SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse Crunch hockey team is celebrating a significant milestone as 100 of its players have reached their dream of playing in the NHL.
Head Coach Joel Bouchard, who spent 13 seasons in the NHL, praised the organization’s commitment to developing players with potential.
“This organization has done a good job over the years of bringing in players with potential,” Bouchard said. “Having staff working with them and having a vision long term.”
Scott Sabourin, the 100th player to play for both the Syracuse Crunch and Tampa Bay Lightning, highlighted the American Hockey League’s role in getting players ready for the NHL. He said players in the AHL learn a lot about the sport and what it means to be on the ice.
“The AHL has always been known for development,” Sabourin said. “They do a great job with that.”
Bouchard said he feels joy when players are called up to the NHL. He said it opens opportunities for others.
“Every time a player gets to go back to his dream or go to his dream for the first time, I can only be happy,” he said.
Bouchard noted that even if players return to Syracuse, the experience they received from playing in the NHL is valuable. He said that plays that come back down the road are often better for it.