PODCAST · sports
Syracuse Speaks
by Alexandra Ackerman
Host Alex Ackerman has been watching the Syracuse Crunch for 20 seasons. Alex was the minor league editor for Raw Charge, a For Hockey Fans Network site that covers the Tampa Bay Lightning, for two years. Prior to that, she was their main Crunch contributor. Alex has also contributed to other minor league hockey blogs. "To my Syracuse Crunch fans, make sure to subscribe and listen to this! Many of you know this already but for those who don’t, Alex brings a sensational mix of fan appreciation, analysis and perspective of the Crunch and AHL hockey. Make it a habit to listen!" - Brent Axe
Episodes
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Syracuse Speaks #121: One Last Souvenir From My Trip to Your Shores
Syracuse Speaks is going on hiatus. Thank you so much to my listeners, to all of my guests over the years, and to all of the friends of the pod out there. Keep taking care of each other out there in Crunch Land...So long for now.
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Syracuse Speaks #120: Syracuse is #1! (#TooEarlyAssessment)
The new-look Syracuse Crunch have had a great start to their 2024-25 season, going 2-0 with multiple players contributing. Alex discusses the differences between this season's team and last season's team in this podcast episode recorded on 10-13-2024. She also takes a peak at the rest of the…
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Syracuse Speaks #119: Peaking in at Pre-Season and Promotions
It's time for pre-season and promotions! Podcast host Alex takes a look at the Syracuse Crunch's upcoming pre-season slate, covers the anticipated delayed start for a group of Crunch players who had surgery over the summer, and discusses Syracuse's promotional slate for their 2024-25 season. It's...
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Syracuse Speaks #118: 2024 Free Agency Recap
It's a new season, y'all! Well, as close as we can get right now with pucks on ice, anyway. With the start of NHL Free Agency last week, Syracuse Crunch fans followed along in earnest as a very active Tampa Bay Lightning made moves to shore up both themselves and their farm team. In summing it in...
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Syracuse Speaks #117: To Live for the Hope of it All
It's time for a new season of Syracuse Speaks! New sounds, new methods, new awkward timing problems, and, best of all, new news! In this episode, recorded June 22, 2024, Alex discusses some of the most recent joys in Crunch Land, including the re-signing of two of the Crunch's beloved players.…
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Syracuse Speaks #116: Delicious Fried Crow
The Syracuse Crunch have made it to the North Division Final, so podcast host Alex Ackerman has a dinner of fried crow to eat, just like mom used to make! Between bites, Alex takes a look back at the Crunch's five game series against the Rochester Americans. She looks at the Crunch's top...
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Syracuse Speaks #115: Keep The Faith
Host Alex Ackerman goes into full cheerleader mode - well, as much as she can on a Monday night, anyway - as the Syracuse Crunch gear up for the 2024 AHL Playoffs.
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Syracuse Speaks #114: The North Just Can't Get It Together!
Alex decides to change it up this week and record on a Friday! Coming to you just in time for the weekend's upcoming games, she breaks down the fascinating situation that is currently the North Division's playoff picture. She also discusses Syracuse's top performers, applauds the team for their...
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Syracuse Speaks #113: One Month to Go
In this episode, recorded March 23rd, 2024, Alex ponders how the Syracuse Crunch is going to push through to the playoffs without their Captain. She discusses why the loss of Gabriel Dumont to season-ending ACL surgery is a tough challenge for the team to overcome. She also makes sure to point…
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Syracuse Speaks #112: What Happened to the Original Plot?
In this episode from March 10th, 2024, Alex tries to express how the fan base is feeling after a trade deadline that was mostly bad news for the Syracuse Crunch and the organization's depth chart. She explores the general sentiments of Crunch fans, ponders what this could mean for the playoffs...
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Syracuse Speaks #111: Welcome back, ABB!
Alex recorded this episode in the late afternoon on February 25th, 2024, prior to Syracuse's tilt against Utica. For all your pre-gaming needs, she covers the most recent transactions affecting the Crunch (Alex Barre-Boulet, we sure missed you), breaks down the North Division as it stands, and...
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Syracuse Speaks #110: The More Things Change...
Hello Crunch fans! Welcome to the AHL All-Star "break" that really isn't a break. Alex reviews the latest games for Syracuse, previews their upcoming schedule, discusses some of the team's upcoming charity initiatives, and ponders how the team is still performing so well given all the changes afoot.
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Syracuse Speaks #109: Theme Night Excellence
AHL teams generally excel in engaging their communities, but the Syracuse Crunch lately has been truly teaching a Master Class in theming. In this episode, Alex discuses the two most recent theme nights put on by Syracuse, their first-ever Wizarding Night and their throwback 90s Night. She…
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Syracuse Speaks #108: Sorting the Crunch (and Other Topics)
This episode, recorded January 7th, 2024, is very much a tale told in two parts. In the first segment, host Alex Ackerman covers the team's most recent results, the standings in the AHL, the (many) transactions affecting the team, and the trends within the roster. She also takes her usual look at...
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Syracuse Speaks #107: Cuppa Crunch Cheer
Alex recorded this episode mid-morning on December 10th, 2023, to get it out before Syracuse's afternoon tilt against Utica. She takes a look at the standings, Syracuse's top 11 point-getters, and previews the team's upcoming schedule. She also discusses why she loves the Teddy Bear Toss, minor...
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Syracuse Speaks #106: Latest Hockey Happenings in Syracuse
Recorded on November 19th, 2023, this episode takes a gander at all of the current Crunch news. Alex covers the latest games, looks at the top 10 performers on the roster, discusses the standings in the North Division, and peaks at special teams. She also previews the upcoming games, with an...
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Syracuse Speaks #105: Exceptional Special Teams Propel the Crunch
This episode was recorded on November 5th, 20223, a time when, in any other season since 2016, Crunch fans would have been waiting (im)patiently for The Groulx Effect to take hold. This year, however, Crunch fans have a front-row seat to the changes in team feel, shape, and play that new head…
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Syracuse Speaks #104: What Legacy Will the 2023-24 Crunch Create?
In this episode, recorded October 22, 2023, Alex takes a look at a Crunch team currently in first place in the North Division. She recaps their first week of the regular season, discusses some of the line combinations seen so far, and ponders what such a great start may mean for a team expected…
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Syracuse Speaks #103: Your 2023-24 Syracuse Crunch Takes Shape
In this episode, recorded October 9th, 2023, Alex goes over the flurry of transactions that happened within the Tampa Bay Lightning organization in advance of their roster being due to the NHL at 5 PM. She discusses Gabriel Fortier, Zach Bogosian, Alex Barre-Boulet, and Pyotr Kochetkov from the...
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Syracuse Speaks #102: Mules and Wizards - Going for Unhinged Gold in a 30th Anniversary Season
In this episode, recorded September 21, 2023, Alex dives into her excitement about the Syracuse Crunch's 2023-24 promotional schedule. She covers all of the events, their dates, and why fans should get excited about what the team has planned for their 30th Anniversary season. In summary: "I trust...
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Syracuse Speaks #101: The No Title Episode
In this episode, recorded on September 10th, 2023, Alex discusses the latest news and notes coming out of Crunch Land. She worries just a little over how young Syracuse seems on paper, but also considers some positives of the team's current as-is roster. She talks through her feelings around the...
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Syracuse Speaks: Welcome to Episode 100
In this episode, recorded August 6th, 2023, Alex ushers in some minor changes to the podcast, including a refreshed sound, to officially welcome the pod to its 6th season (and its 100th episode). Alex discusses some personal news before moving onto the important things: the release of the…
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Syracuse Speaks: Examining the Coaching Change and Free Agency
Welcome to season six of Syracuse Speaks! In this episode, recorded July 4th, 2023, Alex takes a look at what has happened in the organization since she was last able to record. She begins by discussing the hiring of Joel Bouchard as the new head coach of the Crunch, replacing Ben Groulx. She…
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Syracuse Speaks: Ask Me Anything June 2023 Edition!
In this episode, recorded June 11th, 2023, Alex again turns to her listeners to ask her anything. With NHL free agency a few short weeks away, Alex wanted to know what was on the minds of Crunch fans and friends. Topics of conversation range from Syracuse's defense and goaltending this upcoming...
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Syracuse Speaks: Sneaking a Peak at 2023-24
In this episode, recorded May 21, 2023, Alex takes a look at the player contracts for the Crunch's roster for the team's 30th anniversary season. She starts out with a discussion of the team's AHL contracted players, captain Gabriel Dumont and newcomer forward Tristan Allard. She then moves down...
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Syracuse Speaks: Time to Raise the Bar?
In this episode, recorded the week following Syracuse's playoff collapse in the 2023 North Division Semifinals, Alex ponders a question that's been on her mind all season long: Is it time for the Tampa Bay Lightning to raise the bar for their farm team? If so, how could that be accomplished? What...
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Syracuse Speaks: Not Surprised, Just Disappointed
In this episode, recorded April 30th, 2023 following the team's game 4 loss to the Rochester Americans in the North Division semifinals, Alex looks at what's happening to a team that was up 2-0 in the five-game series and now is facing a game five this Saturday. She discusses what is going right…
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Syracuse Speaks: The 2023 North Division Semifinals
In this episode, recorded April 16th, 2023, Alex takes a look a how Syracuse's season ended before taking a glance at their upcoming North Division Semifinals playoff series against the Rochester Americans. Alex analyzes Syracuse's ending record, their scoring potency (hello, Alex Barre-Boulet),...
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Syracuse Speaks: Puzzling Performances and Playoff Problems
In this episode, recorded March 26th, 2023, Alex takes an extended look at the playoff bracket in the AHL's North Division, with a specific emphasis on how Syracuse's position could improve or get worse. She discusses how puzzled she is by the Tampa Bay Lightning's actions this season, especially...
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Syracuse Speaks: The Three Biggest Weeks of the Season
In this episode, recorded March 12th, 2023, Alex looks at where the team is with just over a month left in the regular AHL season. She discusses current and potential player movement between Syracuse and the Tampa Bay Lightning, including the continued recall of defenseman Darren Raddysh and...
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Syracuse Speaks: Bringing a Focus on Humanity Back into the Game of Hockey
In this episode, recorded February 26th, 2023, Alex welcomes Raw Charge contributor Lee Wright back to the podcast. To begin the episode, the two discuss Lee's recent trip to watch the Orlando Solar Bears in person. Lee discusses his observations from the game, including how prospects/call-up...
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Syracuse Speaks: Howard Dolgon for AHL Hall of Fame?
In this episode, recorded February 5th, 2023, Alex welcomes AHL content creator Patrick Williams back to the podcast. At the time of recording, Patrick was fresh off a visit to Syracuse and on the road to the AHL All-Star weekend in Laval. Given this unique opportunity to get a fresh perspective…
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Syracuse Speaks: Searching for Equilibrium
In this episode, recorded January 22nd, 2023, Alex recounts all of the relevant stories currently affecting the Crunch's pursuit of some level of equilibrium this season. From stomach bugs to injuries to goalie suspensions and carousels, this season's current feast-or-famine situation can be…
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Syracuse Speaks: A Time to Flourish
Happy New Year, Crunch fans! In this episode, recorded January 8th, 2023, Alex welcomes Raw Charge contributor Lee Wright the podcast. Lee covers the Crunch for Raw Charge, a site that covers the Tampa Bay Lightning organization for SB Nation, and has been writing about the team since the…
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Syracuse Speaks: Truly a Week of Assists
In this episode, recorded December 18th, 2022, Alex reflects on the team's Week of Assists, a period which began with the team's Teddy Bear Toss on December 10th and culminated this past weekend with their Hockey Fights Cancer game. She discusses all of the team's charity initiatives, and why it...
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Syracuse Speaks: Daniel Walcott Has What the Lightning Value
In this episode, recorded December 11th, 2022, Alex welcomes friend of the site and AHL content creator for theahl.com, NHL.com, and The Hockey News Patrick Williams back to the pod. After the usual pleasantries, the two get down to business. They first start with a general conversation around...
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Syracuse Speaks: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
In this episode, recorded November 27th, 2022, it's all about the comfortable predictability of the Crunch's November. Alex discusses the team's recent string of successes while also identifying some shakey areas Syracuse is trying to figure out. Players discussed include Hugo Alnefelt, Max…
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Syracuse Speaks: The Thing About Ben Groulx
In this episode, recorded November 13th, 2022, Alex puts "The Thing" about Syracuse head coach Ben Groulx to the test. Although she does start off with a brief recap of the Crunch's trampling of poor ECHL goalie Isaac Poulter, who was in net for the Utica Comets this past Saturday when Syracuse…
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Syracuse Speaks: Welcome to the 2022-23 Season
In this episode, recorded October 23rd, 2022, Alex recaps the start of Syracuse's season, with a specific emphasis on the organization's 29th Home Opener on October 22nd. She highlights the tenacity and grit the 2022-23 edition of the team has showed so far, including the performances of newcomer...
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Syracuse Speaks: 2022-23 Crunch Season Preview
In this episode, recorded October 7th, 2022, Alex records her season preview for the 2022-23 season. She starts by taking a look back at the 2021-22 season (in short: huge potential-splat-what?!-YAS!). She recaps the team's record, playoff performance, top scorers, and breaks down their special...
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Syracuse Speaks: All Together On This (with Jim Sarosy)
In this episode, recorded September 23rd, 2022, Alex welcomes Crunch Chief Operating Officer Jim Sarosy back to the podcast for a positive, fun episode. (She promises!) Jim starts off with a bang, giving Syracuse Speaks listeners an exclusive preview of the some of the work that has been going on...
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Syracuse Speaks: Prepping for the Season with Geo FitzGerald!
In this episode, recorded September 11th, 2022, Alex welcomes Raw Charge contributor Geo FitzGerald to the podcast. Raw Charge is a SB Nation blog that covers the Tampa Bay Lightning organization, and Geo has been writing for them for many years, specializing in the organization's prospects and...
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Syracuse Speaks: An Innovative Mentality in the AHL
In this episode, recorded August 21th, 2022, Alex and AHL content creator Patrick Williams reunite for a wide-ranging, entertaining, and engaging conversation as the AHL and the Crunch look towards their 2022-23 season. Making up for the podcast's summer break earlier this month, the two chat for...
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Syracuse Speaks: The 2022-23 AHL Schedule is Here!
In this episode, recorded July 24th, 2022, Alex starts off by recapping Syracuse's roster situation. She describes the veterans left on the team, including captain Gabriel Dumont, forwards Daniel Walcott and P.C. Labrie, defenseman Darren Raddysh, and goalie Max Lagace. She echos concerns among…
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Syracuse Speaks #75: "Felix" Felicis
In this episode, recorded July 13th, 2022, Alex discusses the 2022 NHL Draft and the start of NHL free agency, the latter of which unfortunately didn't give her much to work with from a Syracuse perspective. However, Alex attempts to take a fair, unbiased, unemotional look at what the Tampa Bay...
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Syracuse Speaks: Summer Calm in TampaCuse Land
In this episode, recorded June 26th, 2022, Alex does a rundown of all pertaintant AHL, Crunch, and Tampa Bay Lightning news going into NHL free agency on July 13th. She starts by congratulating the AHL and their front office on a successful Calder Cup playoffs, the league's first since 2019. She...
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Syracuse Speaks: "There's a Reason Syracuse Has Kept Tampa for Ten Years"
In this episode, recorded June 12th, 2022, Alex welcomes friend to Field Pass Hockey Patrick Williams back to the podcast. The two start out discussing the longer playoff run the AHL is currently experiencing, and what the future might bring for the league and its teams in terms of scheduling.…
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Syracuse Speaks: Looking Towards 2022-23
In this episode, recorded May 29th, 2022, Alex looks towards the 2022-23 Syracuse Crunch season. But first, she acknowledges the philosophical struggle around creating podcast episodes about hockey and sports as the nation she lives in experiences painful events. She takes a moment to acknowledge...
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Syracuse Speaks: Looking Towards Game 5 with Jim Sarosy
In this episode, recorded May 15th, 2022, Alex and Syracuse Crunch Chief Operating Officer Jim Sarosy chat about all things Crunch. The two start with a lookback at how far the team has come since the AHL shut down in March of 2020 and the team had a season without fans in 2020-21. Although…
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Syracuse Speaks Bonus Episode: Staring Down the Barrel of Elimination
In this bonus episode, recorded May 13th, 2022, Alex expresses her feelings about the Crunch facing elimination by the Laval Rocket in the 2022 North Division Semifinals. Syracuse, currently down 2-1 in the five-game series, is showing the overemotional, scrambling tendencies that were more like...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Host Alex Ackerman has been watching the Syracuse Crunch for 20 seasons. Alex was the minor league editor for Raw Charge, a For Hockey Fans Network site that covers the Tampa Bay Lightning, for two years. Prior to that, she was their main Crunch contributor. Alex has also contributed to other minor league hockey blogs. "To my Syracuse Crunch fans, make sure to subscribe and listen to this! Many of you know this already but for those who don’t, Alex brings a sensational mix of fan appreciation, analysis and perspective of the Crunch and AHL hockey. Make it a habit to listen!" - Brent Axe
HOSTED BY
Alexandra Ackerman
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Syracuse Speaks have?
Syracuse Speaks currently has 122 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Syracuse Speaks about?
Host Alex Ackerman has been watching the Syracuse Crunch for 20 seasons. Alex was the minor league editor for Raw Charge, a For Hockey Fans Network site that covers the Tampa Bay Lightning, for two years. Prior to that, she was their main Crunch contributor. Alex has also contributed to other minor...
How often does Syracuse Speaks release new episodes?
Syracuse Speaks publishes regularly with 122 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Syracuse Speaks?
You can listen to Syracuse Speaks on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Syracuse Speaks?
Syracuse Speaks is created and hosted by Alexandra Ackerman.
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