SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — It’s hard to imagine palpable excitement ever following up a bag skate, but for the Syracuse Crunch, that was the scene around Upstate Medical Arena after Thursday’s practice.
Of course, it wasn’t because of practice, but rather what lay ahead. In a month that has seen the sport of hockey grab the national spotlight, the Crunch will have local attention next Tuesday, when the team’s “Crunch At Your Service” charity event returns by popular demand.
“It’s become a premier event for us,” said Megan Cahill, vice president of communications for the Crunch. “Our fans love it, our players love it, our corporate partners love it. It’s just an opportunity to get to know the players off the ice, see their personalities, see how much they care about the community they play in.”
The event, which Cahill says was “started well before” her time, operates as a live de facto auction, where players can help raise money through their memorabilia, such as their skates, but more infamously, their services.
Held at the Syracuse Marriott two blocks away from Upstate Arena, players are encouraged to take any requests for tips, going to the Crunch and Kinney Drugs Foundations respectively. In prior years, requests have ranged from the helpful – serving food and drinks to attendees – to the playful- singing “Who Let the Dogs Out” on stage.
In the Crunch locker room, it’s even become a rite of passage. Defenseman Max Crozier, who’s set to take part in the event for the second time, recalls fond memories of being sat at a “fun table” last year. In particular, the 24-year-old is looking forward to one thing the most next Tuesday.
“Seeing which kid has to do the most embarrassing thing,” Crozier joked. “I know it won’t be me this year.”
As such, it’s an event where fans will get to see a lighter, everyday side of hockey players. Cahill says some players take on the challenge better than others, but sees the effort the team puts into the event as a collective.
“It’s an opportunity to get them a little bit outside of their comfort zone,” Cahill said. “And really get to know their personality a little bit more.”
Even if it requires some “embarrassing” moments, Crozier says the sacrifice is well-worth it. The sentiment isn’t lost on Crozier, who knows how much donations can mean for the community and expresses gratitude for anyone who decides to attend.
“All of us Crunch players are really privileged, and we’ve been really fortunate in this life,” Crozier said. “To have the city of Syracuse support us the way they do, it’s just our way to give back to the community.”
Tickets are still on sale to the general public, with a seat costing $70, five seats at a table costing $350, and a full 10-seat table costing $650.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Crunch At Your Service: A charity event, with a twist
Anton Kox: For 36-plus nights a year, Upstate Arena is where the Syracuse Crunch deliver on-ice thrills for their fans. But for one night, you’ll get to see the players bring off-ice skills to the mix, in the name of charity. Just two blocks away, Crunch At Your Service will be held next Tuesday night at the downtown Marriott. And VP of communications Megan Cahill says there’s a ton of excitement in the air.
Megan Cahill: It’s become a premier event for us. Our fans love it, our players love it. It’s just an opportunity to get to know the players off the ice, see their personalities, see how much they care about the community they play in.
Kox: Doing the event for the second time, defenseman Max Crozier ushers the sentiment.
Max Crozier: To have the city of Syracuse support us the way they do, it’s just our way to give back to the community. It’s great, it’s a lot of fun. The crowd has a lot of fun, we have a lot of fun with it, so we’re all really excited.
Kox: Now tickets for this event will cost you $70 for a single seat, or for a 10-person table, it’ll cost you $650. Now, that’s a lot of change. But what you do get for that price point is well worth it. You get a full night of entertainment, which includes a full standup set, and the chance to see the lighter side of the Crunch. Cahill says attendees can additionally tip the players to do just about anything, from bringing the table their food to singing a song on-stage. All proceeds will go to the Kinney Drugs and Crunch Foundations respectively. With that in mind, Crozier is prepared for anything. What’s he looking forward to the most this year?
Crozier: Seeing which kid has to do the most embarrassing thing. I know it won’t be me this year.
Kox: Best of luck, rookies. Reporting at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse, I’m Anton Kox, NCC News.