October 17, 2011

Crunch Fans -

There are times when some of us, myself included, unintentionally take our great fans for granted.  You've been through a lot with us over the first 17 seasons - - and not all of it positive -  - yet your support for our franchise and professional hockey in Syracuse has been unwavering.

Saturday's home opener put some things in perspective for me personally.  Actually, it was two separate conversations which really got me thinking.

The first one was with my good friend of 30 years, world renowned boxing and music promoter Rock Newman.  Rock, who wouldn't know the difference between an icing and offsides call, sat besides me during the game and continually marveled at the crowd.  At one point he turned to me and said (I'm going to paraphrase a bit here): 

"Man, after the season you lived through last year I cannot believe the love this crowd is showing the team.  It really is incredible."

Now, I don't take comments like this lightly, especially from a guy who has promoted numerous world heavyweight championship bouts, produced concerts for Beyonce and Alicia Keys, marched with Nelson Mandela and has had a private audience with the Pope.  But as I stated, Rock's a real close friend so perhaps he was being overly kind.

But my second conversation wasn't with a long-time friend.  It was after the game and I struck up a conversation with one of our players' father, a guy I had gotten to know a little toward the end of last season.

What amazed him, as someone who had taken in numerous games at our barn last season, was that despite the previous year's disappointments the arena was packed and filled with energy.  He said the atmosphere was everything a home team player could ever hope for.  Unsolicited and heartfelt comments.

 So two games into our 18th campaign I wanted to take this time to thank and salute all of you.   Thanks for your passion, your loyalty and support.

 It is greatly appreciated by our entire organization. 

 Sincerely,

Howard Dolgon

Owner and CEO