The Syracuse Crunch and Tampa Bay Lightning are locked in for the long haul, and owner Howard Dolgon says the relationship has reshaped the franchise in a big way.
Last week, the two teams announced a four-year extension of their affiliation agreement, which keeps them together through the 2029-30 season. Dolgon called the move a point of pride for both sides.
“We are both honored and excited to extend our partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning,” said Syracuse Crunch Owner Howard Dolgon. “Over the past 14 seasons of this relationship, Crunch fans have been treated to the most competitive, highest quality of hockey in our franchise’s history. We look forward to more of the same.”
The connection has produced a steady stream of NHL talent. Since the partnership began, 104 players have suited up for both Syracuse and Tampa Bay. That player pipeline mattered even more last season, when the Lightning leaned on Syracuse during a stretch in which injuries hit several key players.
On Wednesday, Dolgon also looked back on how far the organization has come, describing Syracuse’s rise from what was once viewed as a “hockey graveyard” into one of the AHL’s model franchises.
The results back that up. During the Lightning affiliation, the Crunch have reached the playoffs in all but two seasons and have advanced to the Calder Cup Final twice. Syracuse and Tampa Bay also own the longest active streak of an AHL affiliate and its NHL club both making the playoffs.
“The future for Syracuse has never been brighter and we, along with our partners in Tampa, are excited to be a part of it.”
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Lightning Newcomers Just Picked Numbers Fans Will Definitely Recognize
The Lightning have settled on the jersey numbers for their new free-agent additions, and a few of them will look instantly familiar to longtime fans. John Carlson is sticking with 74, Ilya Mikheyev will wear 95, Dennis Hildeby is taking 35 and Jeffrey Viel will go with 25, giving Tampa Bay a mix of personal continuity and numbers that already carry some franchise history.
Carlsons choice keeps him in the number he has worn throughout his NHL career, while Mikheyev is making a switch after previously using 65 in Toronto, Vancouver and Chicago. Hildebys selection connects him to a line of notable Lightning goaltenders, and Viels number stands out for its strong ties to one of the clubs most memorable eras, which makes the new arrivals sweater choices a small but interesting subplot as camp and the season approach. [Read more 🡒]