The Best Moments:
5.) Silver Knights Return to Playoffs: 2014 saw the Silver Knights advance to the MISL semi-finals and fall to the Baltimore Blast in dramatic fashion. In their first season as a member of the MASL, the Knights had one of their best seasons in franchise history. A 12-8 record earned them a second seed in the East Division and a best of three match-up with the Rochester Lancers. Though they would go on to lose again in dramatic fashion, the Knights proved they are a force to be reckoned with and a threat to all teams going into the post season.
4.) The Strong Debut With Style- Minor league football returned to the Salt City with the formation of the Syracuse Strong. Playing in the Empire Football League, they wasted no time putting their name into the record books. With a 7-3 record in the regular season, the Strong marched into the playoffs and won the championship, making them the first team in their inaugural season to win the EFL Championship. They also competed in the Harvest Bowl competition, making it to the second round before getting eliminated. For their first season, the Strong did tremendously well and can only go up from that.
3.) Syracuse Nationals Finally Get Their Rings- In 1955, the Syracuse Nationals won their only NBA Championship. However, unlike today's champions, they were never given championship rings in commemorate their historic victory. That was until the Syracuse Crunch stepped in. On April 10th, the Crunch honored the championship team and their remaining players with a pregame ceremony and ring presentation. Jim Tucker, the late Dolph Shayes, and Billy Kenville all were given championship rings they had waited over 60 years for. I had the personal honor of talking to Jim Tucker, who was overjoyed over the honor and told me several stories about his time with the Nationals. If you look back to my article in April, you can see what he had to say about basketball in Syracuse and some of the things I was able to talk with him about. No matter how you look at it, this was a proud moment not just for the Nationals, for the entire city of Syracuse.
2.) Lacrosse Descends on Syracuse- This fall, the sport of lacrosse came home. In September, the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships were hosted by the Onondaga Nation and featured the best lacrosse talent the world could offer. Taking place at the Nation Arena, the newly build Nation Pavilion, and the War Memorial, 13 teams competed to be named world champion over a two weeks span. It all led up to the championship games held at the Carrier Dome, where Canada continued their dominance by going undefeated and winning the gold over the host Iroquois Nation. USA would beat Israel, the tournament's dark horse, for the Bronze. In the two weeks, nations converged on Syracuse and came together to celebrate the sport of lacrosse. It was an event for the ages, a moment of great pride for the Onondaga Nation and Syracuse that will not be forgotten any time soon.
1.) Rhinos Win the USL Championship- I know, I know. The Rochester Rhinos are not a Syracuse team. But before everyone jumps me over this, let's consider who was on the team. Kenardo Forbes, a Syracuse Silver Knight offensive powerhouse, was named the Rhino's offensive player of the year and was a huge factor in the team's championship run. Late in the season, Silver Knight and Baldwinsville native Nate Bourdeau was brought on to the team to help them make their playoff run and capture the title. So, for you people upset with this team getting the top honor, consider that. The Rhinos were a juggernaut in the soccer world this year. They were perfect at home, only lost one match the entire season, and made it deep in the US Hunt Open competition. They proved to be the best representative for professional outdoor soccer in Upstate New York that fans from all around cheered on and celebrated. Plus, they are a fun team to watch. This team will be successful for years to come, I promise you that. Especially if Forbes and Bourdeau stick around.
Worst Moments:
5.) Eric Neilson Released: The enforcer in hockey is dying, at least in Syracuse. After playing less than a quarter of the 2014-15 season, the Crunch released Eric Neilson. Neilson, a fan favorite, is best remembered for his numerous fights, fun personality, winning the AHL Man of the Year award for the 2013-14 season, and the notorious Ric Flair style "WOOO." He loved the Syracuse Crunch fans and they loved him back. Thankfully, Eric landed with the St. John's Ice Caps this season, who are embracing his fun energy and hard work on and off the ice.
4.) Back to Reality for Chiefs- In 2014, the Chiefs overcame the odds by winning the IL North Division and appearing in the playoffs for the first time this century. Hopes were high for 2015, but were quickly dashed. The team played their way to a 66-78 record, 15 games back from the division winning Scranton RailRiders. They struggled to pull fans in like they did in 2014, even with Jason Smorol's energy and innovation. Who's fault is it for the fall? Here some popular excuses; the players didn't perform, Washington didn't give us good players, the weather was terrible, my schedule was busy, they weren't winning so why should I go, the list goes on. Whatever the answer, the Chiefs faltered his year and it hurt them. Contrary to that fact, I would not give up on them just yet. Jason Smorol has brought new energy to the organization and is improving it every chance he gets. The best is yet to come, I promise you that.
3.) So Long Lancers- The Rochester Lancers and Syracuse Silver Knights rivalry was one of the hottest rivalries in sports. Was is the key word. After the 2014-15 season, money became tight in Rochester. Raised insurance rates and operating costs set in and the team called it quits. At first, it didn't sink in. In 2014, the team folded for a week and then came back thanks to help from Rhino legend and Lancer coach Doug Miller. However, this time, it was real. Now, the Knights are the only New York team left in the MASL. Their biggest rival is Baltimore, which is a decent distance from the Salt City. Even worse, the Knights may fall victim to the same situation after this season. The fall of the Lancers, both very sad and a frightening omen.
2.) A Crunch Collapse- The Crunch were doing great most of the 2014-15 season. By the beginning of March, they were securely playing for a high playoff seed and making a bid to return to the Calder Cup finals. Then, it happened. Blame it on call-ups, new talent out of juniors, better competition, or whatever you would like, it all added up to one of the biggest collapses in Crunch history. The team would lose 13 of their last 14 games, including being swept by the Scranton Penguins in the first round of the playoffs. Jubilee turned to concern, optimists were even left short of positive outlooks. What was going to be a great season turned into one Syracuse is still trying to forget.
1.) The Fluke: The Silver Knights and Lancers had each won a game in the first round of the MASL playoffs. It was down to Game Three, which was a 15 minute mini-game. The winner would advance to face the Baltimore Blast in the next round of the playoffs. The Knights got the early lead, but then, a mistake that is still wrapped in controversy. In an attempt to clear the ball, the Knights sent a kick into the head of a Lancer attacker. The ball bounded off his head, but keeper Byran O'Quinn made the save. Or did he? The refs ruled the ball crossed the line and counted as a goal. Worse, they went to video review and decided the Lancer player was behind the three point arc, giving the Lancers a 3-2 lead that would hold. From my point of view, I'm still iffy on the call itself. I was there and saw pictures after. I know I'm supposed to be unbias, but I didn't see clear evidence the ball went over the line. Unfortunately for the Knights, the call still stands and they were eliminated. It goes down as one of the biggest flukes and worst plays in Syracuse sports history.
Player of the Year Award: This year's award, the first ever, goes to none other than Kenardo Forbes. With the Syracuse Knights, his 22 goals and 14 assists helped the Knights get to the MASL playoffs. With the Rhinos, he earned Offensive Player of the Year, scoring 3 goals and tallying 5 assists. This was on route to the Rhinos winning the USL Regular Season Title and the USL Championship.
Promotions of the Year: For the Crunch, they honored Eric Neilson with his Bobblehead Night, something the Crunch hadn't done in several years. However, taking the cake this year are the Star Wars uniforms worn by the Syracuse Chiefs and Syracuse Silver Knights. Both were one of a kind and a true tribute to the sci-fi phenom.
Manager/Owner of the Year: Jason Smorol continues to lead the Syracuse Chiefs out of their dark age and into baseball supremacy. He has brought fun back to baseball and made it all about the fans. He has created new promotions (Dollar Night, Star Wars Night, etc.), made going to games more affordable, and is allowing the team to turn a new leaf. He is also doing well with his partnership with the Syracuse Silver Knights. All make him the true winner this year.
Looking Forward to 2016:
1.) Will the Knights make the postseason? Will they survive?: The Knights are looking to return to the playoffs this year, something that may have to happen in order for them to stick around. If they don't, they need a strong financial showing for them to stick around and play again in the MASL.
2.) Can the Crunch comeback?- The Crunch have been bitten by Tampa's injury bug in the past few weeks, causing some massive slumps and very thin rosters. However, Blunden, Angelidis, and Gourde are back along with a mostly healthy roster. This may be the ticket to the Crunch climbing the standings in the second half of the year.
3.) All-Star Game Awarded to Syracuse- The Syracuse Crunch finally got a regulation rink inside the War Memorial. They have spruced up the Old Barn every year, trying to attract more and more fans. Then, there is the owner Howard Dolgan. He is known for always trying to be an innovator, most recently breaking the American indoor hockey attendance with the Frozen Dome Classic. So, add one to the other and you know another big hockey event would have to come to the Salt City sooner than later. Thus, the announcement of the 2016 AHL All-Star Competition being hosted by the Crunch. With the American Hockey League celebrating it's 80th anniversary, it is only fitting one of the original member cities host the event. It is also fitting the city that won the first league championship (Syracuse Stars in 1936-37) host the major event. For Dolgan and the Crunch, this event presents the opportunity to show off the new rink and the ever improving War Memorial while also proving Syracuse continues to be a major hockey area. Personally, I wonder if Syracuse getting this year's All Star Event has anything to do with trying to one up last year's host, Utica. Either way, the event is guaranteed to be a huge draw.
4.) New Colors, Maybe more Wins for the Chiefs?- The Crunch are now red, white, and blue to the core. Out with the old colors and in with the new. Maybe this feeling will translate onto the field, out with the losing, in with the winning.
5.) Repeats?- The Rhinos and the Strong both had championship seasons in 2015. Can they do it again in 2016?
Remember, keep coming back to The Fair Cuse Sports Report now and throughout 2016 for constant updates, opinions, and reports into professional sports in Syracuse. Have a Happy and Safe New Year and thanks for the support!
Thanks/Credit:
syracusesilverknights.com
syracusecrunch.com
syracusechiefs.com
empire-football-league.com
rhinossoccer.com
maslsoccer.com
syracuse.com
Photos:
http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150816&content_id=143520636&fext=.jsp&vkey=recap&sid=t552
http://media.syracuse.com/silver-knights/photo/starwarspng-a22580a41135fada.png
http://image.syracuse.com/home/syr-media/width960/img/post-standard/photo/2015/04/10/-fa64e8f8ef7251d4.JPG
http://www.oursportscentral.com/graphics/pictures/lg20150930-4351.jpg
http://media.syracuse.com/sports/photo/syracuse-strong-championsjpg-c9f5e2cf96eb520a.jpg