Syracuse Crunch, Tampa Bay Lightning extend their contract
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Central New York sports fans can get excited as the Syracuse Crunch and the Tampa Bay Lighting are continuing their affiliation, signing a five-year extension. The organization said this will allow the NHL team to continue developing its talents in Syracuse through the 2026-27 season.
“We’re delighted to extend our partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning for another five seasons,” Crunch Owner Howard Dolgon said. “From their ownership to their hockey operations, coaching staff and business personnel, we believe they’re the finest organization in all of sports and it’s an honor for the Crunch and the Syracuse community to be associated with them.”
Since the start of the Crunch and Lightning's partnership in 2012, the Syracuse Crunch has boasted seven Calder Cup Playoff series wins, plus two finals berths in 2013 and 2017, the team said.
“The Lightning are thrilled to extend our affiliation agreement with the Crunch today,” Lightning Vice President and General Manager Julien BriseBois said. “Howard Dolgon and his group in Syracuse create an ideal environment for our prospects to develop in." There have been 77 players appearing with both teams in the last 10 years of the affiliation.
Single-game tickets and packages for the 2022-23 season are on sale now and can be purchased in person at the Crunch box office located inside the Upstate Medical University Arena at Onondaga County War Memorial, 800 S. State St. in Syracuse. The ticket office can be reached at (315) 473-4444. Tickets can also be purchased or online through Crunch's website or through Ticketmaster.
