Eric Neilson is waiting for your call. Photo credit: @JimSarosy

Here we thought little could be done to top whatever minds at the Lightning who brought us this fantastic commercial. Tampa’s AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, definitely managed to raise the stakes.

Yup, that photo is from Syracuse COO Jim Sarosy. That is right winger Eric Neilson perched seductively on top of the net. It’s eye catching, funny, and just a little naughty. Something we all want in our hockey.

Were we not more than 1,000 miles away from Syracuse, we would definitely be calling for tickets. To support the team, but also to support this amazing ad.

Photo by Alexis Boucher

One of the greatest AHL holiday traditions is that of the Teddy Bear toss. Teams around the league have nights where fans are invited to bring stuffed toys to the game. After the home team scores their first goal, that’s when chaos ensues. The Crunch held their event Saturday night when they took on the Wilkes-Barre Penguins.

The donated toys are to be refurbished and donated to charity. Syracuse went a step further, with some of the players heading to a Build-a-Bear store to make teddy bears that were used at the game.

Tell us all about it, Eric Neilson.

» Continue reading “Syracuse Crunch Hold Teddy Bear Toss”

The month of November has become a very special time among hockey players and this year was no different. A number of locked out NHLers participated and raised money for men’s health issues. The AHLers got in on the action as well. After a month of stiff competition, Mark Barberio’s mustache reigned supreme among the Syracuse Crunch.

If there’s one thing Lightning fans learned about their minor league affiliate this year it’s that they are a gifted lot when it comes to facial hair. We all remember those beards on the way to a Calder Cup Championship.

As Movember comes to a close for the year and our players pick up their razors, it’s a perfect time to relive their journey.

» Continue reading “Syracuse Crunch Crown A Movember Winner”

Radko Gudas Photo by Angie Hamilton

It’s a hockey tradition for teams in the playoffs to grow playoff beards. Whether it’s mutton chops, goatees, little wispy whiskers, or might lumberjack efforts the post season is a time for facial follicles.  The Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League have made waves this year for their historic 29 game win streak, but they are making headlines in another way as they advance in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Yahoo’s Puck Daddy posted about Admirals defenseman Radko Gudas and his beard. At least we think it’s a beard. He may have just glued a ferret to his face. Gudas isn’t the only Norfolk player with fine fuzz, Scott Jackson and Eric Neilson immediately come to mind.

What separates Gudas from these other outstanding beards is that he didn’t start growing it during that win streak. According to the team he started growing it at playoff time. What’s also amazing is that Gudas is only 21 years old. Heck, Vinny Lecavalier couldn’t muster playoff scruff until he was 30.

» Continue reading “Admirals Advance To Finals, Gudas’ Beard Is Glorious”