Alex Ackerman is joined by AHL content creator Patrick Williams on this edition of Syracuse Speaks. Alex and Patrick 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 over an hour. They begin with discussing the league’s off-season and why “NHL Free Agency” should be renamed to the more appropriate “AHL Free Agency.” Patrick discusses his impressions of Syracuse’s North Division rivals and how their off season has shaped up. Then the two dive into the Crunch’s relatively quiet summer. While they look at the bigger picture of the team’s roster, they also discuss the return of Max Lagace and the signing of newcomer Trevor Carrick. Patrick shares an in-depth review of Carrick in particular, information Crunch fans will find fascinating and exciting.
The two then turn their attention to the AHL playoffs and the return of last season’s playoff structure. They debate the ins and outs of the format and ponder what changes might be better for the league and its players. Their conversation then zooms out so that they can take the league in as a whole. Discussions range from player treatment, divisional makeup, and geography have changed over the years.
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Paul is a producer responsible for production of podcasts and streamed content on our network. This includes Finger Lakes Today, FingerLakes1.com’s flagship daily live program. He hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast, too. Have a question? Send it to [email protected].