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Syracuse Crunch

Syracuse Crunch

Affiliates

Tampa Bay Lightning | NHLTampa Logo

The Tampa Bay Lightning affiliated with the Syracuse Crunch prior to the start of the 2012-13 season and have announced an extension that ensures Tampa Bay's top prospects will develop their talents in Syracuse through the 2026-27 season. Since coming to Syracuse, Tampa Bay prospects have led the Crunch to an East Division title (2013), two North Division titles (2017, 2019), two Eastern Conference championships (2013, 2017) and the franchise's first appearance in the Calder Cup Final in 2013 and second appearance in 2017. Through the first 13 seasons of the affiliation, 97 players have appeared in games for both the Crunch and Lightning.

The Lightning joined the NHL as an expansion franchise in 1992 and were crowned Stanley Cup Champions in 2004 and back-to-back in 2020 and 2021. They advanced to the Eastern Conference Final in 2011, 2016 and 2018 and to the Stanley Cup Final in 2015 and 2022. From 2010 to 2018, the Lightning and their AHL affiliate had been run by vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman and assistant general manager Julien BriseBois. The Lightning named BriseBois as the seventh vice president, general manager and alternate governor in franchise history beginning with the 2018-19 season, with Yzerman stepping aside to serve as a senior advisor to the general manager during that season. BriseBois promoted Stacy Roest to assistant general manager – director of player development and general manager of the Crunch prior to the 2019-20 season and he served that role through the 2024-25 season. Syracuse Crunch Head Coach Joel Bouchard was named the Crunch General Manager on July 7, 2025.

Lightning head coach Jon Cooper was promoted on March 25, 2013 after leading the Crunch for part of the 2012-13 season. The Lightning are owned by Jeff Vinik who purchased the franchise in 2010. The team plays home games at Benchmark International Arena and competes in the Atlantic Division of the NHL's Eastern Conference.

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Orlando Solar Bears | ECHLOrlando Solar Bears

The Orlando Solar Bears have been the ECHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning since the 2018-19 season. 

The Solar Bears have been playing in Orlando since 2012 when they were added as an expansion team to the ECHL, the premier "AA" hockey league in North America. The Solar Bears have qualified for the Kelly Cup Playoffs in seven of 12 seasons. The team is owned and operated by the Orlando Magic and the DeVos Family, while playing home games at Kia Center.

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