Post Game Video From Devendorf, Rautins, and Harris From Ryan Miller and syracuse.com

Just When You Thought You Were The Ultimate SU Fan, This Guy Says He Is

SU Ultimate Fan

Syracuse Orange Beat Seton Hall 100-76 And I Got Links To Prove It

Not able to see the game, I did participate in a fun chat with the Idiots and got to follow most of the game (I missed some, didn't I Rush?). And as usual, when I miss the game, instead of game analysis I choose to give you the links so you can get a better idea from those who did. Enjoy and Go Orange!

syracuse.com gives us an always reliable breakdown of the game and gives Andy his props:
http://www.syracuse.com/today/index.ssf/2008/12/rautins_leads_orange_to_xxxx_w.html

ESPN has the game stats for your Orange butt:
http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=283650183

The Saltine Warriors say Andy has one thing in common with Pacman Jones, he knows how to make it rain:
http://thesaltinewarriors.blogspot.com/2008/12/andy-makes-it-rain.html

Yahoo/Rivals have the AP story from John Kekis:
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recap?gid=200812300553&prov=ap

And of course Brent Axe with his recap and quotes:
http://www.syracuse.com/axeman/index.ssf/2008/12/suseton_hall_recap_1.html

WTVH 5 Reviews The Top Sports Stories in Central NY

A look back at CNY sports in 2008

You Want Old School? How About 1955 NBA Finals With Syracuse Nationals At Home?

Another Classic Video From WTVH 5's Ron Curtis Talking About The Orange Final Four In 1987

Otto and WTVH 5 Commercial From 1986....And I Feel Older Now For Remembering This

He's Back

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2008/12/eric_devendorf_completes_commu.html

It appears Eric Devendorf has completed what he needed to be able to be reinstated with the university and the team though they say he still must do 40 more hours after being back as well. He did practice with the team yesterday and could be in the lineup against Seton Hall on the 30Th. Let's just hope this is the last bit of bad news this team gets this season and Eric keeps his nose clean.

My New Holiday Song But Appropriate Any Game Day

Ripping off "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year", this is my rendition titled "It's The Most Wonderful Time To Drink Beer" and what happens when I have too much time on my hands and want to write something.

It's The Most Wonderful Time To Drink Beer
By Orange Chuck

It's the most wonderful time to drink beer
My mother in law shouting, the kids are all pouting
And tip off to the Orange game draws near
It's the most wonderful time to drink beer
It's the best-bestest reason of all
With the basketball season long and Orange football is gone
Your buddies have a case and call
It's the best-bestest reason of all

They got Budweiser and Yiengling
Some pizza and hot wings
And Sean has a plasma high def TV
There'll be one pissed off wife
Guess I best hide the sharp knives
Or this might be the last Orange game I see

It's the most wonderful time to drink beer
There'll be some complaining
As the cases are draining
But more cold ones will soon be here
It's the most wonderful time to drink beer

It's the most wonderful time
It's the most wonderful time
It's the most wonderful time *hiccup*
It's the most wonderful time to drink beer

Christmas Dinner With Eric Devendorf

Below is a link to a story about Syracuse Orange basketball player Eric Devendorf serving out part of his community service working with Rescue Mission serving dinner to area residents who need a little assistance in this holiday season. I am one of those who is a sucker for a story about players giving back to the community (like Dwayne Wade purchasing a house for a family who had theirs burn down recently) but when it's community service, it kind of takes a little out of it even though it is a helping hand at the holidays that I am sure those at the Rescue Mission appreciated.

I don't know Eric or the truth about what happened on that night to force this situation but I hope he takes the time to realize how fortunate he is seeing people he helped and will avoid trouble the next time he is confronted with it. I hear often how a real man will stand up and not have his manhood question but the true sign of manhood is the maturity to know when to walk away from certain situations when the possible consequences are not worth the actions you are considering. I know many Orange fans will be happy to see Eric back in an Orange basketball jersey as soon as he finishes fulfilling his requirements but as much as I love the Orange, I only want him back if he has learned his lesson, makes better personal decisions in his life and is ready to stay out of trouble and avoid embarrassing himself and the program. I am not proclaiming the woman an angel as again, I am not 100% familiar with the situation and was not there that night but assault on a woman is something I have very little tolerance to accept and takes a lot more for me to move past (maybe it's because I have a daughter in college and the father in me would go off on a guy who did what he was accused of to my daughter). But Merry Christmas to all and I hope you all had a great holiday and I hope Mr. Devendorf is ready to move on past this but leaving that part of him behind that thought this was acceptable that night.


http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/Volunteers-and-SUs-Devendorf-serve-up-meals/5A66Pf67a0qSXIgrrUEFlA.cspx#BBECDEEMBEDEDPLAYER

syracuse.com Interviews Mike Williams About Possible Return To Orange

Mike Williams is returning to Syracuse

The December 23rd Edition of Kenny's Two Pennies

Inside Lacrosse Asks, Who Is The Best College Lacrosse Player In 2009?

Found this video which has Coach Desko as one of the many coaches they ask and one of the top names mentioned often is Matt Abbott. Kenny Nims and Dan Hardy also getting some love. Go Orange, let's make it back to back championships.

Holiday Videos For You To Enjoy, Classics If You Will

The Big Orange Bloggin Chuck's One Stop Shop

I haven't done this in a while but figured now is as good of a time as any so here is another edition of my One Stop Shop where I will cover a few topics, some sports and maybe a few not so sporty events. Here we go:

-Congrats to Cleveland State for their win at the Dome Monday night. Some will blame it on a great shot with the seconds of the game running out but I tend to jump on the "play better and not be close enough that it matters" train anytime a situation like this pops up. This was only their first loss so let's not get too worried but I do hope the team is wide awake unless you would like to be the best team invited to the NIT tournament again. The schedule won't get any easier soon because after Canisius I believe is Memphis and soon, Big East play which judging by all the Big East teams atop the standings, is going to produce some great games.

-Speaking of Orange basketball, how about Coach Boeheim and the microphone which you can find Axe discussing here http://www.syracuse.com/axeman/index.ssf/2008/12/jim_boeheim_vs_the_microphone.html. I thought this was after the Cleveland State game but as Axe corrected me, it was following the Long Beach State game on Saturday. I guess that's what happens when you don't watch the games and coverage, you miss out on stuff. Luckily though, between this and that final shot of the Cleveland State game, video clips are all over the internet.

-While on the subject of internet video clips, I thought I would officially announce my partnership with http://www.fandome.com/ which you can find the link on the website. If you go to the basketball section, they have direct links to this blog as articles are updated. It's a great source of videos that feature sports related topics and occasionally some very attractive women as well. I hope you will take the time to check them out if you have not done so yet.

-I heard Mike Waters on Rivals Radio the other morning on Sirius Satellite Radio and I swear, every time I hear him or see his work, I am so grateful of the spectacular work he does for those of us who bleed Orange. Thank you Mike and the staff at http://www.syracuse.com/ for providing us with the best resources available, especially those who live out of state but choose not to ever leave the Orange state of mind.

-While speaking on things to be grateful for, I have to mention something I felt recently on a holiday note. Is there anything more enjoyable this time of year then attending a holiday parade or celebration and seeing the enjoyment on the faces of little children. I was at a Christmas parade not long ago and stood next to this family with young children and it felt so great to see that type of spirit in someone this time of the year. The holiday stress disappears as you witness that innocent joy first hand until you get home of course and realize your Christmas list is far from finished, your checkbook is almost finished off and the Orange basketball team lose while it's plastered all over television and the internet. But it's so refreshing to think that when the stress of the holiday season gets to you and you feel like your backside can't be kicked any harder, that's when we need most to realize the true joys of the Christmas season and leave to a child to help you understand it clearer.

-Since I left the sports spectrum, I had another thought the other night and wondered if you ever had the same thing. Have you ever just out of the blue, thought about a movie you have not seen in years and you don't know why but it won't leave your head. It got me to thinking about my top 10 movies that fit that category and some of these movies I have not thought about or seen in more years then I care to admit is possible (though since I do have a daughter in college, I guess it is possible). Here is my list and let me know what you think or if you have a movie that is not on the list that is probably so obscure most don't remember it but you loved it when it came out:
10. Time Bandits
9. Clash Of The Titans (1981)
8. Meatballs
7. Seems Like Old Times (Chevy Chase, Goldie Hawn where Chevy is framed for a bank robbery he was forced to do and Goldie is married to the DA trying to catch him and is also his ex wife)
6. Johnny Dangerously (which recently the Idiots reminded me of as well)
5. Flash Gordon (1980 with Sam Jones)
4. They Call Me Bruce (ethnic jokes are bad but I was imitating parts of it for weeks, especially when he threatens people, "with this foot, I could kick you...")
3. Song Of The South (A Disney classic that has never been officially released on DVD but offers a great soundtrack and was a cute movie as well).
2. The Pirate Movie (though this one may have more to do with my crush on Kristy McNichol back in the early 80's as well)
1. Under The Rainbow (Chevy Chase, Carrie Fisher about casting people to play the munchkins in the Wizard of Oz which featured many jokes that would not be very politically correct).

-Lastly, I want to speak on an issue that is indirectly related to Syracuse as I don't believe it was an issue here as much as it is being speculated elsewhere. A couple weeks ago, I wrote about my desire to see Turner Gill become the next Syracuse Orange football coach. I still think Coach Gill is highly qualified to be a head coach in a top program as far as what he has achieved at Buffalo, especially if you consider what he started with and where he is now, but I will give Coach Doug Marrone the chance to prove himself. I am left wondering why a coach who accomplished so much failed to land one of those top jobs that were open recently (though I see reports he did receive a raise at Buffalo which I think he earned defeating previously undefeated Ball State in the MAC conference championship game). If there is any truth that his ethnicity or being in a mixed marriage is cause for his not being hired that that is a disgrace to NCAA football and any program who would find this justifiable. I will say though that if this was the case, Coach Gill was the one who benefited by not being hired by people so ignorant and finding a job deserving of his talent.

Doug Marrone Press Conference Courtesy Of WSYR 9

My Marrone Links

I enjoyed the press conference, what I saw of it anyway between the breaking up it did and have to agree with Coach Mac, we as Orange fans need to go out and be supportive of this decision and give the guy a chance. I wish Coach Doug Marrone the best of luck and I plan to be fully supportive of his tenure. Anyway, here are some links to find out opinions on the decision.

TNIAAM breaks down the presser as only he can..... http://www.nunesmagician.com/2008/12/13/691276/doug-marrone-presser-break

ESPN's Brian Bennett seems to be impressed with Coach Marrone's first impression.....
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-2-272/Passionate-Marrone-hopes-to-make-Syracuse-a-winner-again.html

These Three Idiots Of Orange Are sold on him here and include a link to the press conference.....
http://www.idiotsonsports.com/2008/12/you-had-me-at-hello-coach.html

AEM says the pressure is on.....
http://theorangesports.blogspot.com/2008/12/hes-here.html

The Syracuse Post Standard's Dave Rahme gives his review and assesses the whole situation with the great effort Dave always does (him and Donnie are the two best sources for Orange football I know).....
http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2008/12/lets_give_doug_a_chance_to_ass.html

And for some current and former players reaction as well as others around the program, check out these links.....
http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2008/12/reactions_from_chris_gedney_ti.html

http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2008/12/reactions_from_exteammates_mik.html

http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2008/12/reactions_from_current_su_play.html

http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2008/12/su_alum_rob_burnett_doug_marro.html

Finally, We Have Ourselves A Coach

Donnie Webb of syracuse.com, which is a source I trust and he is reporting that at 2pm today, Doug Marrone will be named the new head football coach of the Syracuse Orange. Some may let you know how they feel about the hire but I choose to wait and see how it works out before I make any judgement. Best of luck to Coach Marrone and let's hope this is the beginning of the Orange winning.
http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2008/12/marrone_hired.html

Contest For Free Powerade

Everybody loves free stuff so let's have some fun with the Syracuse Orange football head coach carousel. Post a comment below and the person who posts the name that wins the head coaching job, I will mail them a certificate for a free 32 oz. Powerade. Please note, if there is a tie, I will award it to the person who posted it first. I know it's not much but hey, it's free and I will even pay the postage haha. So post the name below and good luck because right now there is a lot of speculation but still no name. And make sure you name it before it's announced because entry deadline is when more then one reliable source names the coach and it is confirmed (I just want to have some fun guessing), though it seems as though the NFL Network does not count since they have been proven to be unreliable about this issue. Good luck and Go Orange.

Want To Know Why Orange Fans Are Upset?

Check out this email I received today and it illustrates the point of why many of us Orange fans are frustrated with the current situation. Yes I know they are funny but too close to the truth that it hurts sometimes. By the way, this was not sent to me by a Hoya fan but someone from 'Cuse.


New NY Speeding Law
The NY State Police are cracking down on speeders heading into Syracuse.
For the first offense, they give you two Syracuse University Football tickets.
If you get stopped a second time, they make you use them.

Q. What do the Syracuse Orange and Billy Graham have in common?
A. They both can make 50,000 people stand up and yell "Jesus Christ!".

Q. How do you keep a Syracuse football player out of your yard?
A. Put up goal post.

Q. Where do you go in Syracuse in case of a tornado?
A. To the Carrier Dome--they never get a touchdown there!

Q. What do you call a Syracuse Orange man with a Big East championship ring?
A. A thief.

Q. What's the difference between the Syracuse Orange and a dollar bill?
A. You can still get four quarters out of a dollar bill.

Q. How many Syracuse Orange does it take to win an Big East Championship?
A. Nobody knows and we may never find out!

Q. What do the SU Orange and a possums have in common?
A. Both play dead at home and get killed on the road!

College Playoffs? Don't Talk To Me About College Football Playoffs!

Thats right, I stole a line from that famous Jim Mora quote you can see abused above to emphasize the point that I think discussion of college football playoff system is overrated. Every year I hear people fantasize about some cure all fantasy idea that having a playoff system will heal the bleeding that is college football. I am sorry but I like college football as it is today and don't think it needs any major changes. So please allow me a few minutes to explain why I love the BCS system and think a playoff is more hype then answers.

So how many teams should be eligible for this playoff system? Four? Eight? Sixteen? Heck, do like they do in basketball and try 65? For the record, even with their 65, teams with qualities wins who deserve a chance to make it, are in fact left out (which as a Syracuse Orange fan, I can attest to personally). And when you decide on a number, how will the chosen few be selected? Do you mandate conference championship games and advance the winners from those games or go by the current ranking system we have now? If you choose plan A, what happens when a team upsets a favorite in the big game and earns the bid with a record that 15 other teams end up with better records and are left out? If you go by the polls, isn't that just as subjective as we have now and could potentially leave someone out just as deserving? So what exactly is the "perfect" criteria that will make this playoff system to meet the levels of your expectations.

I personally enjoy the bowls games every year. It's a chance for teams from smaller conferences or good teams bogged down in top conferences to go out and prove they are good teams as well. It also allows the school to give the students experiences they will never forget while earning money that will go back into the university and the programs to help better themselves. It's also a chance for people like me who love to see football games even during the week and the holidays to experience teams I may not get the chance to see otherwise. I have loved the fact that for years, I can sit down during the holidays and watch them when dinner/presents are done (or sometimes even sneak them into the backdrop). And it doesn't matter to me if it's IUP, UNLV, or USC, I would watch just to see what happens because I enjoy college football.

One other aspect I like of the current system is that it makes every game of the season count. Everything a team does reflects their value and their ranking within the system and thus, more important. What may have been some rivalry game is now suddenly a chance for one of the teams to move higher in the rankings with a victory. It also makes sure that those teams fighting for their chance, play every game on their schedule with an unmatched intensity and are forced to win or lose out. For instance, Texas was ranked #1 when it lost to a #7 ranked Texas Tech team who in turn made it to #2 before being defeated by #5 Oklahoma. This may sound confusing but if you look at it from the ranking standpoint, Texas lost to a team ranked 6 slots below them, Oklahoma lost to a #1 and defeated a #2 so it seems logical that Oklahoma get the first chance at a shot to advance to the BCS championship game. This is proof that the quality of your wins in every game and the rankings make such matchups more meaningful throughout the whole season.

In conclusion, I support this BCS system despite the many critics which include our current President Elect. People tell me that I would change my tune if the Syracuse Orange where left out when they deserved a chance(as I mentioned above, been there and done that in basketball). Then again, right now I would be doing back flips if Syracuse was even mentioned in the Big East title picture, let alone nationally. But that aside, I argue that is not true and I would still emphatically believe the Orange should earn their way in just as other teams have to do. I keep hearing people who want the playoff system state that it should be decided on the field. I contend that it is decided on the field and every week you earn it. The top two teams are rewarded with the BCS Championship Game and will determine the new champion on the field because they earned it throughout the entire season and are the most deserving. That's my opinion, let me know what you think. I know it says above don't talk to me about it but some lines are so priceless, you have to keep them going and that Jim Mora line is one of them (and about half the lines from the Office including the famous "That's what she said" which I personally love to use when I get the chance).

Rivals.com Discuss Orange Basketball

In Rivals.com's Andrew Skwara latest mailbag segment, he discusses why he thinks 'Cuse is not as good as UCONN, Pitt or Louisville but has the potential to make the sweet sixteen round of the tournament, if not further.


http://collegebasketball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=884500

WTVH Discusses Greg Robinson's Final Press Conference

Here is the WTVH 5 version of the final press conference of Greg Robinson's tenure as head football coach at Syracuse University. Love or hate the guy, if you don't at least respect him, you are missing out. I know I have not been a fan of the on field performance of his team but it's only because as an Orange fan, it's heartbreaking to see it being more predictable to pick against them then have enough pride in your team to root for them. You can go to www.syracuse.com or www.fandome.com for the 3 part full session but I chose to simply post WTVH version here because not only is it shorter but I like the way they presented it (that and they hooked me up with a special birthday wish to my grandmother the other day on short notice for their early morning show and I am forever grateful for that since living out of the Syracuse area, I have limited resources on these things). So enjoy and Go Orange and I will repeat again, I wish nothing but the best for Greg Robinson and his family.

Greg Robinson says goodbye to SU

Syracuse Beats Colgate And I Got The Links To Prove It

Since I was at work and did not see the game, here are some links to help break down the game.

The Idiots learn a not so valuable lesson:
http://www.idiotsonsports.com/2008/12/syracuse-v-colgate-what-i-learned.html

TNIIAM didn't have any fun tonight:
http://www.nunesmagician.com/2008/12/2/677316/man-that-wasn-t-even-fun

Axe breaks down the "Hairy" game:
http://www.syracuse.com/axeman/index.ssf/2008/12/sucolgate_recap_1.html

Donna Ditota discusses the playing time of Mookie Jones:
http://blog.syracuse.com/orangebasketball/2008/12/syracuse_guard_mookie_jones_se.html

Mike Waters analyzes the blowout:
http://blog.syracuse.com/orangebasketball/2008/12/blowout_syracuse_trounces_colg.html

Fox Sports has the game stats right here for you:
http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/gameTrax?gameId=200812010553

My Top Choice For The Next Head Coach Of Syracuse Football Is.....

As the search begins for the a new Syracuse Orange head football coach, I wanted to look at the candidates as fairly as I could and see if I have a favorite. For some reason, I kept coming back to the same name and not that it matters to Dr. Gross but I have my top choice for the job. The name is not earth shattering and has been mentioned several times but I still like it. The man I would like to endorse for the position is none other then the University of Buffalo Head Coach Turner Gill.

I hear a lot of people trashing his record at Buffalo because he is 14-21 but I find that record very deceptive. His first season, he was 2-10(1-7 in conference) playing very good teams like Auburn and Boston College. The next year, which was 2007, he 5-7 overall but 5-3 in the MAC, had the first winning season since joining the MAC and was named coach of the year in the league. This year, they compiled a record of 7-5 overall and 5-3 in conference which is enough for them to win the East MAC conference and get them into the championship game against the #14 team in the nation, the undefeated Ball State (who many are trying to show support for them to receive a BCS bid). To me that shows improvement and if Greg Robinson had done anything similar to that in the Big East, he would still be the head football coach today.

Let's also discuss other points on his resume. So what else has he accomplished as a coach besides his numerous feats on the field at Nebraska? Well, I am so glad I asked myself that question. He was quarterback coach of his Alma mater during such time as two All-Americans named Tommie Frazier and 2001 Heisman winner Eric Crouch. Nebraska also played in and won three national championship games while he was a coach there. He recruited a true freshman by the name of Davonte Shannon who became UB's first All-MAC first team player. He also set a school record in 2006 for the most points scored by a team in the East conference of the MAC. He also worked for one season before signing on to coach at UB with the Green Bay Packers as Director of Player Development as well as assistant wide receivers coach and offensive assistant coach. I have seen multiple outlets discussing the players he either evaluates well or coaches above expectation and either way, that is a major plus for the Syracuse program. He also has shown he can recruit within the northeast and outside the area as well (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/andy_staples/11/13/turner.gill/index.html for further reference) and I think when he is successful, less players will leave upstate NY for other schools and play for Coach Gill.

Are these facts mind numbing? Probably not but I consider them impressive. I mean thanks to Wikipedia and the official website of the University of Buffalo Bulls, I had many numerous and valuable resources to help point out Coach Gill's success(including the stats listed above). I hope more Orange fans actually research some of these guys and decide for themselves and while your doing that, see why Turner Gill is the perfect choice. Also, search below for a sample of his press conferences so you can get an idea of what future Orange pressers will be like. I also hope those who think Gill, if successful, will run to Nebraska when they hire a new head coach, will ponder exactly how many head coaches in college football today are truly coaching "for life" at the program they are running right now. You go after the best coach for the job, not who you hope will be there in 5 years. And I think after looking up all the candidate most websites are posting, he meets the criteria we need (recruiting, head coaching experience and a proven successful resume). He may not be high profile but I think he is the highlight of the possibilities. Doctor Gross, it is my opinion (and I am sure you are reading this pondering just exactly who Orange Chuck is endorsing) that you should interview Coach Gill after the MAC championship game and offer him the job so that Syracuse can finally return to building a successful program with happy fans and boosters a like who will once again not only love supporting the Orange but spending their money in support of this team and university.

Calling Out All Hot Orange Female Fans

This is the only time I will have Ohio State on my blog unless they play the Orange but when I saw this, I had to send a call out to all the hot ladies in Orange Nation. This girl is gorgeous but I know we have hotter women within the Orange Nation so if you see one and they can top this, let me know. I know we have gorgeous alum like Vanessa Williams but I want to see someone that is showing Orange pride like she does for her Buckeyes. Not only will I post it here, I will post in a response on www.fandome.com as well. Go Orange!

Melo Discusses The NFL

This video, courtesy of Open Mic with Sam Adams, found at www.rockymountainnews.com is video of Carmelo Anthony discussing Bret Favre and his picking the Broncos to beat the Jets.

Syracuse Orange Basketball Links

ESPN's Box Score of Syracuse Orange victory over Kansas:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=283300183

Mike Waters breakdown of the game:
http://blog.syracuse.com/orangebasketball/2008/11/rock_chalk_er_hold_on_syracuse.html

Donna Ditota's view of the game:
http://blog.syracuse.com/orangebasketball/2008/11/arinze_onuaku_stands_tall_for.html

Fanhouse's Chas Rich says youth and fatigue helped Syracuse win:
http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/11/26/syracuse-youth-and-fatigue-take-out-kansas/

TNIAAM talks about why the Orange should be ranked now and some game highlights:
http://www.nunesmagician.com/2008/11/26/670819/finally-the-big-east-will

And highlight video courtesy of Fandome.com and ESPN:

My Latest Poll, Orange Fans Unite

For the fun of it, I decided to run a poll until December 7th to determine who is Orange public enemy #1. So if you get a chance, please vote and remember, I did allow for multiple votes so if more then one of them upsets you equally, vote for them all. I personally chose Pat Dye because I will never forget the tie that cost Syracuse it's national championship. The Hoyas and Smart are tied for second but I added a couple other things to make it a bit more interesting since I see many think of Gottlieb and Cowherd as Orange haters. I personally don't listen to either of them anyway so I don't know what they say, I like my ESPN Radio on 1260 from 3-6 pm with Brent Axe when I am home to hear it and sometimes Mike Tirico too. By the way, I am sure I missed something and if its major and we have enough stuff, maybe I will do another one or a runoff later. For now, enjoy the win over Florida and the high from the Notre Dame victory (or am I the only one still in awe and loving every minute of it).

And The Winner Of The Funniest Sports Movie Of All Time Is.....

WARNING:There is profane language but the best clips of this movie have it so it's hard to find a clip without it.

WTVH Tells Us Edsall Is Out And Discuss A Couple Potential Hires

UConn coach says he's not interested in SU job

If Turner Gill Is The New Coach, Here Is Proof TNIAAM May Have A Rougher Time With Turner-isms

Watch more MySpace videos on AOL Video

Orange Women's Preview

SOMETHING ABOUT WOMEN IN ORANGE I LOVE

Couple Great Links For Orange Fans

First off, TNIAAM, the greatest blogger in the history of blogging or at least Orange Nation anyway and the guy I credit along with Axe for getting me started has this great report I enjoyed reading in response to Turner Gill as a candidate for the SU football head coach.

http://http://www.nunesmagician.com/2008/11/18/664760/real-deities-wear-orange?login=1227120236

And Axe has a great break down on the recent Richmond/Syracuse match up and if you don't read Axe's game analysis on a regular basis, you should. He also discusses the disgusting accusations about an Orange player's possible assault on a female, which if proven true, will be a huge reason I will never root for this guy ever. I know accidents happen but assault of any kind on a woman by a guy is unacceptable but to be fair to Eric, the police lacked evidence to press charges and he deserves the right for the process to work itself out.

http://www.syracuse.com/axeman/index.ssf/2008/11/surichmond_the_happy_recap.html

And an entertaining look at the game by the Idiots who make blogging amusing as they do it "24" style with a minute by minute breakdown, how ever not as you may think.

http://www.idiotsonsports.com/2008/11/running-diary-syracuse-richmond.html

Syracuse, I Got Your Next Big Recurit

I Am Always A Sucker For Otto Videos

Another Take On Coach Robinson and An Endorsement Of Turner Gill From Sprint TV

Courtesy Of syracuse.com,Dr.Gross's Explanation Of His Decision To Replace Greg Robinson After The Season

SU Athletic Director Dr. Daryl Gross press conference

A Quick Note From The Editor

I want to make one thing perfectly clear to those who have read my blog posts previously and those who will see my many posts about the issue of the termination of Coach Greg Robinson, it is not a personal issue. I don't know the man personally and probably never will, this is just my view as a fan of a program that is bleeding. Do I blame the downfall completely on his shoulders? Absolutely not but in college football, its about recruiting and winning and this team has struggled with both more times then not and that comes back on the man who has the ultimate job of doing those two tasks. If Coach P was fired because you wanted to do better then 6 and 7 win seasons and blowout in bowl games, how do you justify 4 wins in your best year and no bowl appearances? I understand what effect losing a job can have on a person, their family and those around them as I have been laid off and even fired once myself. I also understand that if I do not perform my job to a certain level, the company has a certain expectation of my work and will replace me with someone who will meet those expectations. When you are paid millions of dollars to turn around a program and in 4 years, it is still struggling, I am sorry but it's time to consider another direction. I understand his dream was to be a head coach and who knows, maybe somewhere else he will succeed but this was just not the right fit for everyone involved. And as far as my beloved Orange and their football program and facilities, if they are in fact sub par and outdated, maybe some of that war chest that has been brought up when funding a new coach should be used to help with that so that the next coach has more to work with and help make this program competitive. Do I expect them to meet Florida and USC levels within the next 2-3 years? Of course not but at least show me some progress and make it competitive so that I, as an Orange fan, can have pride in this program that I love and not be the laughing stock of sports. I will always bleed Orange and if I die, I hope I am buried in an Orange suit (or my 44 jersey) and an Orange casket and so is it wrong of me to believe that I should also want to be proud and have faith that this team can win more then once or twice a season? I wish Greg Robinson the best of luck in the future but I think it's time we all move on and do what's best for both sides.

Coach Robinson's Response From syracuse.com

SU head football coach Greg Robinson dismissal press conference

Links To Coach Robinson's Timely Dismissal

http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2008/11/robinson_i_ran_out_of_time.html


http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/11/16/syracuse-realizes-change-is-needed/


http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/8804366/Coach-Greg-Robinson-out-at-Syracuse


http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3706539


http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-2-102/Robinson--Syracuse-a-poor-fit-from-the-beginning.html


http://www.collegefootballtalk.com/2008/11/16/syracuse-fires-greg-robinson/


http://ydr.inyork.com/ydr/psu/ci_11000046


http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=487099

Carolina Panthers Bringin The Pain-Warning, This Is Addictive

It's Official, Coach Robinson Is Fired As Orange Head Coach

Donnie Webb, who I respect immensouly, has reported this statement from Syracuse University:

STATEMENT FROM DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS DR. DARYL GROSS REGARDING THE FOOTBALL PROGRAM

I have made the decision to move our football program in a new direction and have informed Greg Robinson that his tenure as Syracuse's head coach will end at the conclusion of this season.

Coach Robinson worked very hard to try to establish a winning program, one that could eventually compete for the conference championship on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the progress we expected to see has not occurred.

Greg has been professional and honorable in how he has handled his responsibilities as head coach. He has been dedicated to teaching and guiding the student-athletes in his charge, and passionate in wanting Syracuse to be a quality and successful program.

I thank Coach Robinson and his entire staff for creating a highly competitive culture in which our players never gave up, and for his development and leadership of our student-athletes in the classroom and community. His commitment to community service was outstanding. He leaves the program with a solid base on which we will continue to build. We wish Greg and his family the very best moving forward.

The timing of this announcement allows us to end rumor and speculation and provides us ample time to hire a head coach who has shown the capability to produce a winning football program that the Syracuse nation can be proud of. That process will begin immediately and will remain confidential until a selection is made.

So Much To Talk About-Flynn And Coach Boeheim At Big East Media Day

The Official Drink Of The Big Orange Bloggin Chuck And Biggest Addiction Besides Pizza

Kiffin To Clemson?

http://www.collegefootballtalk.com/2008/11/13/clemson-quietly-interviewed-kiffin/ is a link to an article by http://www.collegefootballtalk.com/ where they discuss that Clemson has already talked to not only Lane Kiffin about their head coaching position but Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables as well. If Syracuse truly is interested in Kiffin or Venables, I would say make a change soon or deal could be done for both before you even have the chance to discuss it with them. Kiffin is already on the record stating he would be interested in the Washington coaching position and you can't blame a guy for checking with them all to see why his best option is. Unless the reports of a consulting firm is true, every day Syracuse waits, is a day someone makes a generous offer to a coach you wanted to at least chat with about the job and much like many presidential and other elections, you are simply forced to choose the best of what's left.

Big Orange Bloggin Chuck Screws Up

Have you ever done something and realized after you had to ask yourself what the heck you were thinking? The poll above is missing one of my favorite movies of all time and I can't add it now since voting has begun so I am just placing a nice 7 minute clip here for you to enjoy as part of my apology. How the heck did I forget to add this movie? This movie has baseball and betting, the two of the most enjoyable sports ever. WARNING:PROFANE LANGUAGE IN THE CLIP

Think The Voting Is Close, Think Again

For those who see the above poll and think this poll is neck and neck, you forgot to check my other blog where Slap Shot is running away with it. And at the end of next week, I will be tallying the totals of both to determine the winner. So if you want to vote there, click here http://thebigorangeblogginchucksminor.blogspot.com/ and add another vote there though I am not heartbroken as a fan of Slap Shot(I personally thought it would come down to that and Talladega Nights anyway based on the first round numbers). Vote now, it's your civic duty as a blog reader.

TNA WRESTLING PAY PER VIEW COMES TO CHARLOTTE

TNA ANNOUNCES JANUARY'S "GENESIS" PAY-PER-VIEW IS COMING TO CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA
Tickets go on sale this Saturday at Ticketmaster and the arena box office!

Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling has announced its January Pay-Per-View epic event “Genesis” will be held live at the Cricket Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday, January 11, 2009. The event will air live worldwide on Pay-Per-View.

After bringing several successful live events in 2008 and 2009 to the Carolinas, “Genesis” will be the first-ever Pay-Per-View event in the Charlotte and North Carolina in TNA history.

“Charlotte has one of the biggest wrestling fan bases in America, so we’re obviously thrilled to bring one of our biggest events, Genesis, to The Queen City,” said TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter.

“Charlotte has never seen a live pro wrestling show like TNA’s, and though many legendary in-ring battles have been held at the Cricket Arena, the excitement at Genesis will bring pro wrestling to a new plateau.”

The superstars of “TNA iMPACT!” (Thursdays, 9 p.m. ET/PT, Spike TV) will headline “Genesis,” such as Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, TNA World Heavyweight Champion “The Icon” Sting, Mick Foley, Booker T, “The Phenomenal” A.J. Styles, Kevin Nash, “The Instant Classic” Christian Cage, “The Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe, Scott Steiner, Team 3D, The Latin American Xchange, the Motor City Machineguns, Robert Roode, “Black Machismo” Jay Lethal, TNA Women's Champion Awesome Kong, ODB and Eric Young, among others.

Tickets for “Genesis” go on sale this Saturday, November 15, via Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com and at the Cricket Arena box office.

Its Time For Voting Finals

Thank you for all those that voted. You now have two weeks to decide between the top 8 finalists in their categories plus we had a 3 way tie for wild card so you have 11 total to choose from. I have allowed for multiple votes to if you can't decide, pick more then one. I also am running the same poll on my other blog http://thebigorangeblogginchucksminor.blogspot.com/ so you can even vote for the same movie there too. I will tally all the votes from both blogs combined and determine the winner in two weeks. At that time, I will find something creative to do with the winner, pending the outcome(such as a weekly video clip of it, naming a column after some part of it, etc). So vote early and tell your friends to vote and determine just what is the funniest sports movie ever. Enjoy.

You Can Never Have Too Much Otto

Two More Polls

For the other two polls, click here http://thebigorangeblogginchucksminor.blogspot.com/ which are Funniest Golf/Hockey Movies and Funniest Baseball Movies. Oh and vote as often in the polls as you wish, I left it open for ballot stuffing so if you want to vote on more then one, be my guest. And so you know, polling will end at 11:59 PM on 11-7-08.

Anyone Feel Like Voting For Something Funny?

I thought since the election seems to be a stressful time, why not find a funny poll to vote on. So with that in mind, this weekend I will post my Top 64 Sports Comedy Movies Championship. I will have it broken down into 8 categories and the top votes will advance to the next round along with one wild card. I know this blog is not daily reading for most people and who can blame you really so I will have it up for two weeks. So I hope you plan to check out this websites sometime soon and cast your vote to determine the funniest sports movie ever. And make sure you bookmark my other website http://thebigorangeblogginchucksminor.blogspot.com/ or click the link to the left of the page as two of the topics will appear on that site since they relate to my new blog.

Minor League News Moves To New Site

So after thinking about it, I have decided to do a whole blog dedicated to the minor league teams I like in the Charlotte and Syracuse area. http://thebigorangeblogginchucksminor.blogspot.com/ is the link.
If your interested in these teams which will mostly be baseball and hockey oriented, check it out and let me know what you think. Right now it's mostly press releases and stuff but I hope to do more with it later depending on my schedule(I work 4pm until 12:30am every weekday so I tend to miss most games). Thank you for all your support.

Columbus Blue Jackets Assign Dan LaCosta to Crunch

Syracuse, NY (October 19, 2008) – The Syracuse Crunch Announced today that the Columbus Blue Jackets have assigned goaltender Dan LaCosta to the Crunch.

LaCosta, 22, has appeared in three games with the Crunch this season, posting a 3-0-0-0 record with a 2.18 goals-against average and .928 save percentage. LaCosta played 35 minutes and stopped 15 of 17 shots Saturday night in Nashville in relief of Blue Jackets starter, Fredrik Norrena.

A native of Labrador City, Newfoundland, LaCosta was drafted by Columbus in the third round, 93rd overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

The Crunch continue their 15th AHL season on Friday, October 24 for a home match-up against Binghamton and Saturday, October 25, as they take on Rochester at the War Memorial at Oncenter. Tickets for all Crunch home games are available by calling the Crunch Box Office, (315) 473-4444, or by visiting the Crunch office in the War Memorial at Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.
Visit us online at http://www.syracusecrunch.com

Crunch's 18-Game Regular Season Win Streak Snapped

This update directly from www.syracusecrunch.com

Hershey, PA (October 18, 2008) - The Syracuse Crunch's record breaking 18-game regular season win streak was snapped Saturday night losing 7-1 to the Hershey Bears at the Giant Center. With the victory the Bears remain undefeated in five games this season.

Tempers flared early as each team fought to set the tempo for the game in the first period. Hershey scored just two minutes and 34 seconds into the game when Andrew Gordon netted a loose puck sitting between starting goaltender for the Crunch, Sebastian Dahm's skates.
The Bears went up 2-0 when Graham Mink banged home a third-chance rebound in front of the Crunch's net at 10:36 in the first period.

The Crunch answered with a power play goal from Mike York at 17:36 in the first period. York snuck a loose puck in front of the net past starting goaltender Daren Machesney, which proved to be the Crunch's only goal of the night.

Much like the first period of play, the Bears ignited their offense early in the second period when Alexander Giroux netted a power play, one-timer past Dahm just 47 seconds in, from a feed from Sami Lepisto, making the score 3-1 Hershey.
Keith Aucoin helped build the Bears lead to 4-1 when he tallied his first of the game and third of the year at 13:55 into the second period.
Alexander Giroux, Francois Bouchard and Sami Lepisto each recorded a goal in the third period for the Bears to cap the game score at 7-1 in favor of Hershey.
Dahm finished the night with 34 saves as his record fell to 0-1-0. Machesney improved to 3-0-0 recording 28 saves in the victory.

CRUNCHABLES: Sebastian Dahm recorded his first AHL start of his career tonight… The Crunch played in their fourth straight home opener (Rochester - October 10; Syracuse - October 11; Binghamton - October 17 and Hershey tonight).

CHECKERS DEFEAT EVERBLADES, 3-1

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Checkers bounced back after a defeat the previous night to find redemption against the Florida Everblades by a 3-1 win.



In the first period, the Everblades struck first when a shot from the right wing side by Mathieu Roy was stopped by Checkers goaltender, Jeff Jakaitis but the rebound went right to the slot to Florida forward Ernie Hartlieb who blasted the puck into an open net at 2:06. This gave the Everblades an early 1-0 advantage. Charlotte evened things up on the power-play after when Matthew Ford redirected a Tomas Zaborksky pass over the glove of Florida netminder Anton Khudobin at 6:25 tying the contest at 1-1.



The Checkers stormed out of the gate with an early goal by Ryan Murphy 32 seconds into the stanza after a Jared Nightingale shot hit the post and the puck laid in the crease behind an unknowing Khudobin where Murphy knocked it past the goal-line. This put Charlotte up 2-1 and they would sustain that lead throughout the remainder of the period.



During the final period, Ford scored his second of the game after firing a snap shot over the blocker side of Khudobin putting up the Checkers by a score of 3-1. With the Everblades down by two goals late in the contest, they were awarded a two-man advantage but were unable to find the back of the net and Checkers won the game by a score of 3-1.



Jakaitis was brilliant in his performance stopping 35 of 36 shots and Khudobin turned aside 17 of 20 in the loss.



For more information, please contact

Jason Shaya

704-940-4081

Jshaya@gocheckers.com

Orange Spotlight

This edition of the Orange Spotlight is dedicated to a building that is filled with emotion and history for me. As someone who lives out of the Syracuse area, every time I drive north on Interstate 81, I can always tell I am there when I can see the view in the horizon. Also, I remember standing in my grandfather's hospital bed as he was sick with a view of this building and remembering the times I visited him while Syracuse was playing. It is also named after a business my grandfather worked at until he retired in the early 90's and he also took me there once to watch a BC/SU Football game. By now I am sure you know that this Orange Spotlight will focus on the Carrier Dome.

Located at 900 Irving Avenue, it was built in 1982 at a cost of $28 million. The field made of Fieldturf, the building itself is cited by numerous sources to be the largest on campus structure in the country. The dome weighs 220 tons and is made of Teflon coated fiberglass. When snow approaches the Carrier Dome it is heated to 145 degrees to prevent it from collapsing. In March 1993, the dome was deflated because nearly four feet of snow fell in the Syracuse area. It was built to replace both Archbold Stadium for football, which was not up to standard and had already been reduced due to fire code violations as well as Manley Field House for men's basketball. And for the record, and for those who have never been inside it, despite being named after Carrier Corporation which builds air conditioners, there is none inside the Dome.

I have heard many discuss replacing it in favor of a state of the art facility with luxury boxes and seats and even some wanting an outdoor stadium again like Archbold was to allow for more seating. I understand the current trend but to me, the Carrier Dome is still a great place for fans to see the Orange and building a 100,000 seat stadium just because other places have them to me is over rated. The facility itself is just fine, they do improve certain things as the years go by and it seats enough fans(can seat 50,000 fans as is) and even at one point, WWE considered holding Wrestlemania there to help set the indoor record for a sporting event(though university officials decided against it). Maybe I am just a sentimentalist but I love the Carrier Dome, get chills sometimes when I go near it and as I stated earlier, it reminds me so much of Syracuse that nothing could be a better representative of the area then this. So I dedicate this column to the greatest sports arena in the world, the Carrier Dome. Go Orange.

CHECKERS DROP SEASON OPENER TO EVERBLADES, 6-3

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Despite scoring an early goal on their first shot of the contest, the Checkers couldn't muster enough firepower to stop the Florida Everblades as they lost by a score of 6-3.



The Checkers started the scoring early when forward Ryan Murphy sent a pass through the middle of the ice inside the Everblades zone to Peter Tsimikalis who slid the puck between the legs of Florida netminder David Leggio at 1:20 giving a 1-0 lead to the Checkers. Florida answered right back when Ernie Hartleib rifled a one-time shot over the catching glove of Charlotte goalie Maxime Daigneault at 3:01. Florida took their first lead of the game on the power play after defenseman Aaron Brocklehurst snapped a sharp angle shot from the right wing and tucked it inside the far post and behind Daigneault putting the Everblades up 2-0 at 7:14. The Checkers would score a power play goal of their own after rookie centerman Tomas Zaborsky found a loose puck in the crease on a Mike Bayrack shot and slipped it past the goal-line at 13:55. This tied the contest at 2-2 but the Everblades wouldn’t be down long thanks to Kevin Baker’s shot on a nice pass from former Checker Mark Lee which went past Daigneault putting the Everblades up 3-2 at the end of twenty minutes of action.



The second period brought another power play goal for the Everblades as Dannick Bouchard scored at 9:35 stretching the Everblades lead to 4-2.



In the final period, Bouchard would find the back of the net once again extending the Everblades lead to 5-2 at 1:34 on a breakaway roofing the puck over the blocker side on Daigneault. Later, while the Checkers were on the man advantage, Florida defenseman Jonathan Paiement battled for a loose puck at center ice and skated in on Daigneault but was hauled down which got him awarded a penalty shot. Paiement faked forhand and slid the puck just under the left pad of the Checkers netminder putting the Everblades up 6-2. Charlotte would add a late power-play goal by Tsimikalis closing the gap to 6-3 but the Everblades would skate away with the victory by that same score.



Both teams will battle each other once again tomorrow night in Florida at 7:30 p.m.



For more information, please contact

Jason Shaya

704-940-4081

Jshaya@gocheckers.com

Crunch Announce Details of Supercuts Magnetic Schedule Giveaway

Syracuse, NY (October 17, 2008) - The Syracuse Crunch announced today that their Friday, October 24 game against the Binghamton Senators will be Supercuts Magnetic Schedule Giveaway Night.

Each fan in attendance at the War Memorial at Oncenter on Friday, October 24 will receive a Syracuse Crunch 2008-09 magnetic schedule, courtesy of Supercuts.

Fans can expect super style, super value, and super advice at any of the over 2,100 Supercuts locations. Supercuts is dedicated to the idea that fans shouldn’t have to pay too much to look, well, super. When fans experience Supercuts’ array of services including hair coloring, highlights, gray blending, special treatments such as the Tea Tree Experience and a complete selection of salon-only products, they will see they’ve got hair care needs covered.

The Crunch continue their 15th AHL season by traveling to Binghamton on Friday, October 17 and Hershey on Saturday, October 18. The Crunch return home on Friday, October 24 for a match-up against Binghamton. Tickets for all Crunch home games are available by calling the Crunch Box Office, (315) 473-4444, or by visiting the Crunch office in the War Memorial at Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.
Visit us online at http://www.syracusecrunch.com

CHECKERS RECEIVE MIKE TAYLOR FROM WOLF PACK

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Checkers announced today that the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League have reassigned forward Mike Taylor to Charlotte.



Taylor, 5-feet-11, 180 pounds, signed as a free agent with the Wolf Pack this offseason. The Maple Grove, Minn. native played four seasons of college hockey with Harvard University. He suited up in 125 games scoring 29 goals and 41 assists for 70 points. His last season with Harvard, he led the team in assists and points and was third in goals scored. After the completion of his senior season, he played his first professional games with the Wolf Pack where he scored two goals and two assists for four points in eight games. Taylor will join the team for both road games in Florida as the Checkers battle the Everblades on Friday Oct. 17 and Saturday Oct. 18 for the first two games of the season.



The Checkers are getting ready for their 16th season of play as a member of the ECHL. Opening night will take place on Halloween against the Augusta Lynx at a special 8 p.m. start. In the team’s 15-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 11 times including four consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers are entering their fourth season of play at Time Warner Cable Arena. Season tickets are on sale now with full-season packages starting at just $396. For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.



For more information, please contact

Jason Shaya

704-940-4081

Jshaya@gocheckers.com

Crunch Announce Details of Papa John’s Birthday Pack

Syracuse, NY (October 16, 2008) – The Syracuse Crunch announced today the details of the Papa John’s Birthday Pack for the 2008-09 season.

The Papa John’s Birthday Pack includes the following:

Ten (10) tickets to the game of your choice

One (1) Papa John’s pizza slice and one (1) Coca-Cola for up to ten (10) people

Twenty dollar ($20) Crunch merchandise gift certificate for the birthday child
Souvenir for each child attending the party

Birthday child’s name on the scoreboard

The total for the Papa John’s Birthday Pack is $190.

Additional tickets are $16 each and include all of the above.

The Crunch continue their 15th AHL season by traveling to Binghamton on Friday, October 17 and Hershey on Saturday, October 18. The Crunch return home on Friday, October 24 for a match-up against Binghamton. Tickets for all Crunch home games are available by calling the Crunch Box Office, (315) 473-4444, or by visiting the Crunch office in the War Memorial at Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.
Visit us online at http://www.syracusecrunch.com

Dan Smith Named Tenth Captain in Syracuse Crunch History

Syracuse, NY (October 16, 2008) - The Syracuse Crunch announced today that they have named defenseman Dan Smith as their team captain for the 2008-09 season. The club also announced that center Derek MacKenzie and left wing Mike York will serve as alternate captains during home games and left wing Steve Kelly and center Craig MacDonald will wear the ‘A’ during road games.

Smith, who turns 32 years old on Sunday, becomes the tenth full-time team captain in franchise history (Dane Jackson, 1994-95, Mark Wotton, 1995-99, Brian Bonin, 1999-00, Mike Gaul, 2000-01, Sean Pronger, 2001-02, David Ling 2002-03, Darrell Scoville, 2003-04, Jamie Pushor, 2004-07 and Zenon Konopka 2007-08).

Smith appeared in 77 games with the Crunch last season, posting one goal, six assists and 73 penalty minutes. He also skated in 10 playoff games for Syracuse, notching one assist. Smith, who served as an alternate captain with the club last season, has appeared in 654 career American Hockey League games with Hershey, Springfield, Toronto (Roadrunners), Edmonton (Roadrunners), Hamilton, Grand Rapids and Syracuse, tallying 27 goals, 102 assists and 614 penalty minutes.

He has also appeared in 22 combined National Hockey League games with Colorado and Edmonton, recording 16 penalty minutes. A native of Fernie, British Columbia, he was drafted by Colorado in the seventh round, 181st overall, in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. Smith signed as a free agent with Columbus on July 11, 2007. He signed an AHL contract with Syracuse on July 8, 2008.

The Crunch continue their 15th AHL season by traveling to Binghamton on Friday, October 17 and Hershey on Saturday, October 18. The Crunch return home on Friday, October 24 for a match-up against Binghamton. Tickets for all Crunch home games are available by calling the Crunch Box Office, (315) 473-4444, or by visiting the Crunch office in the War Memorial at Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.
Visit us online at http://www.syracusecrunch.com

NIGHTMARE ON TRADE STREET JUST 15 DAYS AWAY

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Checkers will celebrate their home opener which is festively titled Nightmare on Trade Street in just 15 days as the home opener lands on Halloween night at 8:00 p.m. against the Augusta Lynx.



In conjunction with the Halloween home opener, Checkers vice president Shawn Lynch is thrilled to announce a special ticket offer. Using www.gocheckers.com people can purchase tickets to opening night for a special discounted price which includes a ticket and a Checkers trick or treat gift bag. For more information, please contact the Checkers ticket office 704-342-4-ICE. Make sure to check the www.gochekers.com for future offers.



The night will consist of many different festivities including a costume contest, trick or treating on the main concourse, a pre-carved pumpkin contest and much more. For additional information on Nightmare on Trade Street, please visit www.gocheckers.com.



The Checkers open the season on a six game road swing before the home opener. On Friday, Oct. 17 the team will battle the Florida Everblades twice in as many nights. The Checkers will travel to Mississippi to take on the Sea Wolves the following week for three games before finishing off the trip with a game against the Gwinnett Gladiators. Games can be heard on the team’s official radio station WFNZ or by logging onto www.gocheckers.com.



The Checkers are getting ready for their 16th season of play as a member of the ECHL. Opening night will take place on Halloween against the Augusta Lynx at a special 8 p.m. start. In the team’s 15-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 11 times including four consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers are entering their fourth season of play at Time Warner Cable Arena. Season tickets are on sale now with full-season packages starting at just $396. For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.



For more information, please contact

Jason Shaya

704-940-4081

Jshaya@gocheckers.com

Syracuse Crunch Announces New Deal In Press Release

Syracuse Crunch and Time Warner Cable Announce Multi-Year Corporate Partnership Agreement--Includes Exclusive Presenting Sponsorship of the 2008-09 Season

Syracuse, NY (October 16, 2008) – The Syracuse Crunch Hockey Club and Time Warner Cable announced today a new agreement on a five-year corporate partnership that will extend through the 2012-2013 American Hockey League season.

Through this partnership, Time Warner Cable and the Syracuse Crunch will develop programs to enhance the experience for Crunch fans and the local hockey community. As presenting sponsor of the regular season, Time Warner Cable and the Crunch will offer additional promotional nights, enhanced game-night entertainment and player appearances.

“We’re proud to extend our exclusive partnership with a company with a reputation like Time Warner Cable,” said Howard Dolgon, Crunch President and CEO. “They continue to show a strong commitment to our hockey club, the entire Central New York region and, of course, all of the customers who continue to benefit from all that Time Warner Cable offers.”

Time Warner Cable Sports, the company’s exclusive sports channel, will continue to televise a minimum of 10 regular-season games, and will sponsor the Time Warner Cable Crunch Classic charity event, as well as the Time Warner Cable Hockey Mom of the Year program.

“Time Warner Cable is pleased to continue our relationship with the Syracuse Crunch and Syracuse Crunch fans,” said John Melveney, Time Warner Cable Vice President of Marketing. “The Crunch organization operates with a great deal of class, and I believe our shared values and focus on families and the community make this a natural partnership.”

The Crunch continue their 15th AHL season by traveling to Binghamton on Friday, October 17 and Hershey on Saturday, October 18. The Crunch return home on Friday, October 24 for a match-up against Binghamton. Tickets for all Crunch home games are available by calling the Crunch Box Office, (315) 473-4444, or by visiting the Crunch office in the War Memorial at Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.


About Time Warner Cable
Time Warner Cable is the second-largest cable operator in the U.S., with technologically advanced, well-clustered systems located mainly in five geographic areas — New York state (including New York City), the Carolinas, Ohio, southern California (including Los Angeles) and Texas. As of December 31, 2007, Time Warner Cable served approximately 14.6 million customers who subscribed to one or more of its video, high-speed data and voice services. The Central New York Division servers more than 625,000 customers, with more than 1,500 employees.
Visit us online at http://www.syracusecrunch.com

Gary Gait Unretires; Still Head Coach at SU

Gary Gait Unretires; Still Head Coach at SU


Even at 41, I bet Gary Gait can still play better then most playing today. Him and his brother Paul were legends in Syracuse lacrosse folklore and I would love to see him play again myself. I actually at one time owned a gray sweatshirt that was Syracuse Lacrosse with bears on it that I wore till it was completely ripped in half because I was told it was given to the person who gave it to me by one of the Gait brothers. And how about this video of "Air Gait" in action? Very brief but you have to love it. Go Orange



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