean Day.
Give it a listen today!
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
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Syracuse Speaks: Spring Forward
In this episode, recorded March 13th, 2022, Alex begins the episode with a look at the current playoff picture for Syracuse with a discourse around the kind of help the Crunch is going to need from their North Division foes. The probability that Syracuse, with 23 games remaining, can make the playoffs under their own power is low, so the team will need certain teams to start losing. Alex briefly recaps the team's week of games against Utica, Rochester, and Toronto (of note - this recap does not include Syracuse's game against Rochester on the 13th, as the episode was recorded prior to puck drop). She then answers some questions from her listeners about theme jerseys, potential deadline moves that the Lightning might make in support of the Crunch (with a specific look at goaltending after Hugo Alnefelt's injury Saturday night), and what is up with Syracuse's mascot.
Alex ends the podcast with a look at the Crunch's schedule over the next two weeks, a slate that includes a couple of Atlantic division teams as well as two crucial games against Belleville (not as important, but points are points) and Cleveland (high importance).
Give it a listen today!
Syracuse Speaks is hosted on Anchor, but is distributed to many of the major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, and Stitcher. The royalty-free music featured in this episode was by Purple Planet Music and Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.